Gravel Driveway Tonnage Calculator
Calculate tons of gravel needed for a driveway by length, width, and depth.
Get costs for crushed stone, pea gravel, and base layer with delivery.
Gravel Driveway Tonnage
Gravel is sold by the ton (US) or tonne (metric). Volume to weight conversion depends on the gravel type and how compacted it is.
The basic formula: Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) / 324 Tons = Cubic yards × Density factor
Standard gravel densities:
| Material | Tons/Cubic Yard | lbs/Cubic Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel (smooth) | 1.30 | ~96 |
| Crushed stone #57 (3/4") | 1.40 | ~104 |
| Crushed stone #67 (1/2") | 1.40 | ~104 |
| Crushed limestone | 1.50 | ~111 |
| Crushed concrete (recycled) | 1.40 | ~104 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.45 | ~108 |
| River rock (large) | 1.30 | ~96 |
| Crushed stone base (3/4 minus) | 1.50 | ~111 |
| Quarry process / “QP” | 1.55 | ~115 |
| Bank-run gravel | 1.45 | ~108 |
| Sand (concrete sand) | 1.40 | ~104 |
Standard driveway depth:
| Layer | Depth | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Top decorative | 2-3 in | Pea gravel, river rock, decomposed granite |
| Working surface | 3-4 in | Crushed stone #57 or #67 |
| Sub-base | 4-6 in | Crushed stone base (3/4 minus) |
| Heavy traffic / clay soil | 8+ in total | Geotextile + base + top |
Typical driveway scenarios:
Single-vehicle, well-drained soil:
- 12 ft × 50 ft × 4 in: ~7.4 cu yd × 1.4 = 10 tons
Two-vehicle, average soil:
- 16 ft × 60 ft × 6 in: ~17.8 cu yd × 1.4 = 25 tons
Long rural driveway with sub-base:
- 12 ft × 200 ft × 8 in (4 in base + 4 in top): ~59 cu yd × 1.45 = 85 tons
Layer the gravel:
- Excavate existing soil 6-12 inches
- Geotextile fabric (woven landscape fabric) prevents migration of soil into gravel
- Sub-base layer: 3/4-minus crushed stone, 4-6 inches deep
- Top layer: crushed stone #57 or pea gravel, 2-3 inches deep
- Compact each layer with vibratory plate or roller
Cost estimates (US, 2026):
| Material | Per Ton (delivered) | Per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | $35-55 | $50-75 |
| Crushed stone #57 | $30-45 | $45-65 |
| Crushed limestone | $25-40 | $40-55 |
| Crushed concrete (recycled) | $20-35 | $30-50 |
| Decomposed granite | $40-60 | $55-85 |
| Quarry process base | $25-40 | $40-55 |
Delivery considerations:
- Most quarries deliver 10-20 ton minimum loads
- Truck access requires 12+ ft driveway opening
- Some areas charge per-mile delivery beyond 10-15 mile radius
- Self-haul saves 30-50% but you need a 1-ton truck minimum
Compaction shrinkage: Gravel compresses 10-25% when properly compacted. Order 15-20% extra to account for compaction:
- Calculated 25 tons → order 30 tons
- Loose gravel always settles 1-2 inches in first month of use
Maintenance:
- Top up every 1-3 years with 1 ton/100 sq ft
- Re-grade annually to maintain crown for drainage
- Re-compact after wet weather causes ruts
- Add stabilizer mat for steep grades to prevent washout
Stabilizer alternatives: For permanent driveways, consider:
- TRUEGRID plastic grids: prevent migration, allow grass growth
- Polymer stabilizer (Klingstone): glues gravel into porous mat
- Asphalt millings: old asphalt as cheap base, similar to gravel
Tip — measure twice, order once: Take the calculated tonnage, then order 15-20% extra for compaction and edge waste. Returning extra is often impossible — shortages mean a second delivery charge.