Driveway Gravel Calculator
A gravel driveway is built in layers, and each layer is a different stone. Get the tons and cubic yards for the base, middle and top layers in one go.
A typical gravel driveway is about 11–12 in of stone in three layers: 4 in of large #3 stone, 4 in of #57, and 3–4 in of crusher run on top. A 10 × 50 ft driveway with 4 + 4 + 3 in needs roughly 25 tons of stone in total.
Driveway layers explained
| Layer | Stone | Depth | Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | #3 stone (1–2 in) | 4–6 in | Spreads the load and lets water drain |
| Middle | #57 stone (¾–1 in) | 4 in | Locks into the base and fills gaps |
| Top | Crusher run / #411 with fines | 2–4 in | Packs into a smooth, hard driving surface |
Total stone for common driveway sizes (4 + 4 + 3 in)
| Driveway | Tons | Cubic yards |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 30 ft | 15.2 | 10.6 |
| 10 × 50 ft | 25.3 | 17.7 |
| 12 × 50 ft | 30.3 | 21.2 |
| 12 × 100 ft | 60.6 | 42.4 |
| 20 × 40 ft | 40.4 | 28.3 |
Ordering more than about 13 tons? That is usually more than one tandem dump-truck load; ask your supplier about delivery minimums and split loads.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length × width in feet by the depth of each layer in inches, divide by 324 for cubic yards, and multiply by about 1.4 tons per yard (1.5 for crusher run). Add the layers. A 10 × 50 ft driveway at 11 in total needs roughly 23–25 tons.
What is the best gravel for a driveway?
Angular crushed stone, not rounded pea gravel or river rock, because angular stones lock together. Use large #3 stone at the bottom, #57 in the middle and crusher run (#411) with fines on top.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
About 8–12 in of stone in total over compacted subgrade and woven geotextile fabric. Soft or clay soils need the deeper end; a refresh of an existing driveway may only need 2–3 in on top.
How many tons of gravel does a dump truck hold?
A tandem-axle dump truck typically carries about 10–15 tons, and a single-axle truck about 5–7 tons. Your supplier will tell you their load sizes and minimums.
Do I need fabric under a gravel driveway?
It is strongly recommended. Woven geotextile keeps the base stone from sinking into soft soil, so the driveway needs far less topping up over the years.
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Densities are typical supplier figures for dry material (1.35–1.5 tons per cubic yard); wet, washed or very coarse stone can differ, so check your yard's number. Crusher run adds 15% for compaction. Bags are 0.5 cu ft. Prices are placeholders to edit.