This calculator estimates gravel tonnage, material cost, and a delivery line from the area, compacted depth, and supplier price you enter. Use it for a driveway, path, drainage strip, or base layer after choosing the correct aggregate and requesting a local price per ton or tonne. It does not include excavation, geotextile, separate surface layers, compaction loss, machine hire, spreading labour, or minimum-load surcharges unless entered in the fee. US mode works in cubic yards and short tons with dollar pricing; UK mode uses cubic metres and metric tonnes with pound pricing. Because density and haulage vary by product and distance, send the result to the delivering yard and ask them to confirm load weight, minimum charge, and tipping access.
How this is calculated
Volume converts to weight using the same density factors as the Gravel Calculator. Suppliers price by the ton, so the cost line multiplies weight by your per-ton figure.
Delivery is a flat add-on because small loads and distance dominate haulage more than the stone itself. Adjust it to match your supplier's minimum load charge.
Run the tool once per layer when you have a sub-base and a surface chip. Adding depths into one pass hides which layer is expensive when a quote changes.
Regional stone prices move with fuel and quarry distance. Replace the default price with a phone quote from a yard that can actually deliver to your postcode or zip.
Formula & methodology
Tons = (L × W × D in ft) ÷ 27 × 1.4. Material cost = tons × price/ton. Total = materials + delivery.
Worked example
A 40 ft × 12 ft driveway base, 4 in deep
1.Volume ≈ 17.8 yd³
2.Weight ≈ 24.9 tons
3.At $55/ton → ~$1,370 materials
4.Plus $75 delivery → ~$1,445 before compaction or top layer
Calculator
Enter your dimensions below. Results update as you type. Costs are planning ranges — confirm with a local supplier before you order.
Driveway or path area
ft
ft
in
Add cost details
$
$
One load — adjust if you need multiple trips
Results
Gravel needed
8.3 tons
5.93 yd³
Material cost
$456
Materials + delivery
$489 – $574
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the Gravel Calculator?
Same volume math. This page leads with a delivery fee and a cost-focused layout for driveway budgeting.
Minimum delivery loads?
Many quarries charge for a minimum tonnage even on small jobs. If your result is under their minimum, use the minimum tonnage in the price fields.
Separate base and top layer?
Run the calculator twice — once for sub-base depth and once for the surface chip — and add the totals.
Compacted vs loose volume?
The density factor assumes compacted aggregate. Loose fill in a truck measures larger before compaction.
UK tonnes?
Switch to metric for tonnes and price per tonne. Delivery fees in GBP go in the delivery field.
Installation labour?
Not included. Spread and compact rates vary — add labour through the Project Cost Estimator if you have a quote.
Does delivery include tipping?
Ask. Some quotes drop at the kerb; others need a barrow or machine to move stone down a side access — that labour is separate.
Pea gravel vs crusher run?
Change the density and price to match the product. Pea gravel and dense graded base do not weigh or cost the same per cubic yard.
Last updated 2026-09-01. Formulas are planning methods — confirm with a supplier before you order. See how we calculate and the disclaimer.