How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

For a standard single-car driveway (10 ft × 50 ft) with 4 inches of gravel, you need about 2.5 tons or 0.62 cubic yards. A two-car driveway (20 ft × 50 ft) needs roughly 5 tons. Always add 10% extra for compaction and settling.

How much does a ton of gravel cost?

Gravel costs $15–$75 per ton depending on the type. Crushed limestone runs $30–$45/ton, pea gravel $25–$55/ton, and decorative gravel $50–$100/ton. Delivery typically adds $50–$150 per load. Buying by the truckload (10–20 tons) gets the best per-ton pricing.

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

Gravel weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, depending on the type and moisture content. Crushed stone averages about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is slightly lighter at about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

A gravel driveway should be 4–6 inches deep, typically built in 3 layers: 4 inches of #3 crushed stone base, 2 inches of #57 stone middle layer, and 2 inches of #411 or pea gravel top layer. For light foot traffic paths, 2–3 inches is sufficient.

Gravel Calculator — How Much Gravel Do I Need?

How to Calculate Gravel for Any Project

Whether you're building a gravel driveway, filling a walkway, or laying a drainage bed, getting the right amount of gravel is essential. Too little means a second delivery trip (and double the delivery fee). Too much means wasted money sitting in your yard.

The formula is straightforward: Length × Width × Depth = Cubic Feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply by the gravel density (about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for most types) to get tons.

Gravel Depth Guide by Project

Project	Recommended Depth	Notes
Driveway	4–6 inches	Use 3 layers: base, middle, surface
Walking Path	2–3 inches	Lighter traffic needs less depth
Patio Base	4 inches	Compact thoroughly before paving
French Drain	6–12 inches	Use clean washed stone for drainage
Landscaping Bed	2–3 inches	Decorative gravel or river rock
Retaining Wall Backfill	12+ inches	Critical for drainage behind wall
Shed / Building Pad	4–6 inches	Level and compact with plate compactor

Gravel Types and Cost Comparison (2026)

Type	Cost per Ton	Best For
Crushed Limestone	$30–$45	Driveways, base layers, parking areas
Pea Gravel	$25–$55	Walkways, patios, around pavers
River Rock	$40–$75	Landscaping, dry creek beds, decorative
Decomposed Granite	$35–$50	Pathways, xeriscape, rustic patios
Crushed Concrete	$15–$30	Budget driveways, base material
Decorative Gravel	$50–$100	Accent areas, high-visibility landscaping

How to Build a Proper Gravel Driveway

A driveway that lasts requires three layers, each serving a different purpose:

Base layer (4 inches): #3 crushed stone (1.5–2 inch pieces). Provides structure and drainage. Compact with a plate compactor or roller.
Middle layer (2 inches): #57 stone (¾–1 inch pieces). Fills gaps in the base and creates a stable transition layer.
Surface layer (2 inches): #411 crusher run or pea gravel. Provides the finished driving surface. Fine material locks together and reduces rutting.

Total depth should be 6–8 inches. Expect roughly 1.5 tons of gravel per 100 square feet at 4 inches deep. For a 12 × 50 ft driveway, budget 7–9 tons total.

Money-Saving Tips for Gravel Projects

Buy by the truckload: Buying 10+ tons at once typically saves 20–30% per ton compared to small loads.
Use recycled concrete: At $15–$30/ton, it's the cheapest option and works great for base layers and low-visibility areas.
Get multiple delivery quotes: Delivery fees vary wildly. Some yards include delivery over a certain tonnage.
Compact properly: Well-compacted gravel needs less material to achieve the same depth and lasts longer.
Add fabric underneath: Landscape fabric ($0.10–$0.30/sq ft) prevents gravel from sinking into soil, saving you from having to add more later.

Coverage: How Far Does a Ton of Gravel Go?

One ton of gravel covers approximately:

2 inches deep: 100 sq ft
3 inches deep: 70 sq ft
4 inches deep: 50 sq ft
6 inches deep: 35 sq ft

These are approximate figures for typical crushed stone. Lighter materials like pea gravel cover slightly more area per ton.