How many tons of gravel do I need?

Multiply area × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by ~1.4 for tons.

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

6–8 inches total — a 3–4 inch coarse base topped with 3–4 inches of finer gravel.

Is gravel cheaper than asphalt?

Yes, gravel has the lowest up-front cost of any driveway, but it needs periodic regrading and topping up.

Gravel Cost Calculator

Use the gravel cost calculator below to get an instant material and installed price range for your project. To find how much gravel you need, multiply length × width × depth (in feet) for cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 for tons. A 40×10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 4.9 cubic yards (≈ 6.9 tons), costing roughly $210–$415 delivered.

Your measurements

Length(ft)

Width(ft)

Depth(in)

4 in for paths, 6–8 in for driveways.

Price per ton($/ton)

Enter your measurements

Fill in the fields to see your estimate.

Gravel coverage by depth

Area one ton of gravel covers at each depth.

Depth	Coverage per ton	Tons per 100 ft²
2 in	~100 ft²	~1.0
3 in	~67 ft²	~1.5
4 in	~50 ft²	~2.0
6 in	~33 ft²	~3.0

What affects gravel cost

Project size — larger driveway & paving jobs lower the cost per unit but raise the total.
Material grade — premium products cost more but often last longer.
Labor rates — local wages and demand swing installed prices significantly.
Region — prices vary by state and metro (see local cost pages below).
Site access & prep — removal of old material and difficult access add cost.
Season — booking in the off-season can cut labor pricing.