Driveway Gravel Calculator
Enter your driveway's length and width to see how many cubic yards and tons of gravel it takes, for a new driveway or a fresh top layer.
Gravel for common driveway sizes
At 4 inches deep, including 10% extra for compaction.
| Area | Cubic yards | 0.5 cu ft bags | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft (200 sq ft) | 2.72 | 147 | 3.8 |
| 10 × 40 ft (400 sq ft) | 5.43 | 294 | 7.6 |
| 12 × 50 ft (600 sq ft) | 8.15 | 440 | 11.41 |
| 12 × 100 ft (1,200 sq ft) | 16.3 | 880 | 22.81 |
| 16 × 60 ft (960 sq ft) | 13.04 | 704 | 18.25 |
| 20 × 50 ft (1,000 sq ft) | 13.58 | 734 | 19.01 |
How a gravel driveway is built
- Base layer (about 4 inches): large crushed stone, 2–3 inches across, for drainage and strength.
- Middle layer (2–3 inches): medium crushed stone to fill the gaps.
- Top layer (2 inches): smaller crushed gravel with fines that packs into a firm surface.
Run the calculator once per layer with that layer's depth, since each uses a different stone. On firm, well-drained ground a single 4–6 inch layer of crusher run is common for light use.
Ordering tips
- Suppliers often sell by the ton. A cubic yard of crushed gravel is about 1.4 tons; ask your supplier for theirs.
- A standard dump truck carries roughly 10–14 cubic yards. Ask whether the driver can "tailgate spread" it along the driveway to save you raking.
- Plan on topping up 1–2 inches every few years.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a 12 × 50 foot driveway?
At 4 inches deep, a 12 × 50 foot driveway needs about 8.1 cubic yards (roughly 11.4 tons), including 10% for compaction.
How thick should a gravel driveway be?
A new gravel driveway is usually 4–6 inches of compacted stone, and up to 8–12 inches in total on soft ground, built in layers. An existing driveway needs 1–2 inches to refresh the surface.
What kind of gravel is best for a driveway?
Angular crushed stone that locks together, such as crusher run or #57 stone over a larger base. Rounded stone like pea gravel rolls under tires and isn't a good driveway surface.