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Gravel Driveway Calculator

A gravel driveway calculator works out how much gravel you need — in tons and cubic yards — from the driveway's size and the depth of stone you're laying. Gravel is delivered by the ton, so it converts your dimensions straight into the order weight.

Your measurements

Result

A driveway that lasts is built in layers: a coarse base for strength under a finer top for the surface. This sizes the total, and the product links cover the fabric and edging that keep gravel from spreading and sinking.

How it is calculated

Volume = area × depth, in cubic yards (÷ 27). Tons ≈ cubic yards × 1.4 (crushed stone density varies by type and moisture). A new driveway is usually 6-10 in total over compacted soil, in a coarse base plus finer surface; this sizes whatever total depth you enter.

Steps

Enter the driveway length and width, or the area.
Enter the total gravel depth (4 in is a common minimum).
Read the tons and cubic yards to order.
For a new drive, plan a coarse base under a finer top layer.
Lay geotextile fabric first to stop the gravel sinking.

Worked example

A 40 × 12 ft driveway (480 sq ft) at 4 in deep needs about 5.9 cubic yards — roughly 8.3 tons of gravel.

Common questions

How much gravel for a driveway?

Area × depth ÷ 27 for cubic yards, × 1.4 for tons. A 480 sq ft drive at 4 in is about 3.5 tons.

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

At least 4 inches; a durable build is 6-10 in total — a coarse base layer under a finer top layer.

How many tons in a yard of gravel?

About 1.4 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone, varying with stone type and moisture.

Do I need fabric under gravel?

Yes — geotextile fabric stops the gravel mixing into the soil and rutting, and greatly extends the driveway's life.