How many tons of gravel for a driveway?

A standard 40x12 ft driveway at 6 inches deep needs about 11 tons of crusher run. Add 10% for waste and compaction loss.

How much does a gravel driveway cost?

$1 to $3 per square foot for material plus delivery. A 40x12 ft driveway costs $400 to $800 for gravel plus $75 to $150 for delivery.

Crusher run vs pea gravel for driveways?

Crusher run compacts into a firm surface and stays put. Pea gravel is decorative but shifts under tires and requires edging. Use crusher run for vehicle traffic.

How often do I need to add gravel?

Top off with 1 to 2 inches of gravel every 2 to 3 years. Grading with a box blade once a year keeps the surface smooth and prevents potholes.

LandscapingGravel Driveway Calculator

Gravel Driveway Calculator

Q: How deep should a gravel driveway be?

6 inches minimum in three layers: 4 inches of large base stone, then 2 inches of medium stone, topped with 2 inches of fine crusher run or gravel.

Q: What is the best gravel for a driveway?

Crusher run (#57 stone) is the best overall choice. It compacts into a solid surface, provides excellent drainage, and costs $25 to $50 per ton.

Q: Do I need edging for a gravel driveway?

Edging is recommended to keep gravel from spreading into the yard. Steel edging, landscape timbers, or concrete curbs all work well.

Q: How do I prevent ruts in a gravel driveway?

Compact each layer with a plate compactor. Crown the center 1/4 inch per foot so water drains to the edges instead of pooling in tire tracks.

Calculate tons, cubic yards, truckloads, and delivery cost for a compactable gravel driveway base or top-up layer.

Driveway Details

Project Type

Driveway Length (ft)

Driveway Width (ft)

Total Depth (inches)

Gravel Type

Ready to calculate

Enter your driveway details for a gravel estimate

Last updated June 2026 by our expert review team

Cost per Ton by Gravel Type

$/ton

Crusher Run (#57)$25 - $50 /ton

Crushed Stone (#3/#4)$30 - $55 /ton

Pea Gravel$35 - $60 /ton

River Rock$40 - $80 /ton

Recycled Asphalt/Concrete$15 - $30 /ton

Gravel prices only. Add $50 to $100 per truckload for delivery.

Expert Contributors

Creator

Ruth Wairimu

Landscape Architect

Ruth Wairimu

Landscape Architect

Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.

See full profile

Expert Review

Hawkin

Certified Cost & Estimating Professional

Hawkin

Certified Cost & Estimating Professional

AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.

See full profile

Updated June 2026

How we verify our calculators

Gravel Driveway Layer and Delivery Guide

Spread gravel slightly deeper than the final compacted depth, then compact in shallow lifts. The calculator gives tons and truckloads so your order matches how suppliers deliver material.

Diagram showing top gravel, compacted base, optional fabric, prepared subgrade, loose depth, compacted depth, and truckload planning by tons. — A good gravel driveway order starts with compacted depth, then adds waste and delivery planning by tons.

Pro Tips

A new gravel driveway usually needs compactable base material first, then a smaller top layer. Order by tons, but keep cubic yards handy when talking to landscape yards.

Use our crusher run calculator to estimate sub-base material separately if you are ordering different stone sizes for each layer.

For a decorative top layer, check the pea gravel calculator to price out finishing stone options.

Compact in shallow lifts. A thick loose dump looks finished for a week, then ruts as soon as rain and tires hit it.

Use landscape fabric over weak soil when you need separation. It helps keep fine subgrade soil from pumping up into the stone.

Recycled asphalt millings cost 40 to 60% less than virgin gravel and pack down into a semi-solid surface that resists ruts.

How the Calculator Works

Enter your driveway length, width, and total gravel depth.

Select your gravel type and adjust the waste factor for your layout.

Get tons, cubic yards, truckloads, and a full cost estimate with delivery.

Formulas

Volume = Length x Width x (Depth / 12) x (1 + Waste%)

Cubic Yards = Volume (cu ft) / 27

Tons = Cubic Yards x Density (tons/yd3)

Quick Reference

Min depth: 6 inches
Ideal layers: 3 (base/mid/top)
1 truck: ~15 tons
Delivery: $50-100/load
Crown slope: 1/4" per ft

Common Questions

How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?

A standard single-car driveway (40x12 ft, 6 inches deep, 10% waste) needs about 13.7 tons. A double-wide driveway (40x20 ft) needs about 22.8 tons. Use the calculator above for your exact dimensions.

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

6 inches minimum for light vehicle traffic. 8 to 12 inches for heavy use or soft soil. The depth should be split across 3 layers: 4 inches of base, 2 inches of middle stone, and 2 inches of top layer.

What is the best gravel for a driveway?

Crusher run (#57) is the most popular choice. It compacts well, locks together, and provides a stable driving surface. Use larger crushed stone (#3 or #4) for the base layer and crusher run on top.

How much does gravel cost per ton?

Crusher run costs $25 to $50 per ton. Crushed stone runs $30 to $55. Pea gravel is $35 to $60. River rock is the most expensive at $40 to $80 per ton. Recycled asphalt is cheapest at $15 to $30.

What is the difference between crusher run and pea gravel?

Crusher run is angular, compacts tightly, and stays in place. Pea gravel is round and smooth, which looks nicer but shifts under tires. Use crusher run for the driving surface and pea gravel only for borders or decorative areas.

How often do I need to add more gravel?

Plan to add a 1 to 2 inch top-up every 2 to 3 years. Driveways with proper base layers and drainage last longer between refills. High-traffic areas and slopes lose gravel faster.

Do I need edging for a gravel driveway?

Yes. Without edging, gravel migrates into the lawn and garden beds. Use treated timber, steel landscape edging, or large stones along both sides to contain the gravel.

How do I prevent ruts in a gravel driveway?

Crown the center so it sits 1/4 inch higher per foot of width. Compact each layer. Use angular stone (not round pea gravel). Grade and re-compact annually. Fix low spots before they become puddles.

Real-World Gravel Driveway Examples

Short Single-Car Driveway

20x10, 6" deep, Crusher Run

Result: ~5.7 tons, 1 truckload

A short parking pad or entry. Budget $143 to $286 for material plus $75 delivery.

Standard Single-Car Driveway

40x12, 6" deep, Crusher Run

Result: ~13.7 tons, 1 truckload

The most common residential driveway size. Budget $342 to $684 for material plus $75 delivery.

Long Driveway

100x12, 6" deep, Crusher Run

Result: ~34.2 tons, 3 truckloads

A rural or estate-length driveway. Budget $855 to $1,711 for material plus $225 delivery.

Double-Wide Driveway

40x20, 6" deep, Crusher Run

Result: ~22.8 tons, 2 truckloads

Side-by-side parking for two vehicles. Budget $570 to $1,141 for material plus $150 delivery.

Gravel Driveway Mistakes That Cost You Money

Not using a fabric barrier

Without landscape fabric, soil pushes up into the gravel within 2 years. You lose stone and end up with a muddy, uneven surface that needs a full rebuild.

Only one layer of gravel

A single dump of stone sits on bare soil and sinks. Proper driveways need 3 layers: large base stone, medium middle layer, and fine top layer, each compacted separately.

Using pea gravel as the only layer

Pea gravel is round and smooth. It shifts and ruts under tires without a compacted angular base underneath. Save pea gravel for the top layer or decorative borders only.

Not crowning the center

A flat driveway puddles and erodes. Slope the surface 1/4 inch per foot from the center to each edge so water sheets off to the sides.

Skipping compaction

Loose gravel scatters, creates tire ruts after the first rain, and washes downhill on any slope. Rent a plate compactor and pack each layer before adding the next.

Important Disclaimer

These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.