Gravel for a Driveway
A gravel driveway is usually built in layers — a coarse base topped with #57 or crusher run. Enter your driveway size below for the tons needed and cost. Use 3 inches for a top-up or 4–6 inches (total) for a new driveway from bare ground.
Source: Home Depot / Lowe's online bulk listings + regional supplier averages
Estimate gravel for your driveway
Prefilled for a 40 × 12 ft driveway at 4" — adjust to your size.
Material only, $25–$65 per ton. Delivery and labor not included. Estimates only — not engineering advice.
Tips for driveways
- Build a new driveway in layers: a 3–4 inch coarse base, then a 2–3 inch driving surface of #57 or crusher run.
- Crusher run compacts into a firm, low-cost base; #57 stone drains best on top.
- A geotextile fabric under the base stops gravel from sinking into soft soil.
Gravel cost breakdown
- Material (per ton)
- $25–$65 depending on grade — pea gravel and decorative stone run higher than base/crusher run.
- Delivery
- $60–$150 per load flat, or $10–$20/ton over distance. Many yards have a minimum load.
- Spreading / labor (optional)
- $40–$70 per hour if you hire out grading and spreading.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel for a driveway?
A 40 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 8.8 tons of gravel including waste. A shorter 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 3 inches needs roughly 2.7 tons.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a typical 20 ft × 20 ft driveway at 3 inches deep you need about 100 cubic feet (≈3.7 cubic yards), which is roughly 5.5 tons of gravel including 10% for waste and compaction. Use the calculator above with your exact dimensions.
How much does gravel cost per ton?
Gravel runs about $25–$65 per ton for the material. Base grades like crusher run are cheapest; #57 stone is mid-range; pea gravel and decorative stone are highest. Delivery adds $60–$150 per load.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.35 US tons per cubic yard (≈2,700 lb) for typical dry crushed stone. Depending on gradation and moisture it ranges from about 1.2 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
What is #57 gravel and how is it different from crusher run?
#57 is a clean, roughly 3/4-inch crushed stone that drains well and is popular for driveways and drainage; it does not lock together tightly. Crusher run mixes stone with fine dust so it compacts into a hard, stable base — it's the cheaper choice for a driveway base layer.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Plan on 3 inches for a top layer over an existing base, or 4–6 inches total (in layers) for a new gravel driveway built from bare ground.