How much does a ton of gravel cost?

Crushed stone: $30–$50/ton. Pea gravel: $25–$50/ton. River rock: $50–$100/ton. Decomposed granite: $35–$60/ton. Delivery adds $50–$150 depending on distance and quantity.

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

A proper gravel driveway has 3 layers totaling 12–18 inches: 6–8 inches of large crushed stone base (#3 or #4), 4 inches of mid-size stone (#57), and 2–4 inches of compactable surface stone (#411 or crusher run).

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

A cubic yard of gravel weighs 2,400–2,800 lbs (1.2–1.4 tons) depending on stone type and moisture. Crushed limestone is typically about 1.4 tons/cu yd. Pea gravel is slightly lighter at 1.3 tons/cu yd.

What type of gravel is best for driveways?

Crusher run (#411 or #21A) is the best driveway surface — angular stone that compacts well and stays in place. Avoid round stone (pea gravel, river rock) for driveways as it shifts under tires. Use geotextile fabric underneath to prevent sinking into soil.

How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?

A typical single-car driveway (10x50 ft at 4 inches deep) needs about 2.5 tons of gravel. A two-car driveway (20x50 ft) needs about 5 tons. Most driveways use crushed stone for good compaction.

How much does a ton of gravel cover?

One ton of gravel covers approximately 80-100 sqft at 2 inches deep, 50-60 sqft at 4 inches, or 35-40 sqft at 6 inches, depending on gravel density.

What is the best gravel for driveways?

Crushed stone (#57 or #411) is the best all-around driveway gravel. It compacts well and provides good drainage. Pea gravel looks nice but shifts underfoot. Use a 3-layer system: large base rock, medium crushed stone, then fine gravel on top.

Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the ton or bag?

Bulk gravel is significantly cheaper. A ton of crushed stone costs $30-50 delivered. The same weight in 50-lb bags costs $100-200 at retail. Buy bulk for any project over 1 ton.

How deep should gravel be?

2 inches for walkways and light foot traffic. 4 inches for patios and light vehicle areas. 6 inches or more for driveways and parking areas. Heavier use requires deeper gravel beds.

How much does gravel delivery cost?

Delivery typically runs $50-150 depending on distance and quantity. Most suppliers offer free delivery above a minimum order (usually 5-10 tons). Order bulk to save on per-unit delivery costs.

What is decomposed granite used for?

Decomposed granite (DG) is excellent for paths, patios, and xeriscaping. It compacts to a firm surface when moistened and tamped. It is the most natural-looking gravel option and drains well. DG costs slightly more than crushed stone but creates a beautiful rustic finish.

Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel needed in tons and cubic yards for driveways, paths, French drains, and landscaping. Get cost estimates by area and depth.

Gravel Calculator

Calculate how many tons, cubic yards, and bags of gravel you need for driveways, paths, and landscaping projects.

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Enter Your Numbers

Area Length

Area Width

Depth

Gravel Type

How This Calculator Works

The gravel calculator uses these formulas:

Cubic feet = area (sqft) × depth (inches) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Total weight (lbs) = cubic yards × density (lbs/cu yd)
Tons = total weight ÷ 2,000
Bags (50 lb) = total weight ÷ 50
Delivery = $85 base + $15 per ton

Density varies by type: crushed stone ~2,700 lbs/cu yd, decomposed granite ~3,000 lbs/cu yd.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Gravel Buying Guide: Types, Tons, and Costs

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How to Calculate Gravel

Gravel is one of the most versatile landscaping and construction materials, used for driveways, walkways, drainage, and decorative beds. Getting the right quantity prevents costly second deliveries or wasted material. The calculation converts area and depth to volume, then to weight for ordering.

The Gravel Formula

Cubic Yards = Area (sq ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.4 (typical gravel density)
Coverage per ton: ~80 sq ft at 3" deep, ~100 sq ft at 2" deep

Gravel Types and Applications

Crusher run (#411, #21A): Angular crushed stone with fines. Best for driveways — compacts firmly, stays in place. $30–$40/ton.
Pea gravel: Small round stones (3/8"). Decorative paths, play areas, drainage. Shifts easily, not ideal for driveways. $25–$50/ton.
#57 stone: Angular, 3/4–1" pieces. French drains, base layers, behind retaining walls. Excellent drainage. $30–$45/ton.
River rock: Smooth, round stones 1–4". Decorative beds, dry creek beds, erosion control. $50–$100/ton.
Decomposed granite (DG): Finely crushed granite. Paths, patios, xeriscaping. Compacts well when stabilized. $35–$60/ton.

Gravel Driveway Layers

A proper gravel driveway has three layers for durability:

Base layer (6–8"): Large crushed stone (#3 or #4, 2–3"). Provides stability and drainage.
Middle layer (4"): Medium stone (#57, 3/4–1"). Fills gaps in the base, adds compaction.
Surface layer (2–4"): Crusher run or fine gravel. Provides a smooth, compact driving surface.

Install geotextile fabric between native soil and the base layer to prevent gravel from sinking into soft soil over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need?

Area × depth ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Multiply by 1.4 for tons. A 500 sq ft area at 4" needs ~6.2 cu yd or ~8.6 tons.

How much does gravel cost?

$25–$100/ton depending on type. Crushed stone $30–$50. Pea gravel $25–$50. River rock $50–$100. Add $50–$150 for delivery.

How deep for a driveway?

12–18 inches total in 3 layers. Budget 4–6 inches minimum for light-use paths and 12+ inches for vehicle traffic.

How much does a cubic yard weigh?

2,400–2,800 lbs (1.2–1.4 tons) depending on stone type and moisture content.

What type for driveways?

Crusher run (#411) for the surface — angular stone that compacts well. Avoid round stones like pea gravel which shift under tires.

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Gravel weight varies by stone type and moisture. Actual delivery quantities may vary ±10%. Always confirm prices and minimum delivery quantities with your local supplier.