Gravel Driveway Calculator
Calculate how much gravel you need for driveways, paths, and parking areas. Get estimates in tons and cubic yards with cost estimates.
How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway
To estimate gravel, measure the length and width of your driveway or path to find the total area in square feet. Next, choose your desired gravel depth — most driveways use 4 to 6 inches. Multiply the area by the depth (converted to feet) to get the volume in cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. Since gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard, multiply the cubic yards by 1.4 to get the tonnage. Always add 10% extra to account for compaction, spreading loss, and uneven ground.
Gravel Types Comparison
| Gravel Type | Best For | Size | Cost per Ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | Driveways, parking areas | ¾" to 1" | $30 – $65 |
| Pea Gravel | Walkways, patios, landscaping | ⅜" to ¾" | $35 – $80 |
| Gravel Base (Item #4) | Sub-base for driveways and pavers | Mixed fines to 1" | $25 – $55 |
| River Rock | Decorative, drainage, dry creek beds | 1" to 3" | $50 – $120 |
Base Preparation Tips
- Remove all vegetation, topsoil, and organic material before laying gravel.
- Grade the area so water drains away from structures — aim for a 2% slope (about ¼ inch per foot).
- Compact the subgrade with a plate compactor or hand tamper before adding gravel.
- Install landscape fabric over the compacted subgrade to prevent weed growth and keep gravel from sinking into the soil.
- For driveways, use a 4-inch base layer of compacted Item #4 before adding a 2-3 inch top layer of decorative gravel.
Drainage Considerations
Gravel driveways offer excellent drainage compared to concrete or asphalt surfaces. Water passes through the gravel and into the soil below, reducing runoff and helping to recharge groundwater. To maximize drainage performance, install the driveway with a crowned center (higher in the middle) so water flows to the edges. For areas with heavy clay soil, consider adding a French drain along the edges to carry water away. In regions with heavy rainfall, use angular crushed stone rather than rounded pea gravel — the angular edges interlock and resist washing out.
If you are building a driveway with a solid surface instead, use our concrete calculator to estimate materials. For walkways and patios, pavers are another popular alternative that offer both durability and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 10x20-foot driveway at 4 inches deep requires about 200 square feet of coverage. That works out to approximately 2.47 cubic yards, or about 3.46 tons of gravel. With the recommended 10% waste factor, plan on ordering roughly 3.8 tons. Costs will vary from about $95 to $250 depending on the type of gravel you choose.
For a residential driveway, a total depth of 4 to 6 inches is recommended. This is typically done in layers: a 4-inch compacted base of coarse gravel (like Item #4) topped with 2 to 3 inches of a finish gravel such as crushed stone. For foot-traffic-only paths, 2 to 3 inches of gravel over compacted soil is usually sufficient.
Crushed stone has angular, irregular edges that interlock when compacted, making it ideal for driveways and areas with vehicle traffic. Pea gravel consists of small, rounded, smooth stones that are comfortable underfoot but tend to shift and spread under weight. Use crushed stone for driveways and load-bearing areas, and pea gravel for walkways, patios, and decorative landscaping.
Landscape fabric is highly recommended under gravel driveways and paths. It prevents weeds from growing up through the gravel and stops the gravel from slowly sinking into the underlying soil. Without fabric, you may need to add more gravel every year or two. Use a commercial-grade woven fabric rather than thin plastic sheeting, and overlap seams by at least 6 inches.
One ton of gravel covers approximately 80 square feet at 4 inches deep, or about 160 square feet at 2 inches deep. Coverage varies slightly depending on the type and size of gravel. Larger stones like river rock have more air space between them and may cover slightly more area, while finely crushed gravel with mixed fines compacts more densely and covers slightly less.