Gravel Calculator
A 20×10 ft driveway pad at 4" deep needs 2.47 cubic yards (3.5 tons) of gravel. Bulk delivery: $45-75/ton, or $160-260 total.
Gravel Calculator
Enter your project dimensions for instant results.
You Need
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How to Calculate Gravel
The formula converts area and depth to cubic yards, then to tons:
cubic_yards = (length_ft × width_ft × depth_in) / 324
tons = cubic_yards × 1.4 (for crushed stone)
| Application | Depth | Base Layer? |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative ground cover | 2-3″ | Optional landscape fabric |
| Walkway / garden path | 3-4″ | 2″ compacted base |
| Patio seating area | 4″ | 4″ compacted base |
| Driveway (light traffic) | 6″ | 4″ base + 2″ top |
| Driveway (heavy traffic) | 8-12″ | 6″ base + 3″ mid + 2″ top |
| French drain / drainage | 12″+ | Perforated pipe at base |
| Type | Tons/yd³ | Cost/ton | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.35 | $30-60 | Paths, decorative |
| Crushed limestone | 1.40 | $30-50 | Driveways, base |
| Crushed granite | 1.45 | $40-70 | Driveways, premium |
| River rock (1-3″) | 1.30 | $50-100 | Decorative, drainage |
| #57 stone | 1.40 | $35-55 | Drainage, base |
| Decomposed granite | 1.50 | $40-75 | Patios, paths |
Common Mistakes:
- Using pea gravel for driveways — it shifts under tires; use angular crushed stone that locks together
- Skipping the compacted base layer — without it, top gravel sinks into soil within a year
- Not installing landscape fabric between soil and gravel — prevents mixing and weed growth
- Ordering by volume when the supplier quotes by weight (or vice versa) — always confirm the unit
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A standard single-car driveway (10×20 ft) at 6" depth needs about 3.7 cubic yards or 5.2 tons of gravel. A double-wide driveway (20×20 ft) doubles that to 7.4 cubic yards. Budget $250-500 for materials plus $50-100 for delivery.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Approximately 1.4 tons of crushed gravel per cubic yard. This varies by type: pea gravel is about 1.35 tons/yd³, crushed limestone is 1.40, and dense crushed granite is 1.45. Wet gravel weighs 15-20% more.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A residential gravel driveway should be 6-8 inches total: a 4" layer of #3 or #4 crushed stone base, topped with 2-3" of smaller #57 or #8 stone. Heavy-traffic or commercial driveways need 10-12 inches with three distinct layers.
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
Crushed limestone (#57 stone) is the most popular driveway gravel — it's affordable, packs tightly, and drains well. For a finished surface, top with 3/4" crushed stone or 1/4" minus. Avoid round pea gravel for driveways — it rolls under tires and migrates off edges.
How much does a truckload of gravel cost?
A typical dump truck carries 10-14 cubic yards (14-20 tons) and costs $150-500 per load depending on gravel type and distance. Per-ton pricing ranges from $30 for basic crushed limestone to $100+ for decorative river rock. Most suppliers charge a flat delivery fee of $50-100 on top of material cost.
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