Gravel Driveway Calculator
Enter your driveway length and width; the depth is preset to 4 in (10 cm).
Indicative estimate · not a survey or a design · see methodology
Planning a driveway? Draw it on your plot to get its real length, slope and the gravel for the whole access.
Plan the accessTypical gravel depths and coverage
| Use | Depth | 1 ton covers | 1 yd³ covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Path or walkway | 3 in (7.5 cm) | ~80 ft² | ~108 ft² |
| Driveway top layer | 4 in (10 cm) | ~60 ft² | ~81 ft² |
| New driveway base + top | 8 in (20 cm) | ~30 ft² | ~40 ft² |
| Patio or shed base | 4 in (10 cm) | ~60 ft² | ~81 ft² |
| French drain / drainage bed | 6 in (15 cm) | ~40 ft² | ~54 ft² |
Source: Engineering ToolBox, "Dirt and Mud – Densities"; typical supplier figures (2,700–2,900 lb/yd³ for gravel) · verified 2026-08-22 · Coverage assumes gravel at ~1.68 t/m³ (2,800 lb/yd³); lighter materials cover more.
How gravel quantity is calculated
volume = area × depth · order = volume × (1 + allowance) · weight = order volume × density
A 12 × 40 ft driveway at 4 in: 480 ft² × 0.333 ft = 160 ft³ = 5.9 yd³. Plus 10 % = 6.5 yd³. At 1.4 tons/yd³ that is about 9.1 tons — roughly one tandem dump-truck load.
- Densities are loose bulk values; compacted gravel is 10–15 % denser, which the allowance covers.
- A new driveway needs a 4–6 in base of crusher run under the 2–4 in top layer; calculate each layer separately.
- Suppliers sell by the ton or the cubic yard; order whichever figure they quote.
What people use it for
Gravel driveway
4 in of ¾-in gravel over a compacted base. For a new drive add a 4–6 in crusher-run base.
Garden path
3 in of pea gravel over landscape fabric; edge it so it stays put.
Shed or hot-tub pad
4 in of compacted crushed stone gives a stable, draining base.
French drain
6 in or more of washed gravel around a perforated pipe.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a 1,000 sq ft driveway?
At 4 in deep: 1,000 × 0.333 = 333 ft³ = 12.3 yd³, about 17 tons plus 10 % allowance.
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons per cubic yard for ¾-in gravel (2,800 lb/yd³). Pea gravel and sand are a bit lighter.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A 4 in top layer over a 4–6 in compacted base is typical; 8–12 in total for a new driveway on soft ground.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
About 80 ft² at 3 in, 60 ft² at 4 in, 40 ft² at 6 in.
How many square feet does a yard of gravel cover?
324 ft² at 1 in deep; divide by the depth in inches: 81 ft² at 4 in.
Is gravel sold by the ton or the yard?
Both. Quarries usually price by the ton; landscape yards by the cubic yard. The calculator shows both.
Related tools
Sources and author
Terramify editorial team · Research and data verification · Updated August 22, 2026
Source: Engineering ToolBox, "Dirt and Mud – Densities"; typical supplier figures (2,700–2,900 lb/yd³ for gravel)
Indicative estimate · not a survey or a design · see methodology