🛣️ Gravel Driveway Calculator
Calculate gravel needed for driveway
Typical: 4-6 inches
Typical: 1.3 (30% compaction)
Typical: 10-15%
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Driveway Dimensions
Input driveway length and width in feet. These define the driveway area for gravel calculations.
Enter Gravel Depth
Input gravel depth in inches. Typical depths: 4-6 inches for residential driveways, 6-8 inches for heavy-duty driveways. Deeper gravel provides better stability but requires more material.
Select Gravel Type and Adjust Factors
Choose gravel type (crushed stone, pea gravel, river rock, etc.). Adjust compaction factor (typically 1.3 for 30% compaction) and waste percent (typically 10-15%) for accurate calculations.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Gravel Driveway" to see gravel volume in cubic yards and tons, area, total weight, and cost estimates. Use this for material ordering and cost estimation.
Formula
Area = Length × Width
Volume = Area × Depth (in feet)
Compacted Volume = Volume × Compaction Factor
Total Volume = Compacted Volume × (1 + Waste Percent / 100)
Gravel (cubic yards) = Total Volume (cubic feet) / 27
Example 1: 50 ft × 12 ft driveway, 4" depth, 1.3 compaction, 10% waste
Step 1: Area = 50 × 12 = 600 sq ft
Step 2: Depth = 4 / 12 = 0.333 ft
Step 3: Volume = 600 × 0.333 = 200 cu ft
Step 4: Compacted Volume = 200 × 1.3 = 260 cu ft
Step 5: Total Volume = 260 × 1.1 = 286 cu ft
Step 6: Gravel = 286 / 27 = 10.59 cubic yards
Step 7: Tons = 10.59 × 1.35 = 14.3 tons
Example 2: 60 ft × 10 ft driveway, 6" depth
Step 1: Area = 60 × 10 = 600 sq ft
Step 2: Volume = 600 × 0.5 = 300 cu ft
Step 3: Compacted Volume = 300 × 1.3 = 390 cu ft
Step 4: Gravel = 390 × 1.1 / 27 = 15.89 cubic yards
About Gravel Driveway Calculator
The Gravel Driveway Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, contractors, and driveway installers who need to calculate gravel volume and costs for gravel driveway construction. This calculator implements geometric formulas accounting for compaction and waste to determine accurate gravel quantities needed for driveway projects.
When to Use This Calculator
- Driveway Planning: Calculate gravel needed for new driveway construction
- Material Ordering: Determine gravel quantities for ordering materials
- Cost Estimation: Estimate material costs for budget planning
- Driveway Renovation: Calculate gravel for driveway repairs or resurfacing
- Educational Use: Learn and understand gravel driveway calculations
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Compaction Adjustment: Accounts for gravel compaction in calculations
- ✅ Waste Factor: Includes waste allowance for accurate ordering
- ✅ Multiple Gravel Types: Supports crushed stone, pea gravel, river rock, and more
- ✅ Cost Estimates: Provides approximate cost estimates for different gravel types
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math
Understanding Gravel Driveways
Basic Principle: Gravel driveway volume is calculated from length, width, and depth. Volume = Length × Width × Depth (in feet). However, gravel compacts when driven on, so more material is needed: Compacted Volume = Volume × Compaction Factor (typically 1.3 for 30% compaction). Additional waste factor accounts for spillage and variations.
Gravel Depth: Typical depths: 4-6 inches for residential driveways, 6-8 inches for heavy-duty driveways, 8-12 inches for commercial driveways. Deeper gravel provides better stability and load-bearing capacity but requires more material. Base depth should account for compaction.
Compaction Factor: Gravel compacts when driven on, typically 20-30% compaction. Compaction factor of 1.3 means 30% more material is needed to account for compaction. For loose gravel, use 1.3. For pre-compacted base, use 1.0-1.1. The calculator applies compaction factor automatically.
Tips for Best Results
- Accurate Dimensions: Measure driveway length and width accurately
- Correct Depth: Account for final compacted depth, not loose depth
- Compaction Factor: Use appropriate compaction factor (typically 1.3 for loose gravel)
- Add Waste Buffer: Add 10-15% waste for spillage and variations
- Order Extra: Round up to nearest convenient quantity when ordering
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Gravel needed = (Length × Width × Depth) × Compaction Factor × (1 + Waste Percent) / 27 cubic yards. For example, 50 ft × 12 ft, 4" depth, 1.3 compaction, 10% waste: Area = 600 sq ft, Volume = 200 cu ft, Compacted = 260 cu ft, Total = 286 cu ft, Gravel = 286 / 27 = 10.59 cubic yards = 14.3 tons. The calculator does this automatically.
What depth should I use for a gravel driveway?
Typical gravel depths: 4-6 inches for residential driveways (light traffic), 6-8 inches for heavy-duty driveways (regular traffic), 8-12 inches for commercial driveways (heavy traffic). Deeper gravel provides better stability and load-bearing capacity. Base depth should account for compaction (use compacted depth, not loose depth).
What is compaction factor?
Compaction factor accounts for gravel compaction when driven on. Typical compaction: 20-30% for loose gravel. Compaction factor of 1.3 means 30% more material is needed to account for compaction. For loose gravel, use 1.3. For pre-compacted base, use 1.0-1.1. The calculator applies compaction factor automatically. Always use compaction factor to avoid ordering too little material.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Gravel weight varies by type and moisture: Crushed stone = 1.35 tons/yd³, Pea gravel = 1.20 tons/yd³, River rock = 1.40 tons/yd³, Limestone = 1.35 tons/yd³. Average is approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Weight varies by gravel type, size, and moisture content. The calculator uses 1.35 tons/yd³ as average.
Do I need to add waste factor?
Yes, add 10-15% waste factor for spillage, variations in depth, and measurement errors. For example, if calculator shows 10 cubic yards, order 11-11.5 cubic yards. This accounts for spillage during delivery, variations in driveway depth, and measurement errors. Always round up to nearest convenient quantity when ordering.