22 free calculators for concrete, gravel, landscaping, pavers and lumber · imperial & metric

Explore all tools
Skip to content
BuildCalcWorld
  • Dual US / Metric
  • +10% Waste Allowance
  • Free · Runs in Your Browser

Driveway Gravel Calculator

A durable gravel driveway is usually built in layers: large stone at the bottom for strength and drainage, then progressively smaller stone on top. This calculator works out each layer separately so you can order the right stone sizes.

Enter your measurements

Measurements
ft
ft

Single-car driveways are commonly 10–12 ft (3–3.6 m) wide.

in

Bottom layer, usually coarse stone (e.g. #3 or 40–75 mm).

in

Middle layer, often medium stone (e.g. #57 or 20 mm).

in

Top/surface layer, e.g. crusher run or dense grade.

Material & assumptions
tons/yd³

Varies by stone type, size and moisture (roughly 1.2–1.7 tons/yd³). Ask your supplier for their figure.

%

Allowance for compaction into the subgrade and spreading loss.

Enter your measurements and press Calculate to see quantities, a material breakdown and an optional cost estimate.

How the calculation works

  • Layer volume = Length × Width × Layer depth × (1 + Compaction %)
  • Total volume = Sum of all layers
  • Weight = Volume × Density

Calculating layers separately matters because each layer is usually a different product with a different price.

Assumptions used

  • One density value is applied to every layer. Change it if your stone types differ significantly.
  • Stone names such as #3, #57 and crusher run are common in the US; local product names vary.

Example calculation

A 60 × 12 ft driveway with three 4 in layers and no allowance.

  1. 1Area: 60 × 12 = 720 ft²
  2. 2Each layer: 720 × (4 ÷ 12) = 240 ft³ = 8.89 yd³
  3. 3Three layers: 26.7 yd³
  4. 4At 1.4 tons/yd³: about 37.3 tons

Result: Plan for around 27 yd³ in total, plus a compaction allowance.

How to measure your project

  • Measure the full length from the road edge to the parking area.
  • Include any turnaround or parking pad by calculating it as a separate rectangle and adding it.
  • If you are topping up an existing driveway, use one layer with a depth of 2–3 in.

Frequently asked questions

What gravel is best for a driveway?

A typical build uses large crushed stone (such as #3) at the base, medium stone (such as #57) in the middle and a dense, angular top layer such as crusher run that binds when compacted. Rounded pea gravel moves under tyres and is less stable.

How thick should each driveway layer be?

Around 4 in per layer is a common guideline, giving 8–12 in in total. Soft or clay soils may need a thicker base and a geotextile fabric underneath.

Related guides

  • Illustration of a crushed stone gravel driveway leading to a house
    Gravel

    How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway

    Step-by-step guide to calculating driveway gravel in cubic yards and tons, including layers, compaction and converting volume to weight with real examples.

    2 min read
  • Cross-section illustration of base, middle and top stone layers in a gravel driveway
    Gravel

    How Deep Should a Gravel Driveway Be?

    Recommended gravel driveway depths for new builds, soft soils and resurfacing, with layer-by-layer guidance and the volume impact of each extra inch.

    2 min read

Results are estimates based on the measurements and assumptions you enter. Always confirm product specifications, local building codes and final quantities with your supplier or a qualified professional. See our disclaimer.