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Gravel Driveway Calculator

Calculate stone for a layered gravel driveway, including a compaction allowance, the weight of each layer and how many truckloads to order.

Formulas reviewed 13 November 2026 · See the formula

Gravel Driveway Calculator

Driveway
ft
ft
Layers
in

Set a layer to 0 to skip it.

in
in
Material
lb/ft³

Used for all layers. Default 105 lb/ft³ (≈1,680 kg/m³) for crushed stone.

Allowances
%

Crushed stone compacts under a roller or plate compactor; 10–20 % extra is commonly allowed.

Delivery
tons

Ask your supplier — capacity depends on the truck and local weight limits.

Cost estimate (optional)
USD /ton

Enter your local price to estimate cost. Prices vary by supplier and region.

Results

Total stone (incl. compaction)
24.06 US tons
21.83 tonnes
Total volume
16.98 yd³
458.3 ft³ · 12.98 m³
Driveway area
500 ft²46.45 m²
Total depth
10 in25.4 cm
Base layer
9.63 US tons8.73 tonnes
Middle layer
9.63 US tons8.73 tonnes
Top layer
4.81 US tons4.37 tonnes
  • Weight uses the density you entered. Bulk density varies with stone type, size and moisture — your supplier can confirm the figure for their product.

Estimates only. Prices are your own inputs in USD; material properties vary by product and supplier.

About the gravel driveway calculator

A durable gravel driveway is normally built in layers: larger stone at the bottom for strength and drainage, a middle layer, and a finer surface layer that compacts into a firm driving surface. Each layer is spread and compacted before the next is placed, so the loose stone you order must be more than the finished geometric volume.

This calculator works out each layer separately, applies a compaction allowance, totals the weight and, if you know your supplier's truck capacity, tells you how many loads to expect.

How to use it

  1. Enter the driveway length and width.
  2. Enter the finished (compacted) depth of each layer; set any layer you are not using to 0.
  3. Keep or adjust the compaction allowance (10–20 % is commonly used for crushed stone).
  4. Enter the density your supplier uses, plus truck capacity and price per ton/tonne if known.

Formula

Area

A = length × width

Each layer

V_layer = A × layer depth × (1 + compaction % ÷ 100)

Weight

W = Σ V_layer × density

Truckloads

loads = ⌈ W ÷ truck capacity ⌉
  • Layer depths are compacted depths. The compaction allowance converts them into the loose quantity you need to order.

Worked example: A 50 ft × 10 ft driveway: 4 in base, 4 in middle, 2 in top

  1. Area = 500 ft²; total depth = 10 in
  2. Volume = 500 × 10 ÷ 12 = 416.7 ft³; +10 % = 458.3 ft³ (16.98 yd³)
  3. Weight at 105 lb/ft³ = 48,125 lb ≈ 24.1 US tons

Result: About 24 US tons of stone in total, split across three layers.

Assumptions and limitations

  • One density is applied to all layers. If your base stone and surface stone differ, run the calculator once per layer.
  • Driveway design (layer thickness, stone grading, drainage, geotextile) depends on soil, traffic and climate. Get local advice for heavy vehicles or poor soils.
  • Truck capacity varies by vehicle and local weight limits — ask your supplier.

Frequently asked questions

How thick should a gravel driveway be?

Layer thicknesses vary widely with soil and traffic. Many residential driveways use a total of roughly 8–12 in (20–30 cm) of compacted stone in two or three layers, but soft soils may need more. Follow local advice.

How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?

Multiply length × width × total depth to get volume, add a compaction allowance, then multiply by the stone's density. The example above — 50 × 10 ft at 10 in — needs about 24 US tons.

What is the compaction allowance for?

Loose stone shrinks in volume when it is compacted. Ordering 10–20 % more than the finished volume prevents running short.

Can I use one type of stone for every layer?

Some driveways do, but larger stone in the base improves drainage and load-spreading, while a graded surface stone compacts into a firmer top. Ask your supplier what is available locally.

Sources and further reading

Results are estimates for planning purposes. See our disclaimer for details.