Free calculator

Driveway Gravel Calculator

Estimate the gravel needed for a driveway: surface area, cubic yards to order, and tons — using real material densities, not a one-size-fits-all factor.

Recommended minimum: 8" of base rock (3" or larger) compacted in lifts, capped with 4" of 1½" minus or ¾" minus. All driveway rock should be minus rock — the fines bind the material together. Compact each lift separately before adding the next.

Results

Enter your dimensions and hit Calculate.

This is a quantity estimate for pricing and sanity-checking bids. It is not a driveway section design — base depth for heavy loads (concrete trucks, delivery semis) depends on your subgrade.

Assumptions

  • Rectangular area; for irregular driveways, break the run into rectangles and add the results.
  • Density and compaction factors are typical values for the selected material; your pit's material may vary.
  • Weight is the compacted target volume at in-place density — compaction changes volume, not mass. A defensible ballpark for supplier quotes, not a scale ticket.

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Land Planning Master Checklist

The complete checklist for planning your property — from raw land to build-ready site. Clearing, access, drainage, septic, utilities, permits, foundation, and everything in between.

  • ✓Every stage in the right sequence
  • ✓What to verify before each phase starts
  • ✓Questions to ask your contractor
  • ✓Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Free account — includes the checklist + 3 saved calculations.

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