Free Gravel Driveway Calculator (Tons & Yards)
Gravel Driveway Calculator
Quick estimate for cubic yards, tons & material costs
Estimate Your Material Costs in Seconds
Planning a new driveway or refreshing an existing gravel surface can be frustrating when you’re trying to figure out how much material to order. This Gravel Driveway Calculator solves the most common problem homeowners face: you measure your project in feet, but suppliers sell gravel by the ton. Understanding driveway gravel cost before placing your order prevents expensive mistakes like over-ordering (wasting money on excess material) or under-ordering (paying premium delivery fees for a second trip). This tool instantly converts your driveway dimensions into both cubic yards and estimated tons, giving you the precise numbers needed to budget accurately and order confidently. If you are planning to pour a permanent slab instead of using stone, check out our Concrete Slab Calculator.
Whether you’re installing a brand-new driveway, adding a parking pad, or topping off an existing surface, accurate material estimates are essential. Gravel suppliers typically sell materials like #57 stone or crusher run by the ton, with prices varying based on stone type, delivery distance, and order size. Without proper calculations, you’re left guessing—and guessing costs money.
This calculator eliminates the confusion by doing the math for you. Enter your driveway length, width, and desired depth, and you’ll receive instant calculations for total volume (cubic yards) and estimated weight (tons). Most residential driveways require between 4 to 8 tons of gravel depending on size and depth, with typical costs ranging from $30 to $60 per ton delivered.
How to Use This Gravel Driveway Calculator
Getting accurate estimates for your driveway project takes just three simple steps:
1. Measure Your Driveway Length and Width
Use a tape measure or measuring wheel to determine the total length and width of your driveway area in feet. For irregularly shaped driveways, break the space into rectangular sections and calculate each separately. You’ll add the totals together to determine your final material requirements.
2. Choose Your Depth (Recommended 4-6 Inches)
The depth of your gravel layer depends on your intended use and traffic patterns:
- 4 inches — Suitable for light foot traffic, garden paths, or decorative applications where vehicles won’t regularly drive
- 6 inches — Standard depth for residential driveways with regular passenger vehicle traffic; provides proper load distribution
- 8+ inches — Required for heavy vehicles, commercial use, or areas with poor soil drainage and frequent freeze-thaw cycles
Most residential driveways perform best with 6 inches of compacted gravel. If you’re building over soft soil, clay, or poorly drained areas, consider adding an extra 1-2 inches to account for settling and compaction over time.
3. Get Your Total Weight (Tons) and Volume (Yards)
Once you enter your measurements, the calculator instantly provides three critical numbers:
- Total Cubic Yards — The volume of material needed, useful for comparing bulk pricing between suppliers
- Estimated Tons — The weight of material to order; this is how most quarries and gravel suppliers price their products
- Optional 10% Waste Buffer — Accounts for material compaction, spillage during delivery, and uneven base preparation
These calculations give you everything needed to contact local suppliers, compare delivered prices, and place your order with confidence. Since gravel is almost always sold by the ton rather than by the yard, the weight calculation is particularly important for getting accurate cost estimates and avoiding surprise charges when the dump truck arrives.
Why Accurate Calculations Matter
Ordering the wrong amount of gravel creates two expensive problems. Under-ordering means paying delivery fees twice—most suppliers charge $50 to $150 per delivery, regardless of load size. Over-ordering leaves you with piles of excess stone that you’ll need to either spread elsewhere or pay to have removed. A typical dump truck load contains 10 to 15 tons of material, so even small calculation errors can result in significant overage or shortage.
Professional landscapers and contractors always include a waste factor in their estimates because gravel compacts significantly during installation. What measures as 10 cubic yards loose will compact to approximately 8.5 to 9 cubic yards after proper tamping and settling. Base irregularities, spillage during spreading, and material stuck to equipment also contribute to real-world waste that pure mathematical calculations don’t account for.
Pro Tip: Always enable the 10% waste buffer when ordering gravel for driveways. It’s far better to have a small amount of leftover stone (which you can use for pathways or landscaping) than to stop mid-project because you’re short half a ton and need to schedule another expensive delivery.
How to Calculate Gravel Tonnage
Understanding how to convert cubic yards to tons is essential when ordering gravel, since most suppliers price their materials by weight rather than volume. The conversion depends on the density of the stone you’re ordering, but there’s a reliable standard formula that works for most driveway aggregates.
The Tonnage Formula
Cubic Yards × 1.4 = Tons
This calculation is based on standard dense aggregate weighing approximately 2,800 pounds per cubic yard. Since one ton equals 2,000 pounds, dividing 2,800 by 2,000 gives us the 1.4 conversion factor. This number applies to most common driveway materials including crusher run, #57 stone, and similar crushed aggregates.
Example Calculation:
If your driveway measures 50 feet long by 12 feet wide with a 6-inch depth:
- Volume = 50 × 12 × 0.5 = 300 cubic feet
- Convert to yards: 300 ÷ 27 = 11.11 cubic yards
- Convert to tons: 11.11 × 1.4 = 15.56 tons
With the 10% waste buffer applied, you’d order approximately 17 tons to ensure complete coverage and account for compaction.
Why Density Matters
Different stone types have slightly different densities. Lightweight aggregates like expanded shale may weigh only 1,600 pounds per cubic yard, while dense trap rock can exceed 3,000 pounds per yard. However, the 1.4 multiplier remains accurate for the most common driveway materials you’ll encounter at local quarries and landscape suppliers.
When calling suppliers for quotes, always confirm the material type and ask about their recommended tonnage for your specific project. Experienced quarry operators factor in compaction rates and typical waste, so their estimates may differ slightly from pure mathematical calculations.
Best Stone for Driveways: #57 Stone vs Crusher Run
Choosing the right gravel type dramatically affects your driveway’s performance, longevity, and maintenance requirements. The two most popular options for residential driveways are crusher run and #57 stone, each serving different purposes in proper driveway construction.
Crusher Run (Base Layer Champion)
Crusher run—also called “crush and run” or “dense grade aggregate”—is a mixture of crushed stone and stone dust that packs down extremely hard when compacted. This material typically contains stones ranging from 3/4 inch down to fine dust particles, creating a dense, interlocking base that resists shifting under vehicle weight.
Why Crusher Run Works:
- The stone dust fills voids between larger rocks, creating a cement-like surface when compacted
- Provides excellent load distribution, preventing rutting and depression formation
- Creates a stable base that won’t shift or migrate under regular traffic
- More affordable than washed stone (typically $5 to $10 less per ton)
- Ideal for the bottom 4 inches of a two-layer driveway system
Most professional driveway installations use crusher run as the foundational base layer. When properly compacted with a plate compactor or roller, it forms a rock-solid surface that can support heavy vehicles without developing the washboard effect common in poorly constructed gravel driveways.
Typical Cost: $25 to $40 per ton delivered, depending on your distance from the quarry.
#57 Stone (Drainage & Top Layer)
#57 stone—sometimes called “#57 gravel” or “57 clean stone”—consists of uniformly sized crushed stone, typically 3/4 inch in diameter, that has been washed to remove all dust and fines. This clean stone allows water to drain freely through the gaps between rocks, making it ideal for areas with drainage concerns or as a top dressing over crusher run.
Why #57 Stone Works:
- Excellent drainage prevents water pooling and ice formation
- Clean, uniform appearance looks more finished than crusher run
- Won’t track dust into garages or homes like crusher run can
- Perfect for the top 2 inches of a two-layer driveway system
- Reduces mud problems in wet climates or poor-draining soil
The main limitation of #57 stone is that it doesn’t compact firmly. Without the binding effect of stone dust, the rocks remain loose and can shift under tires, especially during turning or braking. This is why #57 stone works best as a top layer over a compacted crusher run base, combining drainage benefits with structural stability.
Typical Cost: $30 to $50 per ton delivered, with the premium reflecting the washing and screening process.
The Two-Layer System (Professional Approach)
For the longest-lasting driveway, most contractors recommend a two-layer installation:
- Base Layer: 4 inches of crusher run, compacted firmly
- Top Layer: 2 inches of #57 stone for drainage and appearance
This combination provides structural stability from the crusher run base while maintaining proper drainage through the #57 stone top layer. Total depth of 6 inches meets residential driveway standards and distributes vehicle weight effectively.
Pea Gravel (Not Recommended for Driveways)
Pea gravel—small, rounded stones typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter—is popular for walkways, landscaping, and decorative applications, but it performs poorly for driveways. The smooth, round shape prevents the stones from locking together, causing them to roll and shift under vehicle tires.
Why Pea Gravel Fails for Driveways:
- Rounded stones don’t interlock, creating an unstable surface
- Tires push stones sideways, forming ruts and bare spots quickly
- Requires constant raking and redistribution to maintain appearance
- Stones migrate into lawns and landscaping beds
- Vehicle turning creates deep grooves that worsen over time
Better Uses for Pea Gravel: Garden paths, dog runs, playground surfaces, drainage areas, and decorative ground cover around plants. For these applications, pea gravel typically costs $35 to $55 per ton.
If you’re building a driveway, stick with angular crushed stone like crusher run or #57 stone. Save pea gravel for areas where aesthetics matter more than load-bearing capacity.
Estimated Gravel Price Per Ton
Understanding typical gravel price per ton helps you budget accurately before contacting suppliers. Prices vary significantly based on your geographic location, the type of stone you select, proximity to quarries, and current fuel costs affecting delivery. However, these averages provide a reliable baseline for estimating your total driveway gravel cost.
Current Average Pricing by Material Type
Crusher Run: $30 – $50 per ton
- Most economical option for driveway bases
- Price increases with distance from quarry
- Bulk orders (15+ tons) often qualify for volume discounts
- Typically the least expensive option per ton
Clean Stone (#57): $40 – $65 per ton
- Mid-range pricing reflects washing and screening costs
- Premium over crusher run due to processing requirements
- More expensive in areas without local crushed stone quarries
- Price varies based on stone type (limestone vs granite vs trap rock)
Pea Gravel: $50 – $80 per ton
- Highest price point due to additional processing
- Decorative quality drives premium pricing
- Often sold in smaller quantities at retail (bags or cubic yards)
- Not recommended for driveways despite the attractive appearance
These prices represent the material cost only and typically assume delivery within a reasonable distance from the quarry or supplier yard (usually 10-20 miles). Remote locations or difficult-to-access properties may incur additional charges.
Regional Price Variations
Gravel price per ton fluctuates significantly by region based on several factors:
Lower-Cost Regions ($25-$35 per ton for crusher run):
- Areas near active quarries and stone processing facilities
- Rural locations with abundant natural stone deposits
- Regions with multiple competing suppliers
- Lower fuel costs and shorter delivery distances
Higher-Cost Regions ($50-$70 per ton for crusher run):
- Urban areas far from natural stone sources
- Coastal regions requiring long-distance trucking
- Areas with limited quarry competition
- Locations with strict environmental regulations affecting quarry operations
Always request quotes from at least three local suppliers. Prices can vary by 30% or more between competitors in the same area, especially when comparing delivered pricing that includes both material and transportation costs.
How Much Does a Dump Truck Load Cost?
Most gravel suppliers deliver by the dump truck load, with total costs depending on truck size, material type, and delivery distance. Understanding standard truck capacities helps you communicate effectively with suppliers and avoid confusion when receiving price quotes.
Standard Single-Axle Dump Truck (Small Load)
Capacity: Approximately 6 tons (4-7 ton range) Typical Total Cost: $250 – $400 delivered
A single-axle dump truck—often called a “one-ton” or “single-axle” truck—is ideal for smaller residential projects like:
- Small driveway repairs or patches
- Garden pathways and walkways
- Modest parking pads (10×12 feet or smaller)
- Top-dressing existing driveways with 1-2 inches of fresh stone
When to Order a Single-Axle Load: Use this size when your calculator shows you need less than 7 tons. Keep in mind that many suppliers charge a minimum delivery fee regardless of load size, so very small orders (2-3 tons) may not be cost-effective. In those cases, consider bagged material from local home improvement stores or splitting a larger delivery with a neighbor.
Large Tri-Axle Dump Truck (Full Load)
Capacity: Approximately 22 tons (18-25 ton range) Typical Total Cost: $800 – $1,200 delivered
A tri-axle dump truck—also called a “tandem” or “tri-axle”—handles full-size residential driveway installations. This truck size is appropriate for:
- New driveway construction (standard 50×12 foot driveway with 6-inch depth)
- Large driveway resurfacing projects
- Multiple smaller projects combined into one delivery
- Commercial or farm lane applications
When to Order a Tri-Axle Load: If your calculator shows you need more than 8 tons, a full tri-axle load becomes more economical per ton than multiple smaller deliveries. The per-ton cost drops significantly with larger orders—often $5-$10 per ton less than small load pricing.
Cost Breakdown Example:
For a standard 50×12 foot driveway at 6 inches deep:
- Calculator result: ~17 tons needed
- Tri-axle load: 22 tons delivered at $45/ton = $990
- Cost per ton: $45
- Excess material: 5 tons (can be used for additional projects or spreading)
Versus multiple small loads:
- Three single-axle loads: 3 × $350 = $1,050
- Higher per-ton cost due to multiple delivery fees
- More inconvenient (three separate delivery appointments)
Delivery Fees and Mileage Charges
Most suppliers include delivery in their quoted price for local orders, but gravel delivery cost increases substantially with distance. Understanding how delivery fees work prevents surprise charges when the truck arrives.
Typical Delivery Fee Structures:
Included Delivery Zone (0-10 miles from supplier):
- Often included in the per-ton price
- May be listed as “free delivery” with minimum order (typically 5-10 tons)
- Standard service area for most quarries and suppliers
Extended Delivery Zone (10-25 miles):
- Additional $2-$5 per mile beyond the free delivery radius
- May be charged as a flat extended delivery fee ($50-$100)
- Calculated from supplier location to your property
Remote Delivery (25+ miles):
- Significant surcharges apply, often $5-$8 per mile
- May require special arrangement or scheduling
- Some suppliers won’t deliver beyond a certain radius
Additional Delivery Considerations:
- Difficult Access: Narrow driveways, steep grades, or soft ground may incur extra fees ($50-$150)
- Waiting Time: If the driver must wait for you to move vehicles or clear the drop area, hourly charges may apply
- Weekend/After-Hours: Deliveries outside normal business hours typically cost 20-30% more
- Multiple Drops: Splitting one load into two locations usually adds $75-$150 per additional drop
Money-Saving Tip: Always ask for the “delivered price” that includes all fees rather than just the per-ton material cost. Request a written quote showing the breakdown: material cost + delivery fee + any additional charges. This prevents disputes when the driver arrives and ensures you’re comparing apples-to-apples pricing between suppliers.
If you’re located more than 15 miles from the nearest quarry, consider whether picking up material yourself with a trailer might be more economical—though few homeowners have equipment capable of hauling 10+ tons safely and legally.
💡 Pro-Tip: Planning a garden path or flower bed next to your new driveway?
Use our Mulch Calculator to finish your landscaping project →
