How much gravel for a driveway comes down to three things: the size of the driveway, how deep each layer is, and how heavy the gravel is. Start with depth, then choose the gravel for each layer.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A gravel driveway for cars should be at least 5–6 inches deep, built in layers: a 3–4 inch base of crusher run or crushed stone under a 2–3 inch top layer of 3/4 to 1 inch crushed stone (HomeGuide). A driveway for trucks and RVs needs 8–12 inches of gravel (HomeGuide).
A good gravel driveway is built in layers. A compacted base of mixed-size stone carries the weight, and a cleaner top layer gives tires something firm to grip.
| Layer | Material | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Crusher run or crushed stone (mixed sizes, fine dust up to about 1 in) | 3–4 in |
| Top | 3/4 in to 1 in crushed stone | 2–3 in |
| Total for cars | — | at least 5–6 in |
| Total for trucks/RVs | — | 8–12 in |
Source: HomeGuide (Dec 2025).
Some builders use a heavier three-layer build with large crushed rock at the bottom; Bob Vila recommends 4–6 inches for each of three layers. That is more gravel, but it holds up better on soft ground.
Landscape fabric or a geotextile under the gravel helps stop weeds and keeps the base from sinking into soil (HomeGuide).
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
To work out how many tons of gravel a driveway needs, multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 tons per cubic yard (HomeGuide). A 12 × 50 ft driveway 6 inches deep needs about 15.6 tons of gravel, or about 17.1 tons with 10% extra.
Length × Width × (Depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = cubic yards → × 1.4 = tons| Driveway | Area | 4 in | 6 in | 8 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft (1 car, short) | 200 sq ft | 3.5 t | 5.2 t | 6.9 t |
| 20 × 20 ft (2 car) | 400 sq ft | 6.9 t | 10.4 t | 13.8 t |
| 12 × 50 ft | 600 sq ft | 10.4 t | 15.6 t | 20.7 t |
| 10 × 100 ft | 1,000 sq ft | 17.3 t | 25.9 t | 34.6 t |
| 24 × 60 ft | 1,440 sq ft | 24.9 t | 37.3 t | 49.8 t |
1.4 tons per cubic yard, rounded to 0.1 ton.
Add 10–15% for compaction, spillage and settling (HomeGuide). HomeGuide’s own rule of thumb puts 1,000 sq ft at 4 inches at about 16.7 tons (13–17 tons depending on gravel type), close to our 17.3.
For a driveway that isn’t on the chart, use the gravel calculator. Enter the length, width and depth of each layer separately and add the results, since the base and top layers are usually different gravel.
Worked example: 12 × 50 ft driveway, 6 inches
A 12 × 50 ft driveway is 600 sq ft. Built as a 4-inch base and a 2-inch top layer, it adds up like this:
- Base, 4 in crusher run: 600 × (4 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 7.41 yd³ × 1.4 = 10.4 tons
- Top, 2 in crushed stone: 600 × (2 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 3.70 yd³ × 1.4 = 5.2 tons
- Total 15.6 tons; with 10% extra about 17.1 tons
Order the two layers as separate loads so each material goes down where it belongs. If the supplier sells by the cubic yard instead of the ton, use the cubic-yard figures above.
Best gravel for a driveway
The best gravel for a driveway depends on the layer:
- Crusher run: compacts hard, the usual base layer.
- Crushed stone (3/4–1 in): angular pieces lock together, good top layer.
- Pea gravel and river rock: rounded stones shift under tires, so HomeGuide advises against them as the main driveway surface.
Prices per ton including delivery (HomeGuide gravel driveway guide): crushed stone $30–$60 · crusher run $25–$50 · pea gravel $50–$100 · river rock $60–$150.
Angular stone is the common thread. Gravel for a driveway has to stay put under turning wheels, and sharp-edged pieces lock together, while smooth, round stones shift.
For a side-by-side look at prices, weights and uses, see pea gravel vs crushed stone vs river rock.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
A gravel driveway costs about $4–$10 per sq ft installed, including labor and materials (HomeGuide). At that rate a 500 sq ft driveway costs $2,000–$5,000 and a 1,000 sq ft driveway costs $4,000–$10,000 (HomeGuide). Grading adds about $1–$3 per sq ft (HomeGuide).
| Size | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $2,000–$5,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $4,000–$10,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $6,000–$15,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $8,000–$20,000 |
Source: HomeGuide.
Tips
- Crown the surface so it is higher in the middle and drains to the sides (Bob Vila).
- Compact each layer before adding the next.
- Rake ruts and the crown back into shape now and then (Bob Vila).
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
At least 5–6 inches in layers for cars; 8–12 inches for trucks and RVs (HomeGuide).
How many tons of gravel for a 20x20 driveway?
About 10.4 tons at 6 inches deep, or about 11.4 tons with 10% extra.
How much does a ton of gravel cover on a driveway?
About 60–80 sq ft at 4 inches deep, depending on the gravel (HomeGuide).
What is the best base gravel for a driveway?
Crusher run or crushed stone with mixed sizes, because it compacts into a firm base (HomeGuide).
Can I use pea gravel for a driveway?
Not as the main surface: the round stones shift under tires (HomeGuide).
Sources
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost? (Dec 18, 2025)
- Bob Vila — How to Make a Gravel Driveway (updated Jan 27, 2025)
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Crushed Stone or Gravel Cost? (1.4 tons per cubic yard) (Dec 19, 2025)
Related
- Gravel calculatorCubic yards, tons and cost for any driveway, path or patio base.
- Pea gravel vs crushed stone vs river rockWhich gravel to use where.
- How many tons in a yard of gravelWeight per cubic yard for common gravel types.
More home project guides
- Gravel & landscapingPea gravel vs crushed stone vs river rockPrice per ton, weight, best uses and which works for driveways, paths and drainage.
- Gravel & landscapingHow many tons are in a yard of gravel?Weight per cubic yard by material, plus yards-to-tons and tons-to-yards charts.
- ConcreteHow many bags of concrete for a 10x10 slab?Bag charts for 4, 5 and 6 inch slabs in 80, 60, 50 and 40 lb sizes.