Gravel Driveway Material Calculator
Estimate gravel tonnage and cubic yards for a rural driveway by length, width, and depth.
Common questions
- How many tons of gravel do I need for my driveway?
- Multiply length x width x depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, add 10-20% for compaction, then multiply by your material's tons per cubic yard. A 100x10 ft driveway at 4 inches works out to about 12 cubic yards before waste.
- What is tons per cubic yard and why does the calculator ask for it?
- Gravel is sold by weight but measured by volume, so the conversion depends on the specific material and its moisture content. Values near 1.4 are a common starting point, but your supplier's figure for the exact product is the one to use.
- How much extra should I add for compaction?
- Add 10-20% to cover compaction, spread waste, and edge crown. The calculator applies this as the compaction/waste percentage.
- Should I subtract the gravel already on my driveway?
- Yes, if the existing layer is still sound and locked up. The calculator sizes the new material you are adding, so enter the depth of the new lift rather than the total finished depth you want.