A gravel driveway is built in layers, from large stone at the bottom to smaller, firmer gravel on top. Enter the length and width, adjust each layer, and see the tons you need for each one.
Extra for compaction and cost
| Layer | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|
Layer depths are a common starting point. Soft or clay soil, heavy vehicles and steep slopes may need a thicker base.
How a gravel driveway is layered
Each layer has a different job, which is why the calculator works them out separately. Suppliers usually price each stone separately too.
| Layer | Common stone | Typical depth | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | #3 stone (1½–2 in) | 4–6 in | Spreads the weight of vehicles and lets water drain away |
| Middle | #57 stone (¾–1 in) | 4 in | Fills the gaps in the base and adds strength |
| Top | #411 or crusher run | 2–4 in | Packs down into a firm, smooth driving surface |
A total depth of 8 to 12 inches is common. Soft or clay soil, heavy trucks and steep slopes may need a thicker base. Some homeowners use pea gravel on top for looks, but it stays loose and shifts under tires.
Worked example
A 50 ft × 12 ft driveway is 600 square feet. Using the calculator’s default layers and 15 percent extra for compaction:
| Layer | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base: #3 stone | 4 in | 8.52 | 11.1 |
| Middle: #57 stone | 4 in | 8.52 | 11.5 |
| Top: #411 | 3 in | 6.39 | 9.26 |
| Total | 11 in | 23.4 | 31.8 |
For the base layer: 600 × 4 ÷ 12 = 200 cubic feet, which is 7.41 cubic yards. Add 15 percent and you get 8.52 cubic yards, and at 1.30 tons per cubic yard that’s 11.1 tons.
Common driveway sizes
- Single-car driveway: usually 10 to 12 feet wide.
- Two-car driveway: usually 20 to 24 feet wide.
- Length: measure from the road edge to where the driveway ends, including any turnaround or parking pad.
For curved or irregular driveways, split the area into rectangles, work each one out and add the results together.
Preparing the ground
- Remove grass, topsoil and roots down to firm subsoil. Organic material rots and leaves soft spots.
- Grade the surface so water runs off to the sides, either with a slight crown in the middle or a gentle slope.
- On soft or clay soil, lay a woven geotextile fabric first. It stops the base stone sinking into the mud.
- Spread each layer and compact it with a plate compactor or roller before adding the next one.
That compaction is why the calculator adds 15 percent extra by default: compacted stone takes up less room than loose stone in the truck.
Ordering and delivery
Delivery trucks have a weight limit, so a large driveway can take more than one load. Ask your supplier how many tons each truck carries and whether they can tailgate-spread the stone, which saves a lot of shoveling.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
It depends on the size and depth. As a guide, a 50 ft × 12 ft driveway built 11 inches deep in three layers takes about 32 tons. Enter your own measurements above for an exact estimate.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A total of 8 to 12 inches is common, built in two or three layers. Go deeper on soft ground or where heavy vehicles will drive.
What is the best gravel for the top of a driveway?
Stone that packs down firmly, such as #411 or crusher run, makes the most stable surface. Clean, round stone like pea gravel looks good but moves under tires.
Can I lay a driveway with just one layer?
You can top up an existing, well-compacted driveway with a single layer. A new driveway on bare soil needs a proper base, or it will rut and form potholes quickly.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
Multiply the total tons by your supplier’s price per ton, then add delivery. Enter the average price per ton under “Extra for compaction and cost” to see an estimate.
Results are estimates for planning. Weights are typical for dry, loose material. See How We Calculate for the formulas and values we use.