How Much Gravel Do You Need for a Driveway?

Length times width gives the plan area. Irregular drives should be split into rectangles or triangles and added together. Measure the usable driving surface, not the whole plot boundary, unless you are graveling the verges as well.

If the drive tapers, use average width. A 40 ft drive that is 10 ft at the road and 14 ft at the house is roughly 12 ft average width for planning.

A common planning depth for a light residential drive is 4–6 inches (100–150 mm) of compacted base, sometimes over a geotextile. Pedestrian paths are often thinner. Going from 4 inches to 6 inches is a 50% increase in volume for the same area.

Loose fill settles. Order a little extra (often 5–10%) for compaction and uneven subgrade, then confirm with your supplier — some quote compacted depth already.

Volume is length × width × depth (in consistent units). The Gravel Calculator converts that into cubic yards or cubic metres and an approximate weight using a typical density for crushed stone.

Density varies by rock type and moisture. Treat weight as a planning figure for delivery booking, then order against the supplier’s coverage chart when you have a product name.

Check access for the tipper truck. If material must be barrowed far from the drop point, labour cost can exceed the gravel itself.

Use the Cost Estimator with a local price per tonne or yard once you have a volume. A national average is only a starting band.