How many tons of gravel for a driveway?
Quick Answer
A standard single-lane gravel driveway (12 feet wide, 4 inches deep) requires approximately 1.5 tons of gravel per 10 linear feet, or 15 tons per 100 linear feet. For a 200-foot driveway, plan on 30 tons. Gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Quick Reference Table
| Driveway length (12 ft wide, 4" deep) | Tons of gravel needed |
|---|---|
| 50 feet | ~7.5 tons |
| 100 feet | ~15 tons |
| 150 feet | ~22 tons |
| 200 feet | ~30 tons |
| 300 feet | ~45 tons |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Measure driveway length × width in feet.
- 2
Multiply by depth in feet (4" = 0.333 ft): length × 12 × 0.333 = cubic feet.
- 3
Divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
- 4
Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to get tons (crushed stone density).
- 5
Example: 200 ft × 12 ft × 0.333 = 800 cu ft ÷ 27 = 29.6 yd³ × 1.4 = 41 tons.
Pro Tip
Order gravel in layers: 6 inches of large base stone (2–3" crusher run), then 4 inches of 3/4" crushed stone on top. This two-layer system lasts decades vs. a single layer of uniform stone.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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