Free US Gravel Calculator

Gravel Calculator — Tons, Cubic Yards, Cost & Driveway Layers

Q: How many tons of gravel per cubic yard?

Pea gravel: ~1.28 tons/yd³. #57 crushed stone and #3 stone: ~1.43 tons/yd³. Crusher run and paver base: ~1.50 tons/yd³. Crushed limestone: ~1.54 tons/yd³. Use 1.4 tons/yd³ as a general estimate for most crushed stone.

Q: How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

A proper gravel driveway needs 8-12 inches total: 4-6 inches of #3 crushed stone base, 3 inches of #57 middle layer, and 2-3 inches of crusher run surface. Minimum functional depth is 4 compacted inches.

Q: How many tons of gravel in a dump truck?

A single-axle dump truck carries 12-15 tons. A tandem-axle dump truck carries 20-25 tons. Most residential deliveries use single-axle trucks (12-15 tons per load).

Q: What is the compaction factor for gravel?

Crusher run compacts 20-25% in volume when plate-compacted. #57 crushed stone compacts 15%. For decorative beds without mechanical compaction, use 5-10% waste only. Always add the full compaction factor to driveway and paver base orders.

Get exact cubic yards and tons for any gravel project. Features 3-layer driveway mode, 8 gravel types with accurate densities, compaction factor, dump truck load count, ton vs yd³ cost comparison, and branded PDF report.

Enter Your Project Details

Step 1 — Project Type

3-Layer Driveway Build

Base Layer

#3 crushed stone (1″–2″) — structural foundation

Base Depth

Base Gravel Type

#3 Stone (1″–2″) Crusher Run Crushed Limestone

Middle Layer

#57 stone (¾”) — transitions & drainage

Middle Depth

Middle Gravel Type

#57 Stone (¾”) Crusher Run

Surface Layer

Crusher run / pea gravel — finished driving surface

Surface Depth

Surface Gravel Type

Crusher Run (best) Pea Gravel #57 Stone

Step 2 — Gravel Type

Pea Gravel (⅜”) #57 Crushed Stone (¾”) #3 Stone (1″–2″) Crusher Run / Road Base Decomposed Granite Crushed Limestone River Rock (1″–2″) Paver Base / Class II

Step 2 — Depth & Compaction

Depth

inches

Decorative bed: 2–3 in for landscape look

Compaction Factor

10%

Step 3 — Area Dimensions

1 Area 1

Shape

Rectangle / Square Circle Triangle

Width (ft)

Length (ft)

Step 4 — Pricing

Price Per Ton

Price Per yd³

Your Results

Select your project type, enter dimensions, and click Calculate Gravel to see tons, cubic yards, truck loads, and cost comparison.

Gravel Types, Uses, and the Right Depth for Every US Landscaping & Driveway Project

Gravel is one of the most versatile materials in American landscaping and construction — but it is also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to ordering. Walk up to any landscape supply yard counter and say “I need gravel for my driveway” and the person behind the counter will immediately ask you: what type, how many layers, and do you want it by the ton or the yard? If you cannot answer those three questions, you will almost certainly leave with either too little material, the wrong material, or an order that costs you significantly more than it should.

Pea Gravel (⅜”) — Decorative Beds, Pathways, Dog Runs

Pea gravel is the small, smooth, rounded stone that shows up in decorative landscape beds, children’s play areas, and dog runs across the US. It is comfortable underfoot (no sharp edges), drains excellently, and looks clean and finished in garden settings. Density: approximately 1.28 tons per cubic yard. The downside is that pea gravel migrates constantly — it scatters onto lawns, gets kicked out of beds, and compresses unevenly under vehicle traffic. Apply it at 2–3 inches for decorative use. Never use it as a driveway base layer — it will push out sideways under load.

#57 Crushed Stone (¾”) — The All-Purpose Workhorse

ASTM #57 stone is the most widely used aggregate in the US for residential and light commercial projects. It is angular, clean, and washed, which means it interlock when compacted, drains freely, and does not produce the dusty runoff that crusher run generates. Density: approximately 1.43 tons per cubic yard. It works as a driveway surface in lighter-traffic applications, as a middle layer in three-layer driveway builds, under concrete slabs, in French drains, and around drainage pipes. If you only have room for one type of crushed stone on a project, #57 is the most versatile choice.

Crusher Run / Road Base — Best Driveway Surface

Crusher run is a mixture of crushed angular stone plus stone dust (fines). Unlike washed stone, it contains fine particles that pack into the gaps between larger stones when compacted, creating an extremely dense, stable surface. This is why professional driveway contractors prefer crusher run for surface layers — it resists ruts, stays in place under vehicle traffic, and sheds water cleanly. Density: approximately 1.50 tons per cubic yard. It does create a dusty surface when dry and can track into garages, which is the main trade-off vs. washed stone.

#3 Stone (1″–2″) — Driveway Base Layer

Large, angular stone in the 1–2 inch range is the structural foundation of a properly built driveway or access road. The gaps between large stones create the drainage capacity that prevents the driveway from becoming waterlogged and shifting in wet conditions. Place 4–6 inches of #3 stone as the first layer on any new driveway, compact it with a plate compactor, and then add middle and surface layers on top. Density: approximately 1.43 tons per cubic yard.

Decomposed Granite — Southwest Pathways and Xeriscaping

Decomposed granite (DG) is naturally occurring granite that has weathered into fine, gritty particles. In the Southwest — Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, and Texas — it is the go-to path material for xeriscaped yards, meditative gardens, and desert-style landscaping. DG packs down firmly when moistened and compacted, creating an almost pavement-like surface. Density: approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard. It is not appropriate for regions with heavy rainfall where it will wash away, and it requires stabilizing binders (DG stabilizer) for high-traffic applications.

The critical compaction factor: For driveways and paver bases, loose gravel compacts 15–25% when a plate compactor runs over it. If you calculate 10 cubic yards of material and do not add a compaction factor, you will have a driveway that comes up 1.5–2.5 yards short after compaction. Our calculator applies your selected compaction factor automatically to the order quantity. For decorative beds without compaction, set it to 5–10% for waste only.

Gravel Type	Density (tons/yd³)	Best Depth	Best Use	Compaction
Pea Gravel (⅜”)	~1.28	2–3 in	Decorative beds, paths, dog runs	None (decorative)
#57 Crushed Stone (¾”)	~1.43	3–4 in	Driveways, French drains, slab base	15–20%
#3 Stone (1″–2″)	~1.43	4–6 in	Driveway base layer, structural fill	15–20%
Crusher Run	~1.50	4–6 in	Driveway surface, road base	20–25%
Decomposed Granite	~1.35	2–4 in	SW pathways, xeriscape, patios	15%
Crushed Limestone	~1.54	4–6 in	Driveways, base layers (South/Midwest)	20%
Paver Base / Class II	~1.50	4–6 in	Compacted base under pavers	20–25%

How to Build a Proper 3-Layer Gravel Driveway — and Why the Math Changes Per Layer

The single most important thing to understand about a gravel driveway is that it is not one material at one depth — it is a system. A professionally built residential gravel driveway has three distinct layers, each using a different stone size and serving a different structural purpose. Miss any one of the three layers and the driveway will either rut in the first rainy season, shift laterally, or produce a driving surface that is uncomfortable and impossible to maintain.

Layer 1: The Base — 4 to 6 Inches of #3 Crushed Stone

This is the structural foundation. Large, angular stones (1–2 inch diameter) create a stable, interlocking matrix that distributes vehicle weight over a large area of subgrade. The air spaces between large stones also create the drainage channels that prevent water from pooling under the driveway. This layer must be compacted with a plate compactor in 2–3 inch lifts — never dump 6 inches and compact once, because the stones at the bottom will never interlock properly. For soft or wet subgrade conditions, a layer of woven geotextile fabric between the subgrade and base stone dramatically extends driveway life.

Layer 2: The Middle — 3 to 4 Inches of #57 Stone

The middle layer transitions between the large base stones and the fine surface layer. It fills the voids in the base, adds additional drainage capacity, and creates a more level surface for the top coat to sit on. In areas with light traffic or shorter driveways, some contractors skip this layer and build a two-layer system instead (6-inch base + 3-inch surface). Our three-layer calculator gives you both options — just set the middle layer depth to zero for a two-layer build.

Layer 3: The Surface — 2 to 3 Inches of Crusher Run

The driving surface must be a material with fine particles (dust and fines) that pack into the gaps between larger stones and create a smooth, firm driving surface. Crusher run is the professional standard for this reason. Pure pea gravel is the worst surface choice for a driveway — it rolls under tire load, does not compact, and you will be endlessly raking it back into the driveway after every rain. If aesthetics matter and you want a pea gravel look, use a pea gravel/crusher mix or install a firm crusher run base and top-dress with 1 inch of pea gravel.

Skip compaction, lose your investment: Each layer of a gravel driveway must be plate-compacted before the next layer goes down. Compacting a single thick layer instead of multiple thin lifts leaves the bottom of the layer uncompacted, which is exactly where rutting begins. Rent a plate compactor (typically $90–$150/day) — it is the single highest-value step in any gravel driveway project.

Three Real US Gravel Projects, Calculated Step by Step

Example 1: Rural Tennessee — 200 ft × 12 ft 3-Layer Gravel Driveway

Upper South, new construction, 3-layer professional driveway build

Randy is building a 200-foot gravel driveway from the county road to his new home in a rural area outside Nashville. His contractor recommends the standard 3-layer build: 4 inches of #3 stone base, 3 inches of #57 middle, and 2 inches of crusher run surface. His local quarry charges $38/ton for #3 and #57, and $32/ton for crusher run, all delivered.

Layer	Area	Depth	Volume	Tons	Cost
#3 Stone Base	2,400 sq ft	4 in + 20% comp	14.81 yd³	21.2 tons	$805.60
#57 Middle	2,400 sq ft	3 in + 15% comp	10.56 yd³	15.1 tons	$573.80
Crusher Run Surface	2,400 sq ft	2 in + 25% comp	7.41 yd³	11.1 tons	$355.20
Total		9 in total	32.8 yd³	47.4 tons	$1,734.60

✅ Randy orders three separate loads totaling ~47 tons. With a standard 15-ton tandem dump truck, that is 4 truck loads. Materials total under $1,800 — significantly less than the $8,000–$12,000 he was quoted for asphalt paving on the same 200-foot run.

Example 2: Phoenix, Arizona — Decomposed Granite Xeriscape Backyard

Desert Southwest, xeriscaping, DG pathway and decorative coverage

Maria is converting her 400 sq ft Phoenix backyard to a low-water xeriscape with decomposed granite ground cover and desert plants. She wants 3 inches of stabilized DG throughout. Her local Sunbelt Rentals landscape supply yard sells stabilized DG at $42/ton or $57/yd³ delivered.

Input	Value
Area	400 sq ft
Depth (DG with stabilizer)	3 inches
Raw volume	400 × 3 ÷ 324 = 3.70 yd³
With 15% compaction	4.26 yd³
Weight (1.35 tons/yd³)	5.75 tons
Cost by ton (5.75 × $42)	$241.50 ← cheaper
Cost by yd³ (4.26 × $57)	$242.82

✅ Ton and yd³ pricing is nearly identical at this volume — Maria orders 6 tons to have a small buffer, pays about $252 delivered. The calculator’s ton vs yd³ comparison reveals she is not being overcharged on either pricing unit.

Example 3: Minneapolis, Minnesota — Paver Base for a 16×20 ft Patio

Upper Midwest, freeze-thaw climate, Class II paver base for concrete pavers

Kevin is installing a 16 × 20 ft concrete paver patio in his Edina backyard. His installer specifies 6 inches of Class II paver base (compacted crushed stone) before laying the bedding sand and pavers. Minneapolis freeze-thaw cycles require a deep base to prevent frost heave. Local base material is $47/ton.

Input	Value
Patio area	16 × 20 = 320 sq ft
Base depth	6 inches
Raw volume	320 × 6 ÷ 324 = 5.93 yd³
With 25% compaction factor	7.41 yd³ (order 7.5 yards)
Weight at 1.50 tons/yd³	11.12 tons
Cost by ton (11.12 × $47)	$522.64
Dump truck loads (15-ton capacity)	1 load (with room to spare)

✅ Kevin orders 7.5 yards / ~11 tons — one delivery load fits easily. The 25% compaction factor is critical here: without it he would order only 5.93 yards, compact the base, and come up nearly 1.5 yards short before he even started laying pavers.

Three Expert Tips Before You Order Gravel

Always Order By Ton When Possible — It Is More Precise

Gravel volume can vary significantly depending on how it is loaded (loose vs. settled) and the moisture content at delivery time. A “yard” of gravel can measure anywhere from 0.9 to 1.1 actual cubic yards depending on how the quarry loads the truck. Ordering by weight (tons) is more precise because scales do not lie — you know exactly what you got. When getting quotes, ask your supplier to give you both a per-ton and per-yard price, then use our cost comparison to see which unit saves you money on your specific order.

Compact Every 3-Inch Lift — Not the Full Depth at Once

The most expensive mistake in driveway and paver base construction is dumping all the material at once and trying to compact it in a single pass. A plate compactor can only densify the top 3–4 inches of loose material effectively. Anything below that stays loose and will settle and shift under load. Place base material in 3-inch lifts, run the compactor over each lift in two perpendicular passes, then add the next lift. This adds time but is the difference between a driveway that lasts 15 years and one that ruts in the first winter.

Get Your Delivery Access Sorted Before the Truck Comes

A fully loaded gravel dump truck weighs 60,000–80,000 lbs. Gravel is sold in quantities where a single-axle truck carries 12–15 tons and a tandem axle carries 20–25 tons. Many residential driveways, septic systems, and underground utilities cannot handle these weights. Before ordering, mark any underground utilities (call 811 — the national “Call Before You Dig” line), identify soft spots on the delivery path, and discuss the dumping location with the driver when scheduling. Trucks need a roughly 40-foot straight approach to dump cleanly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel Calculations

How many tons of gravel do I need per square foot?+

At 2 inches deep with standard crushed stone (1.43 tons/yd³): 1 sq ft needs 0.0088 tons (17.6 lbs). At 4 inches: 0.0177 tons (35.3 lbs) per sq ft. For practical ordering: 100 sq ft at 2 inches = 0.88 tons; at 4 inches = 1.77 tons. Add 15–20% for compaction. Always add and round up to the nearest half-ton when ordering from a quarry.

How many cubic yards of gravel do I need per 100 square feet?+

100 sq ft at 1 inch = 0.31 yd³. At 2 inches = 0.62 yd³. At 3 inches = 0.93 yd³. At 4 inches = 1.23 yd³. At 6 inches = 1.85 yd³. These are before compaction factor. Add 15–20% for compaction on driveways and paver bases. One cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep or 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep.

How many tons of gravel in a dump truck?+

A single-axle dump truck carries 12–15 tons of gravel. A tandem-axle (18-wheeler style) dump truck carries 20–25 tons. A “super dump” or end dump can carry 26–30 tons. Most residential gravel deliveries use single-axle trucks (12–15 tons per load) because tandem trucks are too heavy for many residential driveways and cannot maneuver in tight areas. Our calculator shows you how many truck loads you need based on your total tonnage and a standard 15-ton load.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?+

A properly built gravel driveway needs 8–12 inches of total material in two or three layers. The standard 3-layer build is: 4–6 inches of #3 crushed stone base, 3 inches of #57 middle stone, and 2–3 inches of crusher run surface. Minimum functional depth for any gravel driveway is 4 inches of compacted material — less than that and vehicle traffic will push the gravel aside and create ruts within one season. New driveways over soft or clay subgrade should use the full 10–12 inch specification.

How many tons of gravel per cubic yard?+

It depends on the stone type. Pea gravel: ~1.28 tons/yd³. #57 crushed stone: ~1.43 tons/yd³. #3 stone: ~1.43 tons/yd³. Crusher run: ~1.50 tons/yd³. Crushed limestone: ~1.54 tons/yd³. Paver base: ~1.50 tons/yd³. Decomposed granite: ~1.35 tons/yd³. Wet material weighs 10–15% more than dry. When in doubt, use 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a standard estimate for most crushed stone types.

How much does a ton of gravel cost in the US?+

Gravel prices vary significantly by region and material type. As of 2024–2025 national averages: pea gravel $35–$55/ton, #57 crushed stone $35–$60/ton, crusher run $30–$50/ton, crushed limestone $25–$55/ton, decomposed granite $40–$75/ton. Delivery adds $50–$150 for most residential loads. Quarries in the Southeast (Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama) tend to have the lowest prices due to abundant limestone deposits. Pacific Coast prices run 30–50% higher. Always get local quotes — pricing varies dramatically even within the same county.

What is the best gravel for a driveway?+

For maximum durability and longevity, use angular crushed stone (not rounded river rock or pea gravel) because angular edges interlock under pressure and resist shifting. The professional standard for residential driveways is: #3 crushed stone or recycled concrete for the base, #57 for the middle layer, and crusher run for the surface. Crusher run compacts the firmest and resists rutting best. Avoid pea gravel as a surface layer — it rolls under tire load and constant maintenance is required to keep it in place.

What is the compaction factor for gravel?+

Loose gravel compacts 15–25% in volume when plate-compacted. Crusher run compacts the most (up to 25%) because it contains fine particles that fill voids. Clean washed stone like #57 compacts less (15%) because large voids between stones cannot close as much. For decorative beds without mechanical compaction, use 5–10% waste factor only. For driveways and paver bases, always add the full compaction factor to your order — otherwise you will come up short after each layer is compacted.

How many tons of gravel for a 200-foot driveway?+

For a standard 12-foot wide, 200-foot driveway at 4 inches of crusher run surface only: 200 × 12 × 4 ÷ 324 = 29.6 yd³ before compaction. With 25% compaction: 37 yd³ × 1.50 tons = 55.6 tons. For the full 3-layer build (4 in base + 3 in middle + 2 in surface): roughly 70–80 total tons. At $40/ton average, materials run $2,800–$3,200 — compared to $20,000–$35,000 for paved asphalt on the same length driveway.

How long does a gravel driveway last?+

A properly built 3-layer gravel driveway with angular crushed stone base lasts indefinitely with periodic maintenance. The surface layer (2–3 inches of crusher run) needs replenishment every 3–5 years as material is scattered or washed away. Regrading with a box blade or driveway grader is recommended annually in regions with heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles. Total annual maintenance cost on a typical residential driveway runs $200–$600, versus $500–$1,500/year for crack sealing and periodic resurfacing of an asphalt driveway.

What is #57 crushed stone?+

#57 refers to the ASTM gradation specification for crushed stone with particles ranging from ¾ inch to about ½ inch. The “57” refers to the sieve size numbers that 90% of the stone must pass through. It is a clean, angular, washed aggregate — no fines or dust. This makes it drain freely but also means it does not compact as firmly as crusher run. It is the standard specification for drainage applications, French drains, concrete slab base, driveway middle layers, and around utility pipes.

How much gravel do I need for a French drain?+

A typical residential French drain trench is 12 inches wide and 18–24 inches deep. You need gravel to fill the trench around a 4-inch perforated pipe: approximately 1 cubic foot of gravel per linear foot of trench for a 12×12 inch gravel zone around the pipe. For a 50-foot French drain: 50 × 1 cu ft = 50 cu ft = 1.85 yd³ of #57 washed stone. Use #57 — not crusher run — for drainage applications because the clean stone allows water to flow through freely.

Can I put gravel directly on dirt?+

You can, but it is not recommended for driveways or high-traffic areas. Without a geotextile separation fabric between the subgrade soil and the gravel, the two materials will intermix over time as vehicles and water work the gravel down into the soil. Within 2–3 years, your gravel layer will have thinned significantly as the base stone disappears into the ground. For decorative beds and pathways, placing landscape fabric under the gravel before installation prevents this intermixing and keeps the gravel depth consistent for years.

How do I calculate gravel for a circular driveway or area?+

For a circular area: measure the diameter at the widest point, divide by 2 to get the radius, then use Area = π × radius². Example: a 20-foot diameter circular area has a radius of 10 feet, area = 3.14159 × 100 = 314 sq ft. Multiply by depth and divide by 324 for cubic yards. Our calculator handles circle geometry automatically — select the Circle shape and enter the diameter. For a circular driveway loop, calculate the outer circle area minus the inner circle area to get the ring area.

What is decomposed granite?+

Decomposed granite (DG) is natural granite that has been broken down by weathering into a mix of fine particles and small pebbles. It is predominantly found in the American Southwest and is the most popular ground cover material for xeriscape gardens, desert paths, and outdoor living areas in states like Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. When moistened and compacted, DG creates a firm, sand-like surface. Three types are available: natural DG (loose, best for gardens), stabilized DG (mixed with a binder for paths and patios), and DG with resin binder (strongest, used for walkways and patios).

Should I use landscape fabric under gravel?+

For decorative beds and pathways: yes. Landscape fabric prevents weeds from growing up through the gravel and prevents soil and gravel from intermixing. Use a non-woven geotextile fabric for best longevity. For driveways and load-bearing applications, use a heavy-duty woven geotextile (not the lighter garden fabric) between the subgrade and base stone — this is called a separation geotextile and significantly extends driveway life by preventing the base stone from sinking into soft subgrade soil. The USDA NRCS recommends geotextile separation fabric for any gravel road or driveway over soft or clayey subgrades.

Related Landscaping & Construction Calculators

Legal Disclaimer & Editorial Transparency

The Gravel Calculator on USCalculators.com is provided free of charge for planning and estimation purposes only. Volume, weight, and cost figures are mathematical estimates based on the dimensions and prices you enter. Actual material requirements will vary based on gravel type, moisture content at delivery, compaction achieved, subgrade conditions, and irregular area geometry.

Gravel density values used in this calculator represent US industry-standard averages per material type. Actual supplier material density may differ — request your supplier’s tons-per-cubic-yard specification for large orders. Compaction factor recommendations are general guidelines; actual compaction depends on equipment, lift thickness, material moisture, and subgrade conditions. For engineered road and driveway design, consult a licensed civil engineer. Always confirm pricing, weight, and volume with your local quarry or landscape supplier before ordering.

Dump truck load estimates assume 15 tons per single-axle load. Actual truck capacity varies by truck type, state weight laws, and hauling distance. Call 811 (the national “Call Before You Dig” utility notification line) before any excavation or gravel delivery on your property. USCalculators.com is not affiliated with any gravel supplier, quarry, or government agency. Gravel type recommendations reference general industry practice and are not engineering specifications.