Gravel Driveway
Free online gravel driveway calculator — estimate crushed stone volume, weight in tons, and total material cost. Enter length, width, and depth for instant results.
About This Calculator
The Gravel Driveway Calculator helps homeowners, contractors, and landscapers estimate the amount of crushed stone or gravel needed for building a driveway. Whether you are planning a new residential driveway, a farm access road, or a commercial parking area, this tool provides accurate material estimates to help you budget and order the right quantity.
The calculator uses the formula: volume = length × width × depth. Depth is converted from inches to feet by dividing by 12. The resulting cubic feet are converted to cubic yards (÷ 27) and then to tons using a gravel density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard (approximately 1.25 metric tonnes per cubic meter). If you provide a price per cubic yard, the calculator also estimates the total material cost.
Regional Notes
India (IN): Gravel (often called metal or crusher run) is commonly sold by the cubic foot or brass (100 cu ft). Prices range from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per cubic yard depending on the type of stone and your location. Common driveway gravel sizes include 20mm and 40mm crushed stone.
United States (US): Gravel is typically sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. A standard driveway uses 4-6 inches of compacted gravel. Prices range from $30 to $50 per cubic yard for crushed stone. Delivery fees may apply for small orders.
United Kingdom (UK): Gravel is sold by the tonne or cubic metre. Typical driveway gravel depths are 100-150 mm (4-6 inches). Prices range from £30 to £50 per cubic yard (£40-65 per tonne). MOT Type 1 is a common sub-base material for driveways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for my driveway?
The amount of gravel you need depends on the length, width, and depth of your driveway. Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. A typical driveway 40 ft long, 12 ft wide, and 6 inches deep needs about 8.9 cubic yards of gravel.
What depth of gravel is recommended for a driveway?
For a standard residential driveway, a gravel depth of 4 to 6 inches is recommended. Lighter-use driveways can use 4 inches, while heavier-use or commercial driveways may need 6 to 8 inches of compacted gravel for proper support and drainage.
How many tons of gravel do I need for my driveway?
To convert cubic yards of gravel to tons, multiply the volume by the gravel density (approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard). For example, 10 cubic yards of gravel weighs about 14 tons. The exact weight varies by gravel type — crushed stone is denser than pea gravel.
What type of gravel is best for a driveway?
Crushed stone #57 or #3 (angular gravel) is typically best for driveways because it compacts well, provides good drainage, and resists shifting. A common approach uses a two-layer system: larger stones (2-3 inches) for the base and smaller crushed gravel (3/4 inch) for the top layer.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
Gravel driveway material costs vary by region. In the US, gravel costs $30-50 per cubic yard, so a typical 40×12 ft driveway with 6-inch depth (8.9 cu yd) costs approximately $270-450 for materials. In India, gravel costs ₹1,500-2,000 per cubic yard. In the UK, gravel costs £30-45 per cubic yard. Installation labor and base preparation add to the total cost.
Does a gravel driveway need a base layer?
Yes, a proper gravel driveway typically requires a base layer of larger crushed stone (4-6 inches of #3 stone) topped with a finer layer of #57 or similar gravel (4 inches). The base layer provides drainage and stability, while the top layer creates a smooth driving surface.
Can I calculate gravel driveway cost in different currencies?
Yes, the Gravel Driveway Calculator detects your region and displays cost in the appropriate currency — Indian Rupees (₹), US Dollars ($), or British Pounds (£). You can enter the gravel price per cubic yard in your local currency for accurate cost estimation.