How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?

Calculate: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches ÷ 12) = cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply by 1.4–1.5 for tons. A 120×12 ft driveway at 6 inches depth needs about 32 cubic yards or 45–47 tons (before compaction factor).

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

A proper 3-layer driveway totals 10–12 inches: 4 inches base (large stone), 4 inches middle (medium stone), 2–3 inches top surface. For light residential use on good soil, a single 6-inch layer of crush-and-run is often sufficient. Poor soil or heavy vehicles require the full 12-inch depth.

How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?

One ton of crushed stone/gravel occupies approximately 0.67–0.74 cubic yards (about 18–20 cubic feet). Inversely, one cubic yard weighs 1.35–1.5 tons. Use 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a reasonable middle estimate for crushed limestone or granite.

What is the best gravel for a driveway surface?

Crush and run (also called ABC or aggregate base course) is the most durable and economical single-layer option. For a finished appearance, #57 or #67 crushed stone as a middle layer topped with decomposed granite or pea gravel works well. Avoid smooth round gravel as a single layer — it rolls and displaces easily.

Do I need edging for a gravel driveway?

Yes, strongly recommended. Without edging (plastic, steel, or timber borders), gravel migrates into lawn and landscaping, requiring constant replenishment. Edging is especially important for pea gravel and other rounded stones. Crush and run stays in place better than rounded gravel due to its angular particles.

Gravel Driveway Calculator: How Much Gravel Do You Need?

Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel needed for any driveway. Covers gravel types by layer, depth recommendations, compaction factors, and material cost estimates.

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Standard Gravel Driveway Depth

A proper gravel driveway uses three layers, each with a different aggregate size:

Layer	Gravel Type	Depth	Purpose
Bottom (base)	#3 limestone or crusher run	4 inches	Structural support
Middle	#57 limestone or crushed stone	4 inches	Drainage and stability
Top (surface)	#21A, pea gravel, or granite screenings	2–3 inches	Driving surface
Total		10–11 inches

For light residential use on stable soil: 6–8 inches total gravel is acceptable. For heavy vehicles or poor soil: 12+ inches.

Gravel Calculation Formula

Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)

Convert to cubic yards: ÷ 27

Tons needed = Cubic Yards × Weight per Cubic Yard

Gravel weight varies by type: - Crushed limestone: 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard - Pea gravel: 1.3–1.4 tons per cubic yard - Crushed granite: 1.4–1.6 tons per cubic yard

Compaction factor: Loose gravel compacts 10–20% after installation and vehicle traffic. Order 10–15% more than calculated volume.

Worked Example

Driveway: 120 ft long × 12 ft wide, 3-layer system:

Base layer (4 inches = 0.33 ft): - Volume: 120 × 12 × 0.33 = 475 cu ft = 17.6 cu yd - Tons: 17.6 × 1.45 = 25.5 tons

Middle layer (4 inches): - Volume: 17.6 cu yd - Tons: 25.5 tons

Top layer (2.5 inches = 0.21 ft): - Volume: 120 × 12 × 0.21 = 302 cu ft = 11.2 cu yd - Tons: 11.2 × 1.4 = 15.7 tons

Totals (with 12% compaction factor): - Total volume: (17.6 + 17.6 + 11.2) × 1.12 = 52 cubic yards - Total weight: (25.5 + 25.5 + 15.7) × 1.12 = 75 tons

Cost Estimate for Gravel Driveways

Material	Cost per Ton	Cost per Cubic Yard
Crushed limestone	$25–$45	$35–$65
Pea gravel	$30–$55	$40–$75
Crushed granite	$35–$65	$50–$90
Crush and run (ABC)	$12–$25	$15–$35

Delivery: $50–$150+ per load (typical load: 10–15 tons). Multiple deliveries may be needed.

Total material cost for the 120×12 ft driveway example: ~$2,000–$4,000 in materials. Grading and installation labor: $0.50–$2.00/sq ft.

Gravel Type Comparison

Crush and run (Aggregate Base Course): The most economical option. Angular crushed stone and fines that compact into a firm base. Popular in the Southeast U.S. Excellent structural performance.

#57 limestone: 3/4-inch clean crushed stone. Drains well, doesn't compact tightly — needs edging to prevent spreading. Standard middle layer.

Pea gravel: Smooth, rounded 3/8-inch stone. Attractive surface but rolls under tires. Best as a decorative top layer over a stable base. Requires edging.

Caliche/Decomposed granite: Popular in arid Southwest states. Compact and hard, dust-seals well.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?: Calculate: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches ÷ 12) = cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply by 1.4–1.5 for tons. A 120×12 ft driveway at 6 inches depth needs about 32 cubic yards or 45–47 tons (before compaction factor).
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?: A proper 3-layer driveway totals 10–12 inches: 4 inches base (large stone), 4 inches middle (medium stone), 2–3 inches top surface. For light residential use on good soil, a single 6-inch layer of crush-and-run is often sufficient. Poor soil or heavy vehicles require the full 12-inch depth.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?: One ton of crushed stone/gravel occupies approximately 0.67–0.74 cubic yards (about 18–20 cubic feet). Inversely, one cubic yard weighs 1.35–1.5 tons. Use 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a reasonable middle estimate for crushed limestone or granite.
What is the best gravel for a driveway surface?: Crush and run (also called ABC or aggregate base course) is the most durable and economical single-layer option. For a finished appearance, #57 or #67 crushed stone as a middle layer topped with decomposed granite or pea gravel works well. Avoid smooth round gravel as a single layer — it rolls and displaces easily.
Do I need edging for a gravel driveway?: Yes, strongly recommended. Without edging (plastic, steel, or timber borders), gravel migrates into lawn and landscaping, requiring constant replenishment. Edging is especially important for pea gravel and other rounded stones. Crush and run stays in place better than rounded gravel due to its angular particles.

Last updated 7/28/2026