Gravel Driveway Calculator
Find the gravel volume and tons for a driveway.
Default 4 in
Results update as you type.
How it works
Ordering gravel for a driveway means knowing both the volume and the weight, since suppliers sell by the cubic yard or the ton, and this calculator gives both. You enter the driveway's length, width, and gravel depth, and it returns the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet plus the approximate weight in tons. The calculation multiplies the three dimensions to get the volume, converting the depth from inches to feet, then divides by 27 to express it in cubic yards, the standard unit for bulk gravel. Because gravel is often priced and delivered by weight, the calculator also estimates tons using a typical density of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, though exact weight varies with the type and moisture of the gravel. A depth of about 4 inches is common for a residential driveway surface layer, while a full new driveway may use multiple layers of different aggregate for a total depth of 8 to 12 inches, so adjust the depth for your project. Ordering the right amount avoids the cost of a second delivery or the waste of excess, and it is wise to add a small margin since gravel compacts and spreads unevenly. This estimates a simple rectangular driveway; for curved or irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles. Enter the length, width, and depth to find the gravel needed.
Volume = L × W × (depth/12) ; cubic yards = volume/27 ; tons ≈ yards × 1.4
Multiply the driveway length by width by depth (converted from inches to feet) to get the volume in cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards, the unit gravel is usually sold in. Multiplying cubic yards by about 1.4 estimates the weight in tons, since gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Source:Construction estimating
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter driveway length and driveway width.
- 2
Adjust the options
Adjust gravel depth if they apply — sensible defaults are already set.
- 3
Read your result
Gravel needed updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply the length, width, and depth (in feet) of the driveway to get the volume in cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. For a 40-by-10-foot driveway at 4 inches deep, that is about 4.9 cubic yards. The calculator also converts to tons so you can order by whichever unit your supplier uses.
How deep should driveway gravel be?
A surface layer of about 4 inches is common for topping or refreshing a driveway. A brand-new gravel driveway is usually built in layers, a coarse base, a middle layer, and a finer top, for a total depth of roughly 8 to 12 inches for stability. Set the depth to match your specific project stage.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard, though the exact figure depends on the stone type, size, and moisture content. The calculator uses this average to estimate tons from the volume. If your supplier provides a specific density, use that for a more precise weight, especially for large orders where small differences add up.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes, a small margin is wise. Gravel compacts under weight and traffic, spreads unevenly, and some is lost into the soil base, so the finished depth is less than the loose volume delivered. Adding roughly 5 to 10 percent extra helps ensure full coverage and avoids the cost and hassle of a second delivery for a small shortfall.
What if my driveway is not a simple rectangle?
For a curved, tapered, or irregular driveway, divide it into rectangular or roughly rectangular sections, calculate the gravel for each, and add them together. For curves you can approximate with the average width. Breaking the shape into simpler pieces gives a good total estimate, and rounding up slightly covers any approximation error.