Gravel Calculator

How to Use This Gravel Calculator

Select your area shape (rectangle or circle), enter the dimensions in feet, and set the desired depth in inches. Choose your gravel type — the density (tons per cubic yard) updates automatically, but you can also enter a custom value. The calculator instantly shows cubic yards, tons, and optional cost based on price per ton or cubic yard.

The formula is: Cubic Yards = (Area in sq ft × Depth in inches) ÷ 324. Tons are calculated by multiplying cubic yards by the gravel's density factor. A standard gravel driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 1.2 cubic yards per 100 square feet.

Gravel Driveway: Crushed Stone, Pea Gravel & What You Actually Need

A gravel driveway is one of the most cost-effective ways to surface a driveway — typically $1-3 per square foot compared to $4-8 for asphalt and $8-15 for concrete. But choosing the right gravel type, depth, and installation approach makes the difference between a driveway that lasts 20 years and one that washes out in the first heavy rain. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Crushed Stone vs. Pea Gravel vs. Limestone

Not all gravel is the same. Each type has distinct properties that affect stability, drainage, appearance, and cost:

• Crushed Stone (Crusher Run / #57 Stone): Angular, interlocking particles that compact into a firm, stable surface. The best choice for the base layer of any driveway. #57 stone (3/4" to 1") is the most popular driveway specification. Best for: driveways, heavy-traffic areas, base layers.
• Pea Gravel: Small, smooth, rounded stones (about 3/8" in diameter) in natural brown and tan tones. Looks beautiful but does not compact well and shifts under tires. Works for low-traffic paths and decorative areas, but needs edging to contain it. Best for: garden paths, patios, decorative areas.
• Limestone: Light-colored, angular stone that compacts well and provides excellent drainage. Tends to be more affordable in the Midwest. Limestone screenings (fines) create a nearly concrete-like surface when compacted. Best for: driveways in the Midwest, budget-friendly projects.
• River Rock: Larger, rounded stones (1-3 inches) in varied colors. Too large and round for driveways — tires slip on it. Best for: drainage ditches, decorative borders, dry creek beds.
• Decomposed Granite: Granite weathered into fine particles with small rock fragments. Compacts to a surface almost as hard as concrete. Popular in the Southwest. Best for: paths, patios, and driveways in arid climates.

Standard Depths for Different Applications

• Driveway (passenger vehicles): 4-6 inches total, in two layers: 4" base layer + 2" top layer
• Driveway (heavy vehicles / poor soil): 6-8 inches total
• Garden path / walkway: 2-3 inches
• Patio base: 4-6 inches of compacted base + 1 inch of leveling sand
• French drain / drainage: Surrounding gravel envelope, typically 6-12 inches

Do You Need Landscape Fabric?

Yes, use a geotextile fabric underlayment between the soil and your gravel base. Here's why:

• Separation: Prevents gravel from mixing with the underlying soil. Without fabric, gravel gradually sinks into soft soil and mud pumps up through the stone layer.
• Weed prevention: While not a complete weed barrier, fabric significantly reduces weeds growing up through your driveway.
• Longevity: A driveway with proper fabric underlayment can go 5-10 years longer between resurfacing than one without.

Use a non-woven geotextile fabric rated for driveway use (4-8 oz per square yard). Avoid cheap black plastic sheeting — it traps water and creates a muddy mess. Landscape fabric costs about $0.30-0.60 per square foot and is worth every penny.

How to Install a Gravel Driveway: Step by Step

1. Excavate: Remove 6-8 inches of soil across the entire driveway area. Slope slightly to one or both sides (1-2% grade) for drainage.
2. Grade and compact: Use a plate compactor or hand tamper to compact the subgrade soil. This prevents future settling.
3. Install edging: Metal, plastic, or pressure-treated lumber edging along the sides keeps gravel contained.
4. Lay geotextile fabric: Roll out across the entire excavated area, overlapping seams by 12-18 inches.
5. Spread base layer: 4-6 inches of #57 crushed stone or crusher run. Compact thoroughly with a plate compactor.
6. Spread top layer: 2-3 inches of finer gravel (#411 or limestone screenings). Compact again.
7. Maintain: Rake periodically to redistribute gravel. Add a fresh top layer every 3-5 years as stones migrate.

Gravel Driveway Cost Breakdown

For a typical 12×50 foot (600 sq ft) single-lane driveway at 4 inches deep:

• Gravel (10.4 tons @ $35/ton): ~$364
• Geotextile fabric (600 sq ft @ $0.45): ~$270
• Metal edging (100 linear ft @ $3): ~$300
• Equipment rental (plate compactor): ~$80/day
• Delivery fee: $50-150 (varies by distance and quantity)
• Total DIY cost: Approximately $1,000-1,200

Professional installation typically adds $500-1,000 in labor. Compared to $3,000-4,000 for asphalt or $6,000-9,000 for concrete, gravel offers significant savings — and it's one of the few driveway materials that a homeowner can install themselves over a weekend.