Gravel Driveway Calculator
Plan your gravel driveway with accurate material estimates. Enter driveway length and width, select base layer and surface layer depths, and choose gravel type. Get volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, estimated cost for both layers, number of truckloads needed, and recommended order amount accounting for 15% compaction loss. Proper layer design ensures a stable, long-lasting driveway that sheds water and resists rutting.
Total length of the driveway from road to end
Single car: 10-12 ft, double: 18-20 ft
Base layer of #2 or #3 angular stone
Surface layer of #57 or #67 gravel
Angular crushed stone locks together best for driveways
How much gravel do I need for my driveway?
Gravel volume = Length × Width × Total Depth. For a 100×12 ft driveway with 6-inch base and 3-inch top (9 inches total): Volume = 100 × 12 × (9/12) = 900 cu ft = 33.3 cu yd. Base (6 in): 22.2 cu yd. Top (3 in): 11.1 cu yd. Crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Total weight ≈ 46.7 tons (base ~31 tons, top ~15.5 tons). Always order 10-15% extra for compaction and settling.
What is the best gravel for a driveway?
A proper gravel driveway uses two layers: Base layer: 3-4 inch crushed angular stone (No. 2 or No. 3). This provides drainage and structural support. Surface layer: 3/4 inch to 1.5 inch crushed stone with fines (No. 57 or No. 67). The angular pieces lock together creating a firm surface. Avoid smooth pea gravel — it shifts under tires and creates ruts. For heavy use areas, add a geotextile fabric layer between soil and base gravel to prevent mixing.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Total gravel depth should be 6-9 inches for a residential driveway. Breakdown: 4-6 inches of base stone (No. 2), 2-3 inches of surface stone (No. 57). For clay soil or heavy vehicles: increase base to 8-10 inches. For sandy soil with good drainage: 4-6 inches total may suffice. The driveway crown should be 2-4 inches higher in the center for water runoff. Compact each layer with a plate compactor or driveway roller.
How do I maintain a gravel driveway?
Annual maintenance: top-dress with 1-2 inches of fresh surface gravel every 2-3 years. After winter, fill potholes and ruts with new gravel. Grade the driveway 2-4 times per year to maintain crown and smooth surface. Use a box blade or landscape rake for grading. Control weeds with pre-emergent herbicide or landscape fabric. Edge the driveway to prevent gravel migration. For heavy rain areas, install culverts or French drains to prevent washout.