Gravel Driveway Calculator
Estimate driveway gravel in cubic yards and US short tons. Specify layer depth and the supplier's bulk tons-per-yard figure.
How the result changes
Only driveway length changes; all other inputs stay at your current values. The line illustrates the formula across the shown range. This is not a forecast of real-world outcomes.
About this calculation
A gravel driveway combines a large footprint with a comparatively thin layer. This calculator converts the planned layer to cubic yards and then uses the entered bulk-density figure to estimate how many US short tons that volume represents. Calculate gravel driveway when building or resurfacing a driveway.
Formula
cubic yards = length × width × depth/12 ÷ 27; short tons = cubic yards × tons per yard
Worked example
With Driveway length: 60 ft, Driveway width: 10 ft, Gravel depth: 4 in, Bulk density: 1.4 US tons/yd³, layer volume is 7.407407 yd³.
Inputs and units
Measure length and average width in feet and settled depth in inches. Enter the supplier's short tons per cubic yard for the selected gravel, checking whether its figure refers to loose delivery or compacted coverage.
- Driveway length (ft): Measure the gravel-covered run, excluding paved segments.
- Driveway width (ft): Use the average width or split a varying driveway into sections.
- Gravel depth (in): Specify the desired settled layer depth in inches.
- Bulk density (US tons/yd³): Use the supplier's tonnage per loose or compacted yard consistently.
Calculation and worked example
Multiplying length and width yields square feet. Convert depth to feet by dividing by 12; multiplying gives cubic feet. Divide by 27 to obtain cubic yards, then multiply by short tons per yard for the weight estimate In compact notation, cubic yards = length × width × depth/12 ÷ 27; short tons = cubic yards × tons per yard.
A 60 ft by 10 ft driveway at a 4 in layer depth needs 200 ft³, or about 7.407 yd³. If the chosen gravel is quoted at 1.4 US tons per yard, that corresponds to about 10.37 short tons.
How to use the answer
The volume is the ideal geometric space filled by the gravel layer. The weight is only as dependable as the density value; rounded stone, crushed angular rock, moisture, and packing can change the weight per yard.
Price the same project using yard-based and ton-based quotes after checking each supplier's definitions. Add separate runs for a widened parking pad or a thinner top-dressing layer rather than averaging unlike sections.
Assumptions and checks
The driveway is modelled as a uniform rectangular layer. The result excludes rut filling, settlement, edge spill, sub-base aggregate, and a purchasing allowance, so a field estimate may need a separately justified addition.
Do not read 4 inches as 4 feet. Also remember that a US short ton is 2,000 pounds; it is different from the metric tonne used by some suppliers.
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. A 9 ft by 9 ft rectangle at 4 in depth makes exactly 27 ft³, providing a quick check for the cubic-yard conversion.
Common questions
What does the layer volume result represent?
Layer volume is the theoretical cubic yards at the entered settled depth. Estimated weight converts that volume using your chosen tons-per-yard factor.
What should I check before relying on this result?
Confirm the driveway's average width, the depth after settling, the supplier's bulk density, and whether the quote is by yard or ton.
Inputs
- Driveway length (ft)
- Driveway width (ft)
- Gravel depth (in)
- Bulk density (US tons/yd³)