Calculate each layer separately
A driveway may use a coarse base and a different surface aggregate. Because density and compacted depth differ, run one calculation per material instead of merging every layer.
Driveway aggregate
Driveway gravel calculator
Estimate one driveway layer at a time in tons and cubic yards. Enter the finished depth and material, then keep the base quantity separate from the ordering allowance.
Gravel needed
—Enter area and depth to estimate gravel.
| Base quantity | — |
|---|---|
| Order weight | — |
| Order volume | — |
| Base volume | — |
| Allowance | — |
| Estimated cost | — |
Shopping list
Run the calculator to prepare a list.
Estimate only.
Gravel is sold by the (short) ton or cubic yard. Weights use approximate densities that vary
with stone size, moisture, and compaction — order about 5–10% extra for spreading and
settling, and confirm tonnage with your supplier.
Use finished depth with care
The calculator uses the depth you enter as geometric volume. Loose delivered stone can settle under compaction, so confirm whether the project specification and supplier quote refer to loose or compacted quantity.
Driveway gravel examples at 4 inches
These examples use representative crushed stone at 100 lb/cu ft plus a 10% ordering allowance. They are quantity examples, not recommended driveway designs.
| Area | Base tons | Order tons (+10%) | Order cubic yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft | 3.33 | 3.67 | 2.72 |
| 10 × 40 ft | 6.67 | 7.33 | 5.43 |
| 12 × 50 ft | 10.00 | 11.00 | 8.15 |
| 12 × 100 ft | 20.00 | 22.00 | 16.30 |
Before ordering driveway gravel
Confirm the aggregate specification
Product names vary. Ask for the gradation, intended use, and loose bulk density rather than relying only on labels such as “road base,” “crusher run,” or “#57.”
Check access and delivery minimums
A supplier may round to whole or half tons, require a minimum load, or charge separately for delivery and spreading. The calculator does not add those commercial terms automatically.
Measure irregular sections separately
Divide turnarounds, parking pads, and tapered sections into simple shapes, calculate them separately, and add the order quantities before applying any supplier rounding.
FAQ
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Enter the driveway's measured width, length, and finished layer depth. The calculator converts the volume to tons using the selected material density and separately adds your ordering allowance. Calculate different base and surface materials as separate layers.
How deep should driveway gravel be?
There is no universal depth. Soil, drainage, traffic, climate, existing base, and aggregate gradation all matter. A 4-inch example is useful for quantity comparison, but it is not a design recommendation for every driveway.
How many tons for a 10 × 20 ft driveway at 4 inches?
Using the calculator's representative crushed-stone density, the base quantity is about 3.33 tons. With a 10% allowance, the planning order is about 3.67 tons, subject to supplier density and delivery rounding.
Should driveway base and top gravel be calculated separately?
Yes. Different layers may use different aggregate types, compacted depths, and densities. Run one estimate for each layer and do not simply combine depths when the materials differ.
How much extra gravel should I order?
Five to ten percent is a common planning allowance for spreading, settling, uneven grade, and measurement error. Irregular sites, soft subgrade, and compacted lifts may need a project-specific factor.
Does the calculator include delivery cost?
It multiplies the estimated order tons by the price per ton you enter. Delivery charges, minimum loads, taxes, spreading, equipment, and disposal are not included unless they are already inside that price.
Quantity estimate only. This calculator does not design driveway structure or drainage. Confirm layer materials, compacted depths, density, tonnage, delivery access, and local requirements.