Free estimate — verify against local code before building
Gravel Calculator
Turn area and depth into tons of gravel by material, with a compaction allowance, bag comparison, and dump-truck load count.
What this calculator includes
Measure the driveway, pad, or path, pick the material, and the calculator converts area and depth into cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons using a per-material placed density — crusher run runs heavier than river rock, and the difference shows up on the scale ticket. Compacted materials get an editable 15% allowance so the finished lift still hits target depth, the order rounds up to the supplier's half-ton increment, and the total is planned into tandem dump-truck loads. Density and every price stay editable because quarries and haulers vary.
How to use this gravel calculator
- 01
Measure the footprint
Enter length and width in feet. For an L-shaped or curved drive, split it into rectangles, run each section, and add the tons together.
- 02
Pick material and depth
Choose the stone; each material carries its own placed density in tons per cubic yard. Driveways want at least 4 inches over fabric — go deeper for soft subgrade and place anything over 4 inches in compacted lifts.
- 03
Set the compaction allowance
Crusher run and decomposed granite compact roughly 15% when rolled, so the calculator adds volume to keep the finished depth. Loose decorative stone like pea gravel and river rock stays near 0%. The percentage is editable.
- 04
Price and plan delivery
Enter the quarry's price per ton and delivery fee. The order rounds up to a half ton, and the load count plans on a roughly 10-ton tandem — confirm the actual truck capacity and site access with the hauler.
Calculation sources and review
Primary references and formula assumptions are linked so you can verify them against the selected product, supplier, and adopted local requirements.
Internal formula review completed July 13, 2026. What this review covers
- National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (opens in a new tab)
Trade association for construction aggregates; production and use references.
- Federal Highway Administration (opens in a new tab)
Publishes the Gravel Roads Construction & Maintenance Guide, including lift and compaction practice.
- ASTM International (opens in a new tab)
ASTM C33 defines standard aggregate gradations, including No. 57 stone.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.3 to 1.5 tons depending on the stone: crusher run runs about 1.5 tons/yd³ placed, crushed #57 and decomposed granite about 1.4, pea gravel about 1.35, and river rock about 1.3. Use the quarry's density for the final order.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Plan at least 4 inches of compacted base over geotextile fabric for a car driveway; 6 to 8 inches total is common over soft ground, placed as a compacted base course with a 2 inch top course. Compact anything over 4 inches in separate lifts.
How many tons does a dump truck hold?
A single-axle dump truck hauls about 5 tons and a tandem-axle about 10 to 14 tons. This calculator plans loads at 10 tons per truck, so confirm the hauler's actual capacity and whether the site has room to dump.
What is crusher run and when should I use it?
Crusher run (road base) is crushed stone with fines that locks tight when compacted, which makes it the standard base under driveways, sheds, and pavers. Use clean stone like #57 or pea gravel for drainage layers and decorative surfaces instead.
How much extra gravel should I add for compaction?
About 15% for materials that get rolled or plate-compacted, like crusher run and decomposed granite, so the compacted layer still reaches target depth. Loose-placed decorative stone needs little or none — the allowance is editable either way.