Gravel Driveway Calculator
Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard, but driveways are measured in feet — and that unit mismatch is why so many people order 30% short. This calculator converts your driveway's dimensions into both tons and yards of crushed stone, and tells you how the total splits across base and surface layers.
How this calculator works
Volume = length × width × depth ÷ 27 for cubic yards; tons = yards × 1.4 (the typical density of compacted crushed stone). A new driveway is built in layers: 3–4" of large #3 stone as the base, then 2–3" of #57 stone, topped with 2" of crusher run or #411 that packs into a hard surface. The calculator shows a suggested per-layer split of your total.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a 50 ft driveway?
A 50 × 12 ft driveway at 6" total depth is about 11 cubic yards ≈ 15.5 tons. At typical delivered prices of $25–$60 per ton, that's $390–$960 in stone — always cheaper per ton in a full dump-truck load (usually 10–14 tons) than in partial loads.
What's the best gravel for a driveway top layer?
Crusher run (a.k.a. #411 or dense-grade aggregate) — a mix of 3/4" stone and stone dust that compacts into an almost pavement-like surface. Clean #57 stone stays looser and shifts under tires; it's better as a middle layer than a driving surface.
Do I need fabric under a gravel driveway?
On clay or soft soil, yes — geotextile fabric ($0.30–$0.60/sq ft) keeps the stone from sinking into the subgrade and can halve the gravel you'll need in re-dressing over the years. On well-drained sandy soil it's optional.