How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?
A new 60 × 12 ft gravel driveway built with 4 inches of base stone and 2 inches of top stone needs about 19 tons of gravel before compaction, or roughly 20–21 tons once you allow for it to settle. Refreshing the same driveway with 2 inches of new top stone needs about 6 tons. Here's how to work out your own driveway. The gravel calculator gives cubic yards and tons for any size.
The formula
cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × 1.4 (typical for gravel)
The 1.4 tons per cubic yard figure is an average. Crushed stone, pea gravel and river rock vary a little, and wet stone weighs more, so ask your supplier for their number if you're buying by the ton.
Build it in layers
A durable gravel driveway isn't one pile of stone. It's built in layers, from large to small:
| Layer | Typical stone | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Large crushed stone (often sold as #3 or 1.5–2.5 inch) | 4–6 in |
| Middle (optional on firm soil) | Medium crushed stone (often #57, about 1 inch) | 3–4 in |
| Top | Crusher run / dense grade, or #57 for a looser look | 2–3 in |
Angular crushed stone locks together and stays put. Round pea gravel and river rock look nice but roll under tires, so they're better for paths than driveways. Product names and numbers vary by region; describe the size you want to your supplier.
Worked example: 60 × 12 ft driveway
- Base, 4 in: 60 × 12 × 4 ÷ 12 = 240 cu ft = 8.9 yd ≈ 12.4 tons
- Top, 2 in: 60 × 12 × 2 ÷ 12 = 120 cu ft = 4.4 yd ≈ 6.2 tons
- Total: about 18.7 tons; add 10% for compaction: about 20.5 tons
Gravel for common driveway sizes (4 inches deep)
| Driveway | Cubic yards | Tons (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 30 ft | 3.7 | 5.2 |
| 12 × 50 ft | 7.4 | 10.4 |
| 12 × 100 ft | 14.8 | 20.7 |
| 20 × 50 ft (two car) | 12.3 | 17.3 |
Tips for a longer-lasting driveway
- Remove topsoil and grass first, down to firm subsoil, and lay a woven geotextile fabric to stop stone sinking into the soil.
- Crown the surface so it's slightly higher in the middle and water runs off to the sides.
- Compact each layer with a plate compactor (available to rent) before adding the next.
- Edge it with timbers, steel edging or pavers to keep stone from spreading into the lawn.
Most quarries and landscape suppliers deliver by the ton, with a delivery fee and often a minimum load. A standard dump truck carries roughly 10–15 tons, so large driveways may need more than one load.