Gravel Driveway Calculator

Estimate gravel tons, cubic yards, and cost for a driveway or pad from length, width, and depth.

ft
ft
in
$
Estimated gravel cost
$497.78
50 × 12 ft
Driveway4 in deep
Area (sq ft)600
Cubic yards7.41
Tons10.37
Depth4 in
Coverage note4–6 in is a typical driveway base
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How the calculation works

Driveways usually want 4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone, not a dusting of pea gravel. Crushed rock locks together; rounded pea gravel rolls under tires. Recycled concrete is often cheaper and works as a base. Compact in lifts if you go deeper than 4 inches.

Yards sell by the ton. Density varies, so this gravel driveway calculator uses typical weights: crushed ~1.4 t/yd³, limestone ~1.35, pea ~1.28, recycled ~1.22. Delivery minimums of 5–10 tons are common.

Formula

Cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Tons ≈ yards × density (about 1.22–1.40 tons per yard by rock type). Cost = tons × price per ton.

Worked example

A 50×12 ft driveway, 4 in of crushed stone, is 7.4 cu yd ≈ 10.4 tons.

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Frequently asked questions

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

Length × width × depth (in feet) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Multiply by ~1.4 for tons of crushed stone.

How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?

About 1.2–1.4 tons, depending on rock and moisture.

How deep should driveway gravel be?

4 inches minimum on a firm base; 6 inches is better for trucks or soft soil. A geotextile underlayment helps on clay.

Pea gravel or crushed stone?

Crushed stone for driving. Pea gravel for paths and looks — it migrates on a slope.

Does this include delivery?

The total is material only at your per-ton price. Ask the quarry for a delivery fee.

Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial or professional advice.