Gravel Driveway Calculator
Estimate base and surface gravel, compacted depth, tons, truckloads and cost for a driveway.
How to estimate driveway gravel
Enter finished driveway dimensions and compacted layer depths. Use a rectangular layout, average-width flared layout, two separate tire tracks or a measured area. Replace example densities, compaction factors and prices with supplier or project values.
Formulas
Rectangle area = length × width. Flared area = length × (start width + end width) ÷ 2. Two-track area = length × track width × 2. Finished layer volume = area × compacted depth. Loose order volume = finished volume × (1 + compaction allowance ÷ 100) × (1 + spillage allowance ÷ 100). Weight = loose volume × loose bulk density.
Checked example
A 60 × 12 ft driveway has 720 ft² of area. A 4 in base is 8.889 yd³ compacted and orders 10.733 yd³ after 15% compaction and 5% grading allowance. At 1.40 short tons/yd³, that is about 15.03 short tons. A 2 in surface layer orders 5.133 yd³ and about 6.93 short tons at 1.35 tons/yd³. Combined order: about 21.96 short tons.
Limits
- Bulk density and compaction vary by aggregate gradation, moisture, source and equipment. Supplier or testing data should replace examples.
- The two-track layout covers only two gravel strips; it excludes the center and shoulders.
- This calculator does not select layer thickness, geotextile, drainage, crown, subgrade treatment or aggregate specification.
- Truck results assume the entered payload can be used fully. Legal weight limits, minimum loads, delivery, spreading, tax and site access are separate.
- Measure irregular areas in sections and avoid counting overlaps twice.
Related calculators
Use the Gravel Calculator for a general single layer, the Asphalt Calculator for paved surfaces, or the Square Footage Calculator to total complex areas.
Comparing gravel with concrete? Use the Concrete Driveway Calculator for slab volume, whole bags, ready-mix, forms, joints, slope and cost.