Gravel Driveway Calculator
The Gravel Driveway Calculator estimates the volume and weight of crushed stone needed for a gravel driveway base or surface layer. Works in U.S. or metric units. The 1.4 tons-per-cubic-yard conversion is an average for compacted crushed stone; denser angular crusher run can run closer to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, while rounder pea gravel or river rock is often lighter, closer to 1.2–1.3, so check with your supplier if you need a tighter weight estimate. This tool also calculates the loose volume for a single uniform layer — it doesn't add extra material for compaction settling, so if you're building up a base course and a separate top-dressing layer, run the calculator once for each layer and depth rather than combining them into one total.
Switch between U.S. Customary and Metric units.
How This Tool Works
Pick your units, then enter your driveway's length, width, and depth to calculate the volume and estimated weight of gravel to order.
Formula & Method
Volume = length × width × depth. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Tons ≈ cubic yards × 1.4 (about 1.68 tonnes per cubic meter). Enter driveway size in feet with depth in inches, or in meters with depth in centimeters.
Example Calculation
For a 12 ft × 50 ft driveway at 4 inches deep: area = 12 × 50 = 600 sq ft. Volume in cubic feet = 600 × (4 ÷ 12) = 600 × 0.3333 = 200 cu ft. Cubic yards = 200 ÷ 27 = 7.41 cu yd. Estimated weight = 7.41 × 1.4 = 10.37 tons, or about 10.4 tons. In metric, a 3.7×15 m driveway at 10 cm deep is about 5.6 m³, roughly 9.4 tonnes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should a gravel driveway be?+
A typical gravel driveway uses 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of base material, sometimes with an additional top layer of smaller decorative stone.
Can I calculate gravel in cubic meters and tonnes?+
Yes — switch the unit toggle to Metric and enter your driveway in meters with the depth in centimeters. Volume is returned in cubic meters and weight in tonnes.
What type of gravel is best for driveways?+
Crushed stone (like crusher run or road base) compacts better than smooth river rock and provides a more stable driving surface.
How often does gravel need to be replenished?+
Most gravel driveways need a top-up layer every 1–3 years depending on traffic and weather, as stones gradually shift and settle.
Why does the calculator use 1.4 tons per cubic yard for the weight estimate?+
That's a typical average density for compacted crushed stone. Denser, angular material like crusher run can weigh closer to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, while smoother pea gravel or river rock is often lighter — ask your supplier for their specific material's density if you need a precise weight for hauling or cost calculations.
Does the calculated volume account for compaction after it's spread?+
No — this gives you the loose volume for the depth you enter. Gravel typically settles once rolled or tamped, so if you want the finished, compacted depth to match your target exactly, order a small buffer above the calculated amount rather than the bare minimum.
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<a href="https://everyfix.net/tools/gravel-driveway-calculator/">Gravel Driveway Calculator</a> by <a href="https://everyfix.net">EveryFix</a>Related Tools
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