Driveways: 4-6", walkways: 2-3", drainage: 6-12"
Gravel Estimate
Estimated Total Cost
$154 – $323
3.46 tons of crushed stone
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Last updated: 2026-02-24
Quick Answer: How Much Gravel Do I Need?
To figure out how much gravel you need, multiply Length x Width x Depth (in feet), divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 to convert to tons. Most gravel weighs 1.35-1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on the type. Add 5-10% extra for compaction and spillage.
Inputs you'll need
- Length and width of the area (feet)
- Desired gravel depth (inches)
- Gravel type (crushed stone, pea gravel, river rock, decomposed granite, or base gravel)
- Local price per ton and delivery fee (optional, for cost estimate)
How Deep Should Gravel Be?
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Best Gravel Type |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 4-6 inches (8-12" total with base) | Crusher run or #57 stone |
| Walkway or path | 2-3 inches | Pea gravel or decomposed granite |
| Patio base | 4-6 inches compacted | Crusher run (compacts solid) |
| French drain backfill | Fill entire trench | #57 stone (great drainage) |
| Under concrete slab | 4-6 inches compacted | Crushed stone base |
| Decorative ground cover | 2-3 inches | River rock or pea gravel |
Gravel Cost Per Ton by Type
Gravel prices vary widely depending on the type, your region, and whether you buy in bulk. Here are typical 2026 prices per ton at the supplier, before delivery.
| Gravel Type | Price Per Ton | Weight Per Cubic Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone / base gravel | $15-$30 | ~1.4 tons | Driveway base, under slabs |
| Crusher run (#57) | $20-$35 | ~1.4 tons | Driveways, compactable base |
| Pea gravel (3/8") | $25-$50 | ~1.4 tons | Walkways, dog runs, drainage |
| Decomposed granite | $25-$50 | ~1.5 tons | Patios, paths, natural look |
| River rock (1-3") | $30-$60 | ~1.35 tons | Decorative, dry creek beds |
Delivery adds $50-$150 depending on distance. Most suppliers charge a per-mile surcharge beyond their base delivery zone (typically 10-20 miles). Buying a full truckload (10-22 tons) gets the best per-ton price.
Worked Examples: Figuring Gravel for Real Projects
Example A (gravel driveway): 40 ft long x 12 ft wide, 4 inches deep, crusher run
- Volume = 40 x 12 x (4/12) = 160 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 160 / 27 = 5.93 cy
- Tons = 5.93 x 1.4 = 8.3 tons
- With 10% overage = 9.1 tons (order 9-10 tons)
- Cost at $30/ton + $100 delivery = $370-$400
Example B (garden path): 30 ft long x 3 ft wide, 2.5 inches deep, pea gravel
- Volume = 30 x 3 x (2.5/12) = 18.75 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 18.75 / 27 = 0.69 cy
- Tons = 0.69 x 1.4 = 0.97 tons (about 1 ton)
- Cost at $45/ton + $75 delivery = $120
Example C (patio base): 16 ft x 12 ft patio, 6 inches deep, crushed stone base
- Volume = 16 x 12 x (6/12) = 96 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 96 / 27 = 3.56 cy
- Tons = 3.56 x 1.4 = 4.98 tons
- With 25% compaction factor = 6.2 tons (order 6-7 tons)
- Cost at $25/ton + $75 delivery = $230-$250
Need to figure out the area first? Use the square footage calculator for odd-shaped spaces. If you are pouring a concrete slab over your gravel base, the concrete calculator will estimate your yards and bags. Planning a full driveway project? Our guide on how to estimate gravel for a driveway walks through base layers, edging, and drainage. For landscaping beds, the mulch calculator handles similar volume-to-weight conversions for bark and wood chips. For general volume-to-weight conversions across different materials, see the cubic yard calculator.
Gravel vs. Other Driveway Materials
Gravel is one of the most affordable driveway surfaces, but how does it stack up against concrete, asphalt, and pavers? Here is a side-by-side comparison for a standard 20 x 40 ft driveway (800 sq ft).
| Material | Installed Cost | Lifespan | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1-$3/sq ft | 15-25 years | Annual regrading, top-off every 3-5 yrs | Rural, long driveways, budget-friendly |
| Concrete | $6-$12/sq ft | 25-40 years | Seal every 2-3 years, crack repair | Suburban, clean appearance |
| Asphalt | $4-$8/sq ft | 15-20 years | Seal coat every 3-5 years | Cold climates, mid-budget |
| Pavers | $10-$25/sq ft | 25-50 years | Occasional re-leveling, joint sand refill | Curb appeal, high-end homes |
At $1-$3/sq ft installed, gravel is a fraction of the cost of concrete ($6-$12/sq ft) or pavers ($10-$25/sq ft). For longer driveways, that cost gap widens even further. Use the driveway cost calculator to compare options for your specific dimensions, or the paver calculator if you are considering a paver driveway with a gravel base.
Pro Tips From the Field
- Compact in lifts. Never compact more than 4 inches of gravel at a time. Thicker lifts won't compact evenly and you'll get settling later.
- Use landscape fabric. A layer of commercial-grade woven fabric between the subgrade and gravel prevents sinking and weed growth.
- Order by the ton, not the yard. Suppliers sell by weight. Wet gravel weighs more per cubic yard than dry, so ordering by weight keeps your quantity consistent.
- Full truckloads save money. A tandem load (15-22 tons) gets much better per-ton pricing than multiple small deliveries.
- Plan for 20-30% compaction. If you need 4 inches of finished depth, spread 5-6 inches of loose gravel before compacting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the base layer. Driveways need a base course of larger stone (crushed #3) underneath the surface gravel. Without it, the surface migrates into the soil.
- Using round gravel for driveways. Pea gravel and river rock look nice but don't lock together. They shift under tires and get pushed to the edges. Use angular crusher run instead.
- Not accounting for compaction. Loose gravel compresses 20-30%. If you order the exact calculated volume, you'll end up short on depth.
- Ignoring drainage. Grade the area before spreading gravel. Water should flow away from structures, not pool on the surface. A 2% slope (1/4 inch per foot) is the minimum.
How to Order the Right Amount of Gravel
Getting your gravel order right comes down to three things: accurate measurements, the right compaction factor, and knowing your truck sizes. Measure the area carefully (length, width, depth), then add 10% for overage. If the gravel will be compacted (driveways, base layers), add another 20-30% on top of that.
- Pickup truck: ~1 ton safely (check your payload rating)
- Single-axle dump truck: 10-14 tons
- Tandem dump truck: 15-22 tons (best per-ton rate)
- Minimum delivery: Most suppliers require 1-2 tons minimum
Call your local supplier with the total tons needed and ask about full-load pricing before ordering partial loads. The difference in per-ton cost between a partial and a full truckload can save you $100 or more on a driveway project.
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Gravel Types & Pricing Guide
Gravel costs per ton, depth recommendations, and delivery logistics for every application.
How Much Does Gravel Cost Per Ton in 2026?
Gravel costs $15–$75 per ton depending on type, with delivery adding $50–$150 per load.
- Crushed stone/gravel: $15–$30/ton (driveways, base material)
- Pea gravel: $25–$50/ton (landscaping, walkways, drainage)
- River rock: $30–$60/ton (decorative, larger sizes)
- Decomposed granite: $25–$50/ton (patios, paths)
- Crusher run (#57 stone): $20–$35/ton (compactable base for driveways)
One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.35–1.5 tons (varies by type and moisture content).
Key Takeaways
- Crushed stone: $15–$30/ton
- Pea gravel: $25–$50/ton
- 1 cubic yard ≈ 1.35–1.5 tons
How Deep Should Gravel Be?
Gravel depth depends on the application, ranging from 2 inches for decorative to 8–12 inches for driveways.
- Decorative ground cover: 2–3 inches deep
- Walkways/paths: 3–4 inches deep
- Driveways: 8–12 inches total (4" compacted base + 4" surface stone)
- French drain backfill: Fill entire trench (12–18" wide × 18–24" deep)
- Under concrete slab: 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base
A 10×20 ft driveway pad at 4" depth requires approximately 2.5 cubic yards (3.4–3.7 tons) of gravel.
Key Takeaways
- Driveways: 8–12" total depth
- Walkways: 3–4" deep
- Under concrete: 4–6" compacted base
Gravel Types: Which One Should You Use?
Use crusher run for driveways (it compacts and locks), pea gravel for drainage, and river rock for decorative applications.
- #57 stone (3/4"): Best for drainage behind retaining walls and in French drains
- Crusher run (0–3/4"): Contains fines that compact solid — ideal for driveway base
- Pea gravel (3/8"): Smooth, rounded — good for paths and dog runs, won't compact
- River rock (1–3"): Large, decorative — used in landscaping and dry creek beds
- Decomposed granite (DG): Natural look, compacts well for patios and paths
Key Takeaways
- Crusher run for driveways (compacts and locks)
- #57 stone for drainage applications
- Pea gravel for paths (won't compact solid)
Gravel Delivery & Quantity Calculations
Calculate gravel needed: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Then multiply by 1.4 to convert to tons.
- Minimum delivery: Most suppliers require 1–2 ton minimum ($50–$150 delivery fee)
- Full truck load: 10–22 tons depending on truck size (best per-ton pricing)
- Pickup truck load: About 1 ton safely (check your truck's payload rating)
- Delivery radius: $5–$10/mile surcharge beyond 10–20 mile base zone
Key Takeaways
- Formula: L × W × Depth(in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = cubic yards
- Multiply cubic yards × 1.4 for tons
- Full truck load (10–22 tons) gets best pricing
How to Use This Calculator
Select your gravel type
Choose from pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, decomposed granite, or base gravel. Each type has a different weight per cubic yard that affects how many tons you need.
Enter your area dimensions
Input the length and width of the area in feet. For driveways, measure the full length and width. For irregularly shaped areas, break them into rectangles.
Set the gravel depth
Enter depth in inches. Driveways typically need 4-6 inches, walkways 2-3 inches, and drainage applications 6-12 inches of gravel.
Review tons, yards, and cost
See cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost including optional delivery. Order by the ton for accuracy since gravel is sold by weight at most suppliers.
Gravel Calculation Formulas
Cubic Yards = (Length x Width x Depth/12) / 27
Tons = Cubic Yards x Weight Factor
Cost = Tons x Price per Ton + DeliveryWhere:
- Length, Width
- = Area dimensions in feet
- Depth
- = Gravel depth in inches (divided by 12 to convert to feet)
- Weight Factor
- = 1.35-1.5 tons/cy depending on gravel type
- 27
- = Cubic feet per cubic yard (3 x 3 x 3)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need?
Calculate cubic yards first: (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27, then multiply by the weight factor for your gravel type. Most gravel weighs 1.4-1.5 tons per cubic yard. For example, a 20x10 ft driveway at 4" deep: (20 x 10 x 0.33) / 27 = 2.44 cy x 1.4 = 3.4 tons of gravel.
How much does a ton of gravel cost?
Gravel prices vary by type: base gravel $20-35/ton, crushed stone $30-50/ton, pea gravel $35-55/ton, decomposed granite $40-60/ton, and river rock $45-75/ton. Delivery adds $50-150 depending on distance. Buying in bulk (5+ tons) is usually cheaper per ton. Most suppliers have a minimum delivery of 1-2 tons.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A gravel driveway should be 4-6 inches deep with properly compacted layers. The ideal approach uses 3 layers: 4 inches of large base stone (crushed #3), 2 inches of mid-size stone (#57), and 2 inches of finish gravel (pea gravel or #8). Compact each layer before adding the next for a durable, well-draining surface.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel covers approximately 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 80 sq ft at 3 inches, or 60 sq ft at 4 inches. Coverage varies slightly by gravel type and size. Pea gravel and small stones pack more densely than large river rock. Always order 5-10% extra to account for settling and spillage during installation.
What type of gravel is best for a driveway?
Crushed stone (#57 or #411) is the most popular driveway gravel. It locks together when compacted and provides excellent drainage. Use a 3-layer system: large base stone on the bottom, mid-size in the middle, and fine crusher run on top. Avoid round pea gravel for driveways as it shifts under tires and doesn't compact well.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
One ton of gravel equals approximately 0.67-0.74 cubic yards, depending on the type. The conversion factor is: tons / weight-per-cubic-yard. Crushed stone and pea gravel weigh about 1.4 tons/cy (1 ton = 0.71 cy). Decomposed granite is heavier at 1.5 tons/cy (1 ton = 0.67 cy). River rock is slightly lighter at 1.35 tons/cy (1 ton = 0.74 cy).
How much does gravel compact after spreading?
Loose gravel compacts by roughly 20-30% once it is spread and compacted with a plate compactor or roller. If you need a finished depth of 4 inches, plan on spreading 5-6 inches of loose material. Crusher run compacts more than rounded stone because the fines fill in the gaps. Always compact in lifts of 4 inches or less for a solid result.
How many tons of gravel fit in a dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck holds 10-14 tons of gravel. A tandem (double-axle) truck holds 15-22 tons. A pickup truck can safely carry about 1 ton (check your payload rating). Full truckloads get the best per-ton pricing. Most suppliers also offer half loads if you need less than 10 tons.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
Yes, for most applications. Landscape fabric prevents gravel from sinking into the soil and reduces weed growth. Use a commercial-grade woven fabric (not the thin stuff from big-box stores). For driveways, fabric goes between the compacted subgrade and the first gravel layer. Skip fabric only for drainage fills like French drain backfill where water flow matters more than separation.
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