Driveway Gravel Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and tons of gravel for an existing or new gravel driveway.
How driveway gravel volume is calculated
Driveway gravel is estimated the same way as any other area: length × width × depth. Convert the depth to feet (inches ÷ 12), multiply, then divide the cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by the material density for tons — the figure most bulk suppliers quote.
Example calculation
A 60 ft × 12 ft driveway topped up with 2 in. of crushed stone: 60 × 12 = 720 sq ft; 2 in. = 0.167 ft; 720 × 0.167 = 120 cubic feet; 120 ÷ 27 = 4.44 cubic yards; 4.44 × 1.50 = 6.67 tons. With a 10% allowance, about 4.89 cubic yards or 7.33 tons.
Top-up versus rebuild
A top-up adds a thin layer over existing compacted aggregate, so you only calculate the depth you are adding. A rebuild means placing the full aggregate section — often several layers of different stone sizes — and the total depth comes from your project design rather than a rule of thumb.
Why gravel depth varies
Soil type, drainage, climate, vehicle weight, construction method, and local requirements all change the aggregate depth a driveway needs. There is no single correct driveway depth, which is why this calculator asks you to enter it.
Compacted layers
New gravel driveways are typically built in compacted lifts. Loose material compacts down, so measured loose volume and finished depth are not the same. Ask your contractor or supplier how much loose material their recommended compacted depth requires.
Ordering extra material
A 10% extra allowance is a common starting point for spreading losses, uneven subgrade, and settling. Suppliers often sell in set increments, so confirm order quantities before delivery.
For other project types use the main gravel calculator, price your load with the gravel cost calculator, or review how our gravel calculations work.