Gravel Driveway Calculator
Enter your driveway length, width and compacted depth to get gravel in cubic yards and tons, with driveway-specific compaction guidance for base and surface layers.
Enter your measurements to see what to buy.
How to calculate it
Enter your driveway length, width and compacted depth to get gravel in cubic yards and tons, with driveway-specific compaction guidance for base and surface layers.
Source: Volume in cubic yards × density. Crushed stone averages ~1.4 tons/yd³; pea gravel ~1.3, dense crushed stone up to 1.5.
A 50×12 ft driveway at 6 in deep = 300 ft³ = 11.1 yd³. With 10% waste: 12.2 yd³ × 1.4 = 17.1 tons.
Want the full step-by-step walkthrough? Read our How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?.
Purchasing & waste guidance
- Driveways usually use 4–6 in total, often in two layers: coarse base then finer surface.
- Crushed stone with fines compacts better than round pea gravel for a driving surface.
- One cubic yard covers about 54 ft² at 6 in deep.
- Order by the ton for delivery; confirm density with your supplier for large orders.
Assumptions & what’s included
- Driveway is a single rectangle with uniform depth.
- Density defaults to 1.4 tons per cubic yard (typical crushed stone).
- Waste allowance covers compaction and spillage. Price is per ton and optional.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A 50×12 ft driveway at 6 in deep needs about 12.2 cubic yards, or roughly 17 tons of crushed stone with a 10% waste allowance. The calculator gives both units for any size.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
4–6 in total, ideally in two layers — a coarse base and a finer compacted surface. Use crushed stone with fines so it packs into a firm driving surface.
What is the best gravel for a driveway?
Crushed stone with fines (often called “road base” or “item 4”) compacts into a firm surface. Round pea gravel shifts under tires and is better for paths than driveways.
Related guides
Step-by-step project guides that use this calculator.