Gravel Calculator
Calculate the amount of gravel needed for driveways, paths, drainage, and landscaping projects. Get accurate estimates for volume, weight, material costs, and delivery requirements.
Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed for driveways, paths, and landscaping
Recommended depth: 2-4 inches for paths, 4-6 inches for driveways
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
- Select Unit System: Choose Imperial (feet/inches) or Metric (meters) based on your project measurements
- Choose Input Method: Enter area dimensions and depth, or input known volume if already calculated
- Select Gravel Type: Different gravel types have varying densities affecting weight and cost calculations
- Enter Measurements: Provide length, width, and depth for area-based calculations
- Adjust Waste Factor: Add extra material to account for settling, compaction, and uneven surfaces
- Review Results: Check total volume, weight in tons, estimated cost, and number of truck loads needed
Gravel Types and Uses
Pea Gravel
Small, smooth stones ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch diameter. Natural rounded shape makes pea gravel comfortable for walking barefoot. Popular choice for pathways, playgrounds, and decorative landscaping. Lighter density means you need more volume compared to crushed stone for the same weight.
- • Garden paths and walkways
- • Playground surfacing
- • Decorative ground cover
- • Around plants and trees
- • Potted plant drainage
Crushed Stone #57
Angular 3/4 inch crushed stone that compacts well for stable surfaces. Sharp edges interlock when compacted, creating firm base that resists shifting. Most common gravel for driveways and construction base layers. Standard choice for concrete aggregate and drainage applications.
- • Driveway surfaces
- • Concrete aggregate
- • Road base construction
- • Heavy traffic areas
- • French drain systems
Crushed Stone #411
Mix of 3/4 inch stone and stone dust that packs extremely tight. Combination of sizes fills gaps better than uniform gravel, creating very stable base. Often called "road stone" or "crusher run." Excellent compaction properties make it top choice for driveway foundations.
- • Driveway base layers
- • Parking lot foundations
- • Shed and patio bases
- • Compacted sub-bases
- • Load-bearing surfaces
River Rock
Large smooth stones polished by water action over time. Sizes range from 1 to 6 inches diameter. Decorative appearance adds visual interest to landscapes. Rounded shape prevents tight compaction, making river rock better for decoration than structural applications.
- • Decorative landscaping
- • Water features and ponds
- • Dry creek beds
- • Garden accents
- • Around downspouts
Drain Rock
Clean washed stone sized 3/4 to 1 inch for drainage systems. Lacks fine particles that clog drainage, allowing water to flow freely. Angular shape maintains void spaces even under load. Essential for French drains, foundation drainage, and septic systems.
- • French drain installations
- • Foundation perimeter drains
- • Septic drain fields
- • Retaining wall backfill
- • Sump pump drainage
Limestone
Crushed limestone ranging from dust to 1.5 inches. Compacts extremely well and naturally hardens over time through chemical reactions. White or gray color reflects heat and stays cooler than dark gravel. Higher density provides maximum coverage per ton delivered.
- • Stable driveway surfaces
- • Agricultural roads
- • Horse arenas and paddocks
- • Building foundations
- • Soil pH adjustment
Gravel Project Planning
Recommended Depths by Application
Light foot traffic requires minimal depth. Compact base prevents gravel migration. Edge restraints keep stones contained.
Passenger vehicles need stable base. Use crushed stone for best compaction. Install in two layers for maximum strength.
Commercial or heavy vehicle traffic requires deep base. Multiple compacted layers prevent rutting and failure.
Driveway Installation Steps
Remove topsoil and organic material to stable subgrade. Grade for proper drainage with 2% slope away from structures. Compact native soil before adding gravel layers.
Lay geotextile fabric to separate subgrade from gravel. Fabric prevents gravel sinking into soft soil and stops weed growth. Overlap seams by 12 inches minimum.
Spread 3-4 inches of crusher run or #411 stone. Compact thoroughly with plate compactor or roller. Base provides structural strength and drainage foundation.
Add 2-3 inches of #57 crushed stone or desired finish gravel. Rake smooth and compact. Surface layer provides driving surface and sheds water to edges.
Install borders using timbers, pavers, or steel edging. Edges contain gravel and define driveway boundaries. Prevents spreading and maintains clean appearance.
Installation Tips and Best Practices
Preparation and Materials
- Drainage Planning: Ensure water drains away from buildings and doesn't pool on surface. Slope driveways and paths at least 2% for proper runoff.
- Compaction Equipment: Rent plate compactor for driveways. Hand tampers work for small paths. Proper compaction prevents settling and extends life.
- Multiple Layers: Compact gravel in 2-3 inch lifts rather than one thick layer. Thin layers compact more thoroughly and create stronger base.
- Moisture Content: Slightly damp gravel compacts better than bone dry material. Mist with water if gravel is very dry during compaction.
Ordering and Delivery
- Order Extra Material: Always purchase 10-15% more than calculated. Gravel settles and compacts, requiring more volume than initial calculations suggest.
- Delivery Location: Position dumped gravel as close to final location as possible. Moving gravel with wheelbarrows is exhausting labor.
- Inspect Materials: Check delivered gravel matches ordered type. Verify no contamination from soil, organic matter, or wrong stone sizes.
- Seasonal Timing: Install gravel during dry weather when ground is firm. Wet conditions make equipment operation difficult and reduce compaction quality.
Gravel Surface Maintenance
Rake gravel surfaces monthly to redistribute stones and fill low spots. Traffic pushes gravel to edges, creating ruts in center. Five minutes of raking maintains smooth, level surface.
Apply pre-emergent herbicide in spring to prevent weed growth. Pull weeds when small before roots establish. Thick gravel layer and landscape fabric minimize weed problems.
Check edge restraints annually for shifting or damage. Repair borders promptly to prevent gravel spreading beyond boundaries. Reinstall fabric and edging if gravel migrates into lawn.
Add fresh gravel every 2-3 years to maintain depth. Gravel works into subsoil and disperses over time. Half cubic yard covers typical driveway low spots and refreshes appearance.
Fill potholes immediately before they expand. Remove loose material, add fresh gravel, and compact thoroughly. Deep holes may indicate base failure requiring excavation and rebuild.
Plow with blade slightly raised to avoid removing gravel with snow. Use calcium chloride instead of rock salt for ice melting. Expect to replace some surface gravel each spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for my driveway?
For a standard two-car driveway (16' × 40') at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 8 tons of gravel. Calculate by determining cubic yards (7.9 for this example) and multiplying by gravel density (typically 1.4 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone).
What's the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone has angular edges from mechanical crushing, providing better compaction and interlocking. Gravel typically refers to naturally rounded stones from riverbeds. Crushed stone works better for driveways and bases, while rounded gravel suits decorative applications.
Can I install gravel directly on grass?
No, remove grass and topsoil first. Organic material decomposes, creating voids that cause settling and potholes. Excavate to stable subsoil, install landscape fabric, then add gravel. Proper preparation prevents failure and extends driveway life.
How long does a gravel driveway last?
Well-installed gravel driveways last 10-15 years with regular maintenance. Annual raking, periodic top-ups, and prompt pothole repair extend lifespan. Heavy traffic, poor drainage, and insufficient base thickness reduce durability.
What size gravel is best for driveways?
3/4 inch crushed stone (#57) makes excellent driveway surface over compacted base of crusher run (#411). Larger stones create bumpy surface, while smaller stones scatter easily. Medium-sized angular gravel provides best combination of stability and comfort.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
Yes, geotextile fabric prevents gravel sinking into soft soil and blocks weeds growing through. Use heavy-duty non-woven fabric rated for driveways. Fabric extends gravel life significantly by maintaining separation between base and subgrade.