How Much Gravel for a Driveway?
Quick Answer
A standard single-car driveway (12×40 ft) at 4-inch depth requires approximately 5.9 cubic yards or 8.3 tons of gravel. Double that for a two-car width.
- Single-car (12×40 ft, 4" deep): 5.9 cubic yards / 8.3 tons
- Two-car (20×40 ft, 4" deep): 9.9 cubic yards / 13.8 tons
- Base layer (6"): multiply by 1.5×
- Gravel driveways need 3 layers: base, middle, and surface
Formula
Calculate cubic yards using area × depth ÷ 324, then multiply by 1.4 tons per cubic yard (average gravel weight). Some gravel types weigh more.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- 1
Driveway area
12 × 40 = 480 sq ft
- 2
Cubic yards
480 × 4" ÷ 324 = 5.93 cubic yards
- 3
Convert to tons
5.93 × 1.4 = 8.3 tons
- 4
Full 3-layer driveway (12")
5.93 × 3 = 17.8 CY / 24.9 tons total
Gravel for Common Driveway Sizes (4" Depth)
| Driveway Size | Sq Ft | Cubic Yards | Tons | Material Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×20 ft | 200 | 2.5 | 3.5 | $75–$175 |
| 12×40 ft | 480 | 5.9 | 8.3 | $180–$420 |
| 16×40 ft | 640 | 7.9 | 11.1 | $240–$555 |
| 20×40 ft | 800 | 9.9 | 13.8 | $300–$690 |
| 20×60 ft | 1,200 | 14.8 | 20.7 | $450–$1,035 |
*Gravel at $30–$50 per ton delivered. Prices vary by type and region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
Use #57 crushed stone (¾") for the top layer — it compacts well and drains freely. The base layer should be #3 stone (1–2") for stability. The middle layer uses #57 or #67 stone. Avoid round river gravel — it does not compact and shifts under tires.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A proper gravel driveway should be 12 inches deep total: 4–6" base layer of large stone, 3–4" middle layer of mid-size stone, and 2–4" top layer of fine crushed stone. Minimum is 4" for light-use driveways.
How much does a gravel driveway cost vs concrete?
Gravel driveway: $1,500–$5,000 for a standard single-car drive. Concrete driveway: $4,000–$10,000. Gravel is 50–70% cheaper upfront but needs annual topping and occasional regrading ($200–$500/year).