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Gravel & Aggregate Driveway Calculator

Estimate gravel volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, apply a waste allowance, and convert to tonnage using your material density — for driveways, parking pads, and access roads.

Project Dimensions

ft
ft
in
tons/cu yd
10%
0%30%

Live Results

Area

480.00sq ft

Volume

160.00 cu ft

Volume

5.93 cu yd

Volume with Waste

6.52cu yd

Gravel Tons

9.13tons

Volumes and tonnage include waste allowance. All quantities rounded up.

How to Use This Gravel Driveway Calculator

  1. Measure driveway length and width. Measure the longest length and widest width of your driveway or parking area in feet. Break irregular shapes into rectangles and sum the areas, or use the overall bounding dimensions for a conservative estimate.
  2. Choose gravel depth. Select a compacted depth in inches. Residential driveways typically use 3–4 inches of crushed stone for the surface layer, with deeper base layers added separately for heavy traffic or soft soil.
  3. Set gravel density. Enter the weight per cubic yard from your supplier. Crusher run and dense-grade aggregate average about 1.4 tons per cubic yard; pea gravel and lighter stone may be closer to 1.2–1.3 tons per cubic yard.
  4. Adjust waste allowance. Use 10% waste for a flat, well-graded site with accurate measurements. Increase to 15–20% when the subgrade is uneven, delivery access is tight, or you expect spillage during spreading and compaction.
  5. Review tonnage for ordering. Use the cubic yards with waste and gravel tonnage to place your bulk delivery order. Round up partial loads and confirm minimum truck quantities with your aggregate supplier before scheduling.

Formulas & Example

Driveway gravel volume starts with the surface area in square feet. Depth in inches converts to feet before multiplying by area for cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards, apply the waste factor, then multiply by gravel density to estimate tonnage for bulk delivery.

Depth (ft) = Depth (in) ÷ 12
Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Volume (cu ft) = Area × Depth (ft)
Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
Volume with Waste (cu yd) = Volume (cu yd) × (1 + Waste % ÷ 100)
Gravel Tons = Volume with Waste (cu yd) × Gravel Density (tons/cu yd)

Worked Example

A 40 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches depth, 1.4 tons/cu yd density, and 10% waste:

Area = 40 × 12 = 480 sq ft
Depth = 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
Volume = 480 × 0.333 = 160 cu ft
Volume (cu yd) = 160 ÷ 27 = 5.93 cu yd
Volume with Waste = 5.93 × 1.10 = 6.52 cu yd
Gravel Tons = 6.52 × 1.4 = 9.13 tons

Tonnage varies with moisture content and stone type. Confirm the density factor with your supplier before ordering — crusher run and dense-grade aggregate typically run 1.4 tons per cubic yard, while lighter materials like pea gravel may be closer to 1.2 tons per cubic yard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gravel for a driveway?▾
Crushed stone with angular edges — often sold as crusher run, #57 stone, or dense-grade aggregate — compacts into a stable, load-bearing surface ideal for vehicle traffic. Pea gravel is comfortable underfoot but shifts under tires and is better suited to walkways. For the top wearing course, many contractors use 3/4-inch crushed limestone or granite; a separate base layer of larger stone (2–3 inches) may sit below for drainage and stability on soft soil.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?▾
A minimum of 3 inches of compacted gravel is recommended for light residential use; 4 inches provides better durability against rutting and washboarding. Heavy vehicles, RV parking, or driveways on clay soil often require 6–8 inches total, sometimes built in two lifts — a larger base stone below and a finer crushed surface course on top. Always compact each lift with a plate compactor or roller.
How much waste should I add when ordering gravel?▾
Plan on 10% extra for a straightforward rectangular driveway with good site access and accurate measurements. Increase to 15% when the grade varies, edges are irregular, or you need to feather material into existing surfaces. Use 20% or more on steep grades, tight delivery spots where spillage is likely, or when the subgrade requires extra fill to level low spots before compaction.
Why does gravel density vary by material type?▾
Density depends on stone type, particle size, and moisture content at delivery. Dense crushed limestone and granite typically weigh 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard when compacted. Pea gravel and river rock are rounder and pack with more void space, often weighing 1.2–1.3 tons per cubic yard. Wet material weighs more than dry. Always confirm the tonnage conversion with your supplier's product sheet rather than assuming a generic factor.
Should I get gravel delivered or haul it myself?▾
Bulk delivery by the cubic yard or ton is almost always more economical above roughly 3–5 cubic yards — the threshold where a dump truck beats multiple trailer loads. A typical tri-axle dump truck carries 10–15 cubic yards. DIY hauling in a pickup (about 1–1.5 cubic yards per load) works for small parking pads or top-up layers. Factor in your time, fuel, and dump fees when comparing delivery quotes to self-haul.

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