How deep?
A gravel driveway is about 4 in of base stone with fines, then 2–3 in of clean top stone. Paths and patio bases run 2–3 in.
Gravel calculator
Driveways, paths and bases — in tons, yards and cost.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel for a 40 × 10 ft driveway?
At 4 inches deep that is 133 cubic feet, or 4.94 cubic yards. With 10% waste and gravel at 110 lb per cubic foot, about 8.1 tons.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
About 2,970 lb (1.5 tons) for ¼–2 in gravel, inside the 2,800–3,400 lb range published for that size. Pea gravel is lighter at roughly 2,750 lb, and 2–6 in river rock lighter still at about 2,500 lb.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
About 55 sq ft at 4 inches deep, 73 sq ft at 3 inches, or 109 sq ft at 2 inches, using 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
Should I add extra for compaction?
Yes if your depth is the finished compacted depth. Loose stone settles 10–20%, so use 20% waste for a base that has to hold a level.
Yards or tons?
You measure in volume, quarries sell by weight. Quarter-inch to two-inch gravel runs 1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard, so this calculator uses 1.5 as the default; crusher run sits at the top of that range because the fines fill the voids.
What this calculator assumes
- Loose, as-delivered weights, not compacted. Material tightens 10–20% once rolled.
- Weights are dry; suppliers weigh what they load, and wet stone is heavier.
- Each material shows a realistic weight range beside the tons figure.