How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?
A gravel driveway is one of the most affordable ways to surface a driveway, but ordering the right amount takes three numbers: the area, the depth, and the type of stone. Here is how to work it out — and how deep to actually go.
1. Measure the area
Multiply the length by the width in feet to get the area in square feet. For an L-shaped or irregular drive, split it into rectangles, work out each one, and add them together.
2. Decide how deep to go
A driveway needs more than a single layer. For a brand-new driveway over bare soil, the best practice is a two- or three-layer build totalling about 8–12 inches:
- Base (~4 in): large angular stone (#3, roughly 2–3 in) for drainage and load support.
- Middle (~4 in): #57 stone (about ¾ in) to bind the base.
- Top (2–4 in): smaller crushed stone or pea gravel for the finished surface.
If you are simply topping up an existing driveway, 2–3 inches of fresh stone is usually plenty.
3. Choose the right gravel
Crushed stone such as #57 is the go-to for driveways because the angular pieces lock together and stay put. Pea gravel looks attractive but rolls under tires, so it works best as a top layer held in by edging. Avoid smooth river rock for the driving surface.
4. Calculate the amount
Multiply area by depth for the volume, convert to cubic yards (27 cubic feet make one cubic yard), and to tons (crushed stone is roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard). Order about 10% extra because gravel compacts as it is driven on.
Open the gravel calculator → Enter your length, width, and depth to get the exact cubic yards and tons for your driveway.
Ordering tips
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton and usually delivered; a typical dump truck carries about 10–13 tons. Because loose stone compacts by roughly 20% once spread and driven on, it is better to round up than to come up short and pay a second delivery fee.
Frequently asked questions
- How many tons of gravel for a 2-car driveway?
- A typical 20 ft × 20 ft (400 ft²) driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 5 cubic yards, or roughly 7 tons of crushed stone. Add 10% for compaction.
- How deep should driveway gravel be?
- A new gravel driveway over bare soil should total 8–12 inches across two or three layers. To top up an existing driveway, 2–3 inches of fresh stone is usually enough.
- What is the best gravel for a driveway?
- Angular crushed stone such as #57 is the most popular for the surface because the pieces lock together. Rounded river rock and loose pea gravel shift under tires.
Last updated June 2026.