How Much Gravel for a 1-Car Driveway?
Quick Answer
A typical one-car driveway is about 12 by 24 feet (288 square feet). At a 4-inch depth it needs 3.56 cubic yards, or roughly 5 tons of gravel. Deeper 6-inch driveways over soft soil need about 7.5 tons.
- 12×24 driveway (288 sq ft) at 4 in: 3.56 cubic yards / 5.0 tons
- Use 4 inches over firm soil, 6 inches over soft ground
- Crushed stone converts at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard
- Gravel cost: $149–$249 for a typical 4-inch driveway
Formula
Multiply the driveway area by depth in inches, then divide by 324 to get cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to convert to tons for crushed stone.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- 1
Driveway area
12 × 24 = 288 square feet
- 2
Volume at 4 inches
(288 × 4) ÷ 324 = 3.56 cubic yards
- 3
Convert to tons
3.56 × 1.4 = 5.0 tons
- 4
Cost estimate
5.0 tons × $30–$50 = $149–$249
Gravel for a 1-Car Driveway (12×24, 288 sq ft)
| Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons | Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | 2.67 | 3.7 | $112–$187 |
| 4 inches | 3.56 | 5.0 | $149–$249 |
| 6 inches | 5.33 | 7.5 | $224–$373 |
*Crushed stone at $30–$50 per ton delivered. A durable driveway often uses a coarse base layer plus a finer top layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Use at least 4 inches over firm, well-drained soil. Go to 6 inches (often in two layers — a coarse base and finer top) over soft, clay, or poorly draining ground to prevent rutting.
How many tons of gravel for a 1-car driveway?
A 12×24 driveway needs about 5 tons at a 4-inch depth, or roughly 7.5 tons at 6 inches. Order about 10% extra to account for compaction and spreading.
What kind of gravel is best for a driveway?
A crushed stone base such as #57 or 3/4-inch minus compacts well and drains freely. Many driveways use a larger stone base layer topped with a finer crushed stone for a smooth, stable surface.