Landscaping · Beginner

How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway

Depth, compaction and coverage per ton for a driveway that actually holds up.

5 min read Reviewed by prosUpdated January 2026

Tools needed

• Tape measure
• Rake
• Plate compactor (rented)
• Wheelbarrow

Materials

• #3 crushed stone (base layer)
• #57 stone (middle layer)
• 1/4" chip or crusher run (top layer)
• Landscape fabric (optional but recommended)

1
Measure the area
Length × width in feet gives square footage. For a curved drive, break it into rectangles and add them together.
2
Decide total depth
A residential gravel drive needs at least 8" of stone in three layers: 4" of #3, 3" of #57, and 1" of top dressing. Skimp on depth and you'll get ruts within a year.
3
Convert to tons
Formula: (length × width × depth in feet) ÷ 21.6 = tons. Example: a 12x40 ft drive at 8" (0.667 ft) deep needs (12 × 40 × 0.667) ÷ 21.6 ≈ 15 tons. Use the BuildMate Gravel Calculator to skip the math.
4
Excavate and lay fabric
Strip topsoil down to firm subgrade. Lay woven landscape fabric to keep gravel from sinking into the subgrade over time.
5
Place and compact in lifts
Never dump the full depth at once. Spread each layer, compact with a plate compactor, then add the next. Compaction is what separates a driveway from a pile of rocks.

Safety note: this guide is educational. Always follow local building codes, pull required permits, and hire a licensed pro for structural, electrical, gas or plumbing work when in doubt.