Gravel Driveway Calculator
Buy Gravel Driveway at Home Depot →How this calculator works
This is the gravel calculator tuned for driveways specifically: it defaults to a 5-inch depth (the middle of the typical 4-6 inch driveway range) instead of the generic 4-inch default, since driveways need more depth than paths or beds to support vehicle weight.
Formula: Cubic yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27. Tons = Cubic yards × 1.4.
Worked example
A 40 ft long, 12 ft wide driveway at 5 inches:
- Depth in feet: 5 ÷ 12 = 0.417 ft
- Cubic yards: (40 × 12 × 0.417) ÷ 27 = 7.41 yd³
- Tons: 7.41 × 1.4 = 10.37 tons
- At $50/ton, that’s $518.52 before waste.
Coverage reference
| Driveway length | Width | Tons needed (5 in) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 10 ft | ~4.3 tons |
| 40 ft | 12 ft | ~10.4 tons |
| 60 ft | 12 ft | ~15.6 tons |
How to measure your driveway
Measure from the street or garage to the end of the driveway for length, and the full drivable width for width. If the driveway widens near the garage, split it into two rectangles and add the volumes.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best depth for a gravel driveway?
5-6 inches for the top layer over a compacted base. Heavier vehicle traffic (trucks, RVs) benefits from closer to 6 inches.
Do I need a base layer under a gravel driveway?
Yes, most gravel driveways use a coarser base layer (like crusher run) topped with a finer decorative gravel. This calculator sizes one layer at a time — run it twice for a two-layer driveway.
How wide should a gravel driveway be?
10-12 feet for a single-car driveway, 16-20 feet if two cars need to pass.
How much does a gravel driveway cost per ton?
Gravel typically runs $35-65 per ton delivered, depending on region and gravel type. Adjust the price field to your local supplier's quote.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.