Driveway Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much gravel your driveway needs in cubic yards, tons, truckloads, bags and cost. Use a quick single-layer estimate or plan a full three-layer driveway build.
Your Gravel Estimate
Ready| Layer | Depth | Order yd³ | Tons | Suggested order | Cost |
|---|
Enter your driveway dimensions and calculate to prepare an order estimate.
How the Driveway Gravel Calculator Works
The calculator converts your driveway dimensions into a volume, applies your ordering allowance, then converts that volume into weight using the gravel density you choose. You can estimate one layer or calculate a separate sub-base, base and surface layer.
Measure the driveway
Enter the driveway length and width, then add the installed gravel depth for the layer you are planning.
Choose the material
Select a gravel type or enter your supplier’s density. Add an ordering allowance for spreading, grade variation and settling.
Plan the delivery
Review cubic yards, tons, rounded order weight, truckloads and optional cost before contacting your gravel supplier.
Typical Gravel Density Reference
Bulk densities vary by quarry, gradation, moisture and compaction. These values are planning defaults only; use supplier data when available.
| Material | Planning density | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run / road base | ~1.50 tons/yd³ | Compacted base and surface |
| #57 crushed stone | ~1.40 tons/yd³ | Base, drainage and driveway stone |
| Limestone gravel | ~1.35 tons/yd³ | Driveways and general aggregate |
| Pea gravel | ~1.40 tons/yd³ | Decorative top layer and light-use areas |
| River rock | ~1.35 tons/yd³ | Decorative and drainage applications |
| Recycled concrete aggregate | ~1.45 tons/yd³ | Economical base material |
Driveway Gravel Calculator FAQs
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Measure the driveway length and width, multiply by the installed gravel depth, then convert the volume to cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by the material density to estimate tons.
Should I calculate each driveway layer separately?
Yes when different materials or depths are used. The 3-Layer Build mode keeps sub-base, base and surface quantities separate so each material can be ordered independently.
Why does gravel density matter?
Bulk gravel is often sold by weight, while driveway volume is measured geometrically. Different stone types, moisture levels and gradations can have different weights per cubic yard.
What does the ordering allowance do?
The allowance increases the calculated volume to cover spreading loss, irregular grade, settling and minor site variation. It is not a substitute for a contractor’s project-specific compaction specification.
How are truckloads calculated?
The calculator divides the estimated tons by the truck capacity you enter and rounds up to the next whole delivery load.
Can I use metric measurements?
Yes. Switch to Metric to use meters for driveway dimensions and centimeters for depth. Results still include cubic yards and tons for bulk ordering, plus metric equivalents.