Gravel Driveway Calculator
Driveways need a thicker, layered gravel install — not just a single dump. Enter your driveway and we'll size the base layer, surface layer, and total tonnage.
Advanced options
- Driveway area
- 0 sq ft
- Base layer (roadbase / crushed)
- 0 tons
- Surface layer (3/4" minus / decorative)
- 0 tons
- Total volume
- 0 cu yd
- Estimated cost
- —
How the gravel driveway calculator works
A proper gravel driveway is two layers, not one:
- Base layer — 4 inches (10 cm) of crushed roadbase or 3/4" minus. This is the structural part. Compacted to about 90% with a vibratory plate. Without a proper base, the surface layer disappears into the soil within a year.
- Surface layer — 2 inches (5 cm) of 3/4" minus (graded for traffic) or decorative gravel (for aesthetics). This is the layer you see and drive on. Replenished every 3–5 years as it migrates and packs in.
Refresh installs are surface-only — replacing the migrated 1–2" of gravel that's worn down or scattered. Skip the base layer if your existing driveway has a solid foundation.
Density (used to convert volume to tonnage)
Gravel density varies by type. We use 1.5 tons/cu yd (1.78 tonnes/m³) as the average for crushed-stone roadbase. Tighter-graded materials run higher (up to 1.8); pea gravel and lava rock run lower.
What you don't see in this calc
- Geotextile fabric — recommended under the base on clay or boggy soil. Adds $0.30–$0.60/sq ft. Without it, fines from the soil migrate up into your gravel.
- Edging — wood, metal, or stone edging keeps gravel out of the lawn. ~$2–6/linear ft for treated wood; $3–10 for metal; $10–25 for stone borders.
- Crown / drainage — every gravel driveway should have a 1–2% crown (slight ridge in the center) so water sheds to both sides. Built into the grading, not a material.
- Compactor rental — vibratory plate $60–80/day. Essential for the base layer.
Common questions
Why does my gravel driveway always have potholes?
Almost always: insufficient base depth or no compaction. 4 in / 10 cm of compacted crushed-stone base on a clay subgrade is the minimum for vehicle traffic. On boggy or sandy soils, double that and add geotextile underneath. Once the base fails, no amount of new surface gravel fixes it — you have to dig out and rebuild.
What gravel size for a driveway?
The base layer is "3/4" minus" (or "Class II base" in some regions) — crushed angular stone with fines that lock together when compacted. The surface layer can match (drives quietly, packs well) or be smaller decorative gravel like pea gravel (looks nicer but rolls underfoot and migrates more). Avoid round river rock — it doesn't lock together and shifts permanently.
How much does a new gravel driveway cost?
For a typical 12×50 ft driveway (600 sq ft): materials $400–$900, plus delivery $100–$200 from local pit/yard. DIY install adds compactor rental ($60–80/day) and a weekend. Full installed cost from a contractor: $1,500–$3,500 for new install. See the gravel cost guide for detailed pricing.
For other gravel uses (drainage, walkways), see the general gravel calculator.