How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway

How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway

A gravel driveway is one of the most cost-effective surfacing options for residential and rural properties. But getting the quantities right matters — too little and you end up with a muddy mess; too much and you overspend.

Use our Gravel Calculator to get instant results, or follow this guide.

What Depth of Gravel Do You Need?

For a standard residential gravel driveway, aim for 4–6 inches (100–150 mm) of compacted gravel in two layers:

• Base layer (3–4 in): Larger crushed stone (#57 stone) for stability and drainage
• Top layer (2–3 in): Smaller gravel (#21A or pea gravel) for the driving surface

For high-traffic or commercial driveways, increase to 6–8 inches total.

Gravel Driveway Calculation Example

Say your driveway is 50 feet long × 12 feet wide, and you want a 4-inch depth.

1. Convert depth: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
2. Volume: 50 × 12 × 0.333 = 200 cu ft
3. Cubic yards: 200 ÷ 27 = 7.4 yd³
4. Add 10% waste: 8.1 yd³ to order
5. Weight (crushed stone ~1.5 t/m³): ~9.3 tonnes

Gravel Types Compared

Type	Best For	Density
Pea gravel	Top layer, decorative	1.4 t/m³
Crushed stone (#57)	Base layer	1.5 t/m³
Bank run gravel	General fill	1.6 t/m³
Limestone	Driveways, paths	1.55 t/m³

How to Install a Gravel Driveway

Planning to excavate first? Use our excavation calculator to estimate soil removal volume, weight and skip/dumpster counts before you start.

1. Mark and excavate the driveway area to the required depth.
2. Grade the base with a slight crown (centre higher than edges) for drainage.
3. Install edging — timber boards, metal edging or concrete curbing — to contain the gravel.
4. Lay landscape fabric to suppress weeds while allowing drainage.
5. Spread and compact the base layer of larger stone.
6. Top with smaller gravel and compact again.
7. Add more gravel after the first season of settling.

Calculator Shortcut

Use our Gravel Calculator — enter your driveway dimensions and gravel type, and get instant results in cubic yards, cubic metres and tonnes with a +10% waste recommendation built in.

Frequently Asked Questions