Gravel Driveway Calculator
Gravel driveways need the right amount of material to achieve proper depth and drainage without overbuying. This calculator converts your driveway's length, width, and depth into cubic yards, then converts to tons using an adjustable unit weight. Enter dimensions in feet for length and width, and inches for depth. Standard crushed stone weighs approximately 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard; enter the actual unit weight from your supplier's data sheet for the most accurate result.
Gravel volume and weight formula
Volume (yd3) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (in) / 324
With waste: Volume x (1 + waste% / 100)
Tons = Volume (yd3) x Unit weight (tons/yd3)
The 324 factor converts the product of feet and inches to cubic yards (27 ft3/yd3 x 12 in/ft = 324). Unit weight varies by stone type and moisture content. Order from your supplier by weight (tons) and verify their unit weight matches your calculation.
Gravel driveway layers
- Base layer: 4 inches of #3 or #4 crushed stone, compacted. This provides structural support and drainage.
- Middle layer: 2 inches of #57 crushed stone for stability and water movement.
- Surface layer: 2 inches of #10 crushed stone, pea gravel, or decorative stone.
- Total depth: 6 to 8 inches for standard residential use.
- Use landscape fabric under the base layer to suppress weed growth and prevent base stone from migrating into subgrade soil.
Gravel driveway calculator: frequently asked questions
How do I calculate gravel needed for a driveway?
Multiply length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (ft), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by the gravel's unit weight in tons per cubic yard (typically 1.35 to 1.5 tons/yd3 for crushed stone) to get tons.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A standard residential gravel driveway should be 4 to 6 inches deep (4 inches minimum, 6 inches for heavier vehicles). This is typically a base layer of 3 to 4 inches of compacted crushed stone topped with 2 inches of surface gravel.
How many tons of gravel per cubic yard?
Crushed limestone weighs approximately 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Crushed granite and trap rock are slightly heavier at approximately 1.55 tons per yard. Pea gravel is approximately 1.35 tons per yard. This calculator uses 1.4 tons/yd3 as a common average.
How is gravel sold?
Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard, depending on the supplier. One cubic yard of crushed stone equals approximately 1.35 to 1.5 tons. Small quantities may be sold by the bag (0.5 cubic feet per 50-pound bag).
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
Crushed stone (often #3, #57, or #21A) is best for base layers. Surface coats often use pea gravel or crushed screenings. Crushed stone compacts better than round gravel and resists displacement from vehicle traffic.
Official sources
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Engineering Field Handbook, Chapter 5: Hydraulics.
- Federal Highway Administration: Gravel Roads Construction and Maintenance Guide.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.