How much gravel for a driveway? Calculate tons, cubic yards, and costs for crusher run, crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock. Includes delivery estimates.
Driveway Details
Driveway Length (ft)
Driveway Width (ft)
Total Depth (inches)
Gravel Type
10% for rectangular driveways, 15% for curved or irregular shapes
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Enter your driveway details for a gravel estimate
Last updated March 2026 by our expert review team
Gravel prices only. Add $50 to $100 per truckload for delivery.
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
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Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileUpdated March 2026
How we verify our calculatorsA proper gravel driveway has 3 layers: 4 inches of large crusher run for the base, 2 inches of medium stone for the middle, and 2 inches of fine crusher run or pea gravel on top.
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 each layer with a plate compactor before adding the next. Loose gravel ruts and washes away.
Install landscape fabric between the soil and first gravel layer to prevent soil from mixing with the stone over time.
Recycled asphalt millings cost 40 to 60% less than virgin gravel and pack down into a semi-solid surface that resists ruts.
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)
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A standard single-car driveway (40x12 ft, 6 inches deep) needs about 11 tons. A double-wide driveway (40x20 ft) needs about 19 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.
A short parking pad or entry. Budget $135 to $270 for material plus $75 delivery.
The most common residential driveway size. Budget $330 to $660 for material plus $75 delivery.
A rural or estate-length driveway. Budget $840 to $1,680 for material plus $150 delivery.
Side-by-side parking for two vehicles. Budget $570 to $1,140 for material plus $150 delivery.
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.