A long-lasting gravel driveway is built in layers: a base of large stone (#3, 1–2 in) for strength and drainage, a middle layer of #57 stone, and a top layer of stone with fines (#411 or crusher run) that packs into a firm surface. Each layer is usually 4 inches deep, compacted before the next goes down. Skipping the base is the most common reason driveways rut and pothole.
How to use the Gravel Driveway Calculator
- Driveway length
- Driveway width
- Base layer depth (#3 stone)
- Middle layer depth (#57 stone)
- Top layer depth (#411 / crusher run)
- Compaction allowance
- Base stone price
- Middle stone price
- Top stone price
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the driveway length and width, the depth of each layer and the price per ton for each stone. The calculator finds the compacted volume of every layer, adds the compaction allowance and converts to tons using typical densities for each stone grade.
Gravel sizes
| Name | Size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| #1 (rip-rap base) | 2–4 in | Base of new driveways |
| #3 | 1–2 in | Drainage, driveway base |
| #57 | ¾–1 in | Driveways, drainage, concrete aggregate |
| #67 | ¾ in and smaller | Concrete mix, base layers |
| #8 / pea gravel | ⅜ in | Paths, play areas, pipe bedding |
| #10 / screenings | dust to ¼ in | Paver base, fines for compaction |
| #411 | #57 + dust | Top layer that packs hard |
Densities used
Base stone #3 ≈ 1,580 kg/m³, #57 ≈ 1,602 kg/m³, #411 / crusher run ≈ 1,900 kg/m³ (loose).
Tips for an accurate estimate
- Plan driveways and paths in layers – a compacted base of larger stone does most of the structural work.
- Add 10–25% for compaction: loose stone shrinks once it is rolled or driven on.
- Ask the quarry whether prices are per US ton, metric tonne or cubic yard before comparing quotes.
- Grade surfaces at 1–2% so water runs off rather than soaking into the base.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the base layer or geotextile on soft soil, which leads to ruts and potholes.
- Using rounded stone (pea gravel, river rock) on surfaces that carry vehicles.
- Ordering compacted volume when the supplier delivers loose material.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Driveway length | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Driveway width | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Base layer depth (#3 stone) | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Middle layer depth (#57 stone) | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Top layer depth (#411 / crusher run) | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Compaction allowance | In % |
| Base stone price | Units: /US ton, /t, /lb, /kg |
| Middle stone price | Units: /US ton, /t, /lb, /kg |
| Top stone price | Units: /US ton, /t, /lb, /kg |
What each result means
- Driveway area = [Driveway length]×[Driveway width]
- Base layer volume = [Driveway length]×[Driveway width]×[Base layer depth (#3 stone)]×(1 + [Compaction allowance]÷100)
- Base layer weight = [Base layer volume]×1580
- Middle layer volume = [Driveway length]×[Driveway width]×[Middle layer depth (#57 stone)]×(1 + [Compaction allowance]÷100)
- Middle layer weight = [Middle layer volume]×1602
- Top layer volume = [Driveway length]×[Driveway width]×[Top layer depth (#411 ÷ crusher run)]×(1 + [Compaction allowance]÷100)
- Top layer weight = [Top layer volume]×1900
- Total gravel = [Base layer weight] + [Middle layer weight] + [Top layer weight]
- Total cost = [Base layer weight]×[Base stone price] + [Middle layer weight]×[Middle stone price] + [Top layer weight]×[Top stone price]
Formula
Volume of each layer = length × width × depth × (1 + compaction)Weight = volume × densityCost = weight × price per tonWorked example
Inputs — Driveway length: 100 ft; Driveway width: 12 ft; Base layer depth (#3 stone): 4 in; Middle layer depth (#57 stone): 4 in; Top layer depth (#411 / crusher run): 3 in; Compaction allowance: 15 %; Base stone price: $30 /US ton; Middle stone price: $35 /US ton; Top stone price: $40 /US ton.
Results — Driveway area = 1,200 ft²; Base layer volume = 17.04 yd³; Base layer weight = 22.69 US ton; Middle layer volume = 17.04 yd³; Middle layer weight = 23 US ton; Top layer volume = 12.78 yd³; Top layer weight = 20.46 US ton; Total gravel = 66.15 US ton; Total cost = $2,304.10.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should a gravel driveway be?
About 10–12 in in total: 4 in of large base stone, 4 in of #57 and 2–4 in of top stone with fines.
What is the best top gravel for a driveway?
Crushed stone with fines such as #411, crusher run or quarry process – it binds into a hard surface. Avoid pea gravel and river rock, which roll underfoot.
Do I need landscape fabric?
A woven geotextile under the base stops it sinking into soft clay and is cheap insurance on poor soils.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
Mostly stone and delivery; enter local prices per ton to get a figure for your area.
What formula does the Gravel Driveway Calculator use?
Volume of each layer = length × width × depth × (1 + compaction).