How much gravel for a 200-foot driveway?
Quick Answer
A 200-foot driveway that is 12 feet wide with a 6-inch gravel layer needs approximately 14.8 cubic yards (about 20 tons) of gravel. At $25–50 per ton delivered, that's $500–1,000 in gravel materials. A properly built gravel driveway has 3 layers: 4–6 inches of base rock, 3–4 inches of middle stone, and 2 inches of top dressing.
Quick Reference Table
| Driveway Length | Gravel needed (6" depth, 12 ft wide) |
|---|---|
| 50 ft | 3.7 yd³ / 5 tons |
| 100 ft | 7.4 yd³ / 10 tons |
| 200 ft | 14.8 yd³ / 20 tons |
| 300 ft | 22.2 yd³ / 30 tons |
| 500 ft | 37 yd³ / 50 tons |
| 1,000 ft | 74 yd³ / 100 tons |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Calculate volume: length × width × depth (all in feet). 200 × 12 × 0.5 ft (6") = 1,200 cubic feet.
- 2
Convert to cubic yards: 1,200 ÷ 27 = 44.4 cubic yards for the full base.
- 3
For a single 6-inch layer: 200 × 12 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = 44.4 ÷ 3 = 14.8 cubic yards.
- 4
Convert to tons: gravel weighs ~1.35 tons/yd³. 14.8 × 1.35 = 20 tons.
Pro Tip
Order crusher run (also called road base or 21AA) for the base layers — it contains fines that compact and bind well. Use pea gravel or ¾" clean crushed stone only for the top 2-inch dressing layer. Mixing types at the base leads to poor compaction.
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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