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

For a standard 12x50 foot driveway at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 12 tons of gravel. The formula is: length x width x depth (in feet) / 27 x 1.4 (tons per cubic yard for most gravel). Our calculator handles conversions and accounts for compaction.

How much does gravel cost per ton?

Gravel costs $25-$65 per ton in 2025 depending on the type. Crushed limestone runs $30-$45/ton, pea gravel $35-$55/ton, and decorative stone $50-$100/ton. Delivery typically adds $50-$150 per load. Our calculator includes delivery estimates based on quantity.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

Gravel driveways should be 4-6 inches deep after compaction, applied in layers. Use a 4-inch base of larger crushed stone (1.5 inch), then 2 inches of surface gravel (3/4 inch). For heavy traffic areas, increase to 8-12 inches total depth.

Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel and stone requirements for driveways, walkways, and landscaping projects. Get typical tonnage and budget ranges.

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🏠For Homeowners: Get a quick cost range with just a few measurements. Perfect for budgeting and comparing contractor quotes.

Typical Gravel Costs by Type

Gravel Type	$/Cubic Yard	$/Ton	Common Uses
Crushed Stone (#57, #67)	$25 – $55	$20 – $45	Driveways, base layers, drainage
Pea Gravel	$30 – $60	$25 – $50	Walkways, patios, playgrounds
Decomposed Granite	$35 – $70	$25 – $55	Pathways, patios, natural aesthetic
Limestone	$28 – $58	$22 – $48	Driveways, base material, fill
River Rock (1-3")	$40 – $100	$35 – $85	Decorative, landscaping, dry creek beds

Prices are for bulk delivery (5+ tons). Bagged gravel from retail stores costs 2-3× more per cubic yard. Delivery adds $50-150 per load.

Assumptions & Sources

Assumptions

Gravel weight: Varies by type — crushed stone ~2,800 lbs/cu yd, pea gravel ~2,700 lbs/cu yd, river rock ~2,600 lbs/cu yd. Weight affects delivery cost and tonnage calculations.
Waste factor: 10% added to volume calculations for spreading loss, edge trimming, and settling. Driveway applications may settle 10-15% in the first year.
Delivery: Based on $75/load for 10 cu yd dump truck delivery within 20 miles. Long-distance or small-load surcharges may apply.
Labor rates: $1.25/sq ft average for professional spreading and installation, not including base prep or compaction which are quoted separately in Professional mode.
Regional multiplier: ZIP-code-based adjustment using RSMeans 2025 regional cost indices applied to both materials and labor.

Last updated: February 2026

Pro Tips from a Construction PM

Compact in lifts, not all at once: For a 6" base, put down 3", wet it, compact, then add the next 3" and repeat. Compacting the full depth only packs the surface — the bottom stays loose and settles unevenly.
Geotextile fabric prevents sinking: Without fabric under gravel, it migrates into soft soil over 1-2 years and you're buying another load. The $0.15-0.50/sq ft saves you the full material cost in round two.
Grade for drainage first: A 2% slope (1/4" per foot) away from structures prevents water pooling. Flat gravel areas become puddle collectors that destroy base compaction.
Delivery minimums matter: Most suppliers have a 5-10 ton minimum order. If you're under that, you pay the same delivery fee regardless — coordinate with neighbors or order extra for top-dressing.
Order 10% extra and stash it: Gravel settles 10-15% in the first year, especially in traffic areas. Having a couple yards on hand for top-dressing beats paying another $75+ delivery fee for a half-load.

Related Calculators

Excavation Calculator — Calculate excavation costs if you need to remove soil before laying your gravel base.
Asphalt Calculator — Compare asphalt paving costs — many driveways start with a gravel base before paving.
Concrete Calculator — Estimate concrete costs for borders, curbing, or if you're deciding between concrete and gravel surfaces.

Gravel Calculator by State

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