Gravel Driveway Calculator

Gravel Driveway Calculator

Gravel is sold by the ton, not by volume - this calculator converts your driveway's dimensions into both cubic yards and the approximate tonnage you'll need to order.

Formula

Volume (cu yd) = (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27
Tons Needed = Volume (cu yd) x 1.4 tons per cubic yard

Example

A 40 ft x 12 ft driveway, 4 inches deep:

Volume = (40 x 12 x (4/12)) / 27 = 5.93 cu yd → ~8.3 tons

Why the 1.4 Tons/Cubic Yard Conversion

This is a commonly used average density figure for standard crushed gravel - actual density varies somewhat depending on the specific gravel type (crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock all pack differently) and how tightly the material gets compacted once spread and driven on.

A Practical Ordering Tip

Many gravel suppliers add a small buffer beyond the raw calculated tonnage to account for this density variability and typical compaction settling that occurs after the gravel has been in place for a while - it's generally worth over-ordering slightly rather than running short mid-project and needing a second delivery.