How to Calculate Gravel for Driveways and Paths
Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard, and understanding how much you need before ordering prevents both waste and shortfalls. The calculation is straightforward, but coverage varies by aggregate size.
The Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) / 27
To convert cubic yards to tons:
Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.4
(Most gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, though this varies by stone type.)
Driveway Example
Driveway: 50 ft long × 12 ft wide × 4 inches deep (0.333 ft)
Cubic yards = (50 × 12 × 0.333) / 27 = 199.8 / 27 = 7.4 yd³ Add 10% waste: 7.4 × 1.1 = 8.14 yd³ → 11.4 tons
Recommended Depths by Application
| Application | Depth |
|---|---|
| Walkway (decorative) | 2–3 inches |
| Driveway (base layer) | 6 inches |
| Driveway (top layer) | 3–4 inches |
| French drain trench | Fill to within 2 in of surface |
| Pea gravel patio | 3–4 inches |
Common Gravel Types
| Type | Best Use | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | Paths, patios | 3/8 inch |
| Crushed stone #57 | Driveways | 3/4 inch |
| Crushed stone #411 | Base layers | 1/2–3/4 inch |
| River rock | Decorative | 1–3 inch |
Use our gravel calculator to estimate tons and cubic yards for any project.