Planning a gravel driveway? The Gravel Driveway Calculator tells you exactly how much material to order before you call the supplier. Enter your driveway length, width, gravel depth, and gravel density to get the cubic yards needed and weight in tons — plus an estimated cost and total driveway area if you enter a price per ton.
Gravel Needed
--
Weight in Tons
--
Estimated Cost
--
Driveway Area
--
The amount of gravel needed depends on your driveway's length, width, and desired depth. Typically, you'll need 2-4 inches of depth for a residential driveway. Use our calculator to get an accurate estimate in cubic yards and tons.
For most residential driveways, 3-4 inches of gravel depth is recommended. This provides adequate coverage while being cost-effective. Heavy traffic areas may require up to 6 inches of depth.
Multiply cubic yards by the gravel density (typically 1.35 tons per cubic yard). Different gravel types have different densities, so check with your supplier for exact specifications.
Crushed stone gravel (#57 or 3/4 inch) is most popular for driveways. It compacts well, provides good drainage, and has an attractive appearance. Pea gravel is another option but may shift more over time.
Gravel costs typically range from $25-50 per ton, depending on the type, quality, and your location. Delivery fees may add $50-150 to your total cost. Contact local suppliers for current pricing.
Yes, proper ground preparation is crucial. Remove grass and weeds, grade the area for proper drainage, and consider adding landscape fabric or a base layer of larger stones for better stability.
Regular maintenance includes raking to redistribute gravel, adding fresh gravel annually, and removing weeds. Edge the driveway periodically to prevent gravel from spreading to adjacent areas.
Yes, gravel driveways are DIY-friendly projects. You'll need basic tools for site preparation and grading. The main challenges are proper drainage setup and ensuring adequate compaction of the base layer.