Gravel driveway calculator

Tons or tonnes of stone for each layer of a gravel driveway.

How it works

Each layer is length × width × depth, plus an allowance because loose stone compacts. Weight uses 1.6 tonnes per m³ (about 1.35 US tons per cu yd), a typical figure for crushed stone; your quarry's figure may differ. Hello Gravel, a bulk supplier, describes three layers: a base of large stone or crusher run, a middle of #3 stone and a top of #57, each 2–3 in thick when compacted. We start at 3, 2 and 2 in (75, 50 and 50 mm). Change them, or set a layer to 0, to match your plan.

Worked examples

A 50 × 10 ft driveway, 3 + 2 + 2 in, with 20% for compaction: 13 cu yd, about 17.5 tons of stone.

A 15 × 3 m driveway, 75 + 50 + 50 mm: 9.5 m³, about 15.1 tonnes.

Ordering

Quarries sell by the ton or tonne and most deliver in truckloads, so round each layer up and ask about the minimum load. Spread and compact each layer before the next goes on.

Common questions

How many tons of gravel for a driveway?

Length × width × total depth gives the volume; add about 20% for compaction and multiply by the stone's weight, about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. A 50 × 10 ft driveway 7 in deep needs about 17.5 tons.

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

Hello Gravel describes three compacted layers of 2–3 in each, 6–9 in in all. Soft ground, heavy vehicles and steep slopes need more; ask a local contractor.