Gravel Calculator for Driveways
Estimate gravel for a driveway, including a base and top layer.
A gravel driveway needs about 4 inches of stone for a drivable surface — often built as a coarser base topped with finer gravel. The calculator starts at 4 inches; thicker is better over soft ground. It also reports tons, since driveways are usually bought by weight.
Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much you need — and the cost.
- cubic feet 33.33
- cubic meters 0.944
- tons (US) 1.85
- tonnes 1.68
Tip: Build driveways in layers — a 3–4 inch crushed-stone base under a finer top layer holds up far better than one thick layer.
How it's calculated
1 cubic yard covers about 324 sq ft at 1 in / about 162 sq ft at 2 in deep; about 1.5 US tons per cubic yard (typically 1.4–1.7).
See the full Gravel Calculator for the complete how-to, unit conversions, and data sources.
Gravel Calculator for Driveways FAQ
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
At least 4 inches for a stable surface, usually as a base layer plus a finer top layer. Soft or wet ground needs more.
How many tons of gravel for a driveway?
Multiply the area by 4 inches for cubic yards, then by about 1.5 for tons. A 600 sq ft driveway at 4 inches is roughly 7.4 cubic yards (≈ 11 tons).