BuildCalc Guides · Gravel
How Many Yards of Gravel for a Driveway?
Gravel driveways are 10x cheaper than concrete or asphalt — but only when you order the right amount of the right gravel. Here is the math, the layer plan, and how to avoid the rutting problem.
The math
- Cubic feet = length × width × depth (in feet). 12 × 40 × (4 ÷ 12) = 160 ft³.
- Cubic yards = 160 ÷ 27 = 5.93 yd³.
- Tons = yd³ × ~1.35. 5.93 × 1.35 = ~8 tons for crushed stone.
- Order amount: round up to the supplier's minimum increment. Most yards sell in 0.5 or 1 yd³ increments — order 6 yd³.
By driveway size
Common driveway dimensions at the two most common depths.
| Driveway | Depth | Yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft | 4" | 2.5 | 3.4 |
| 12 × 40 ft | 4" | 5.9 | 8.0 |
| 12 × 40 ft | 6" | 8.9 | 12.0 |
| 16 × 40 ft | 4" | 7.9 | 10.7 |
| 20 × 40 ft | 4" | 9.9 | 13.3 |
| 20 × 60 ft | 6" | 22.2 | 30.0 |
Tons assume crushed stone at ~2,700 lb/yd³. Order 0.5 to 1 yd³ extra for compaction settling.
The two-layer build
A driveway that lasts gets built in layers, each one with a job:
- Geotextile fabric (optional but recommended on clay) — separates the soil from the stone so gravel does not sink into mud.
- Base layer: 4 inches of #57 or 3/4 inch clean crushed stone. Drains well, locks together when compacted, supports loads.
- Top layer: 2 inches of crusher run (3/4 inch stone with dust). Compacts to a hard, uniform driving surface.
- Compact each layer with a vibratory plate compactor or roller before adding the next.
Common gravel types
- #57 stone: 3/4 inch clean crushed limestone or granite. Drains well, locks together, standard for base layers and french drains.
- Crusher run (CR-6, ABC): 3/4 inch stone with fine dust. Compacts hard. The top-layer choice for driveways.
- Pea gravel: 3/8 inch rounded river stone. Looks nice, terrible for driveways — never compacts, shifts under tires.
- River rock: 1 to 3 inch rounded stone. Decorative only, not structural.
Calculate for your own driveway
Length, width and depth — BuildCalc returns yards, tons and price per yard. Works for driveways, patios, french drains and shed bases.
Open the gravel calculator →FAQ
How many yards of gravel do I need for a driveway?+
For a 12 × 40 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you need about 5.93 cubic yards of gravel (roughly 8 tons). Double the length and you need 12 yards; double the depth (8 in) and you need 12 yards.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?+
Most crushed stone and gravel weighs 2,700 to 2,800 lb per cubic yard — call it 1.35 tons per yard. Pea gravel is lighter at ~2,800 lb/yd³; crushed limestone is ~2,700 lb/yd³. A 6-yard driveway is about 8 tons.
What type of gravel is best for a driveway?+
A two-layer build is standard: 4 inches of #57 or 3/4 inch clean crushed stone on the bottom for drainage, topped with 2 inches of crusher run (a mix of stone dust and 3/4 inch stone) that compacts to a hard wearing surface. Pea gravel looks nice but does not compact — it shifts under tires.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?+
6 to 8 inches total for a residential driveway: 4 inches of base stone + 2 to 4 inches of crusher-run topping. On clay or wet soil, dig down further and add a geotextile fabric layer before the stone to keep the gravel from sinking into the mud.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?+
For a 12 × 40 ft driveway: 6 yards delivered crushed stone at $30 to $50 per yard = $180 to $300, plus delivery $50 to $150 = $230 to $450. Installation by a contractor (grading, geofabric, two-layer install, compaction) is typically $1 to $3 per sq ft = $500 to $1,500 for the same driveway.
How do I keep gravel from spreading and rutting?+
Three things: edge restraint (landscape timbers, paver edge, or concrete curbs), proper crown (1/4 inch per foot — center higher than edges so water sheds), and the right top layer (crusher run with dust, not clean pea gravel). Re-grade and add fresh stone every 2 to 3 years.
Related guides
- How many bags of concrete for a driveway? — for upgrading from gravel to concrete.
- How many cubic feet in a cubic yard? — the conversion behind every gravel order.