Enter your gravel project measurements
Length (feet)
Width (feet)
Depth (inches)
Typical: 4 inches
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$
/tonDefault: $48.00/ton
Calculating gravel needs accurately prevents costly over-ordering or project-stopping shortages. Whether you're building a driveway, creating a drainage solution, or landscaping a garden path, understanding gravel calculations, types, and installation requirements ensures professional results at the right price.
Driveway (20×20): ~15 tons (4" depth)
Walkway (3×20): ~1.5 tons (3" depth)
Drainage base: 4-6" depth minimum
Coverage: 1 ton ≈ 100 sq ft at 2" depth
| Gravel Type | Size | Best Uses | Cost per Ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | 3/4" to 1" | Driveways, base layer, drainage | $30-50 |
| Pea Gravel | 1/4" to 3/8" | Walkways, patios, decorative | $35-55 |
| River Rock | 1" to 3" | Landscaping, drainage, decorative | $40-70 |
| Crusher Run | Varies | Driveway base, compacts well | $25-40 |
| #57 Stone | 3/4" | Drainage, French drains, base | $30-45 |
Crushed stone (angular, sharp edges) compacts tightly and provides excellent stability for driveways and bases. Pea gravel (smooth, rounded) looks attractive but doesn't compact well—use for decorative applications only. Crusher run contains mixed sizes that lock together, making it ideal for driveway bases.
| Application | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway surface | 4-6 inches | Deeper for heavy vehicles |
| Driveway base (under concrete) | 4-6 inches | Must be compacted |
| Walkway | 2-3 inches | Over landscape fabric |
| Patio base | 4-6 inches | Under pavers or stone |
| Drainage/French drain | 6-12 inches | Depends on drainage needs |
| Decorative landscaping | 2-3 inches | Prevents weed growth |
Proper depth prevents settling and ensures longevity. Driveways need 4-6 inches minimum—less depth allows gravel to spread and creates ruts. Always compact in 2-inch layers for best results.
Don't skip landscape fabric: Install fabric under gravel to prevent mixing with soil, which causes settling and weed growth. The $50-100 investment saves years of maintenance headaches.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel material | $25-70/ton | Varies by type and region |
| Delivery | $50-150 | Depends on distance and quantity |
| Landscape fabric | $0.10-0.30/sq ft | Recommended for all projects |
| Compaction (rental) | $75-150/day | Plate compactor or roller |
| Professional install | $1-3/sq ft | Includes materials and labor |
For a 20×20 driveway (400 sq ft) at 4 inches deep, expect $600-1,200 DIY (materials + delivery + equipment rental) or $1,200-2,400 professionally installed. Bulk delivery (10+ tons) costs less per ton than bagged gravel from home centers.
1. Excavate properly: Remove topsoil and organic material. Excavate 2 inches deeper than final gravel depth to account for compaction.
2. Grade for drainage: Slope 1-2% (1/4" per foot) away from structures. Standing water causes erosion and washout.
3. Install edging: Use metal, plastic, or timber edging to contain gravel and maintain clean borders.
4. Layer and compact: Spread gravel in 2-inch layers, compacting each layer before adding the next. This prevents future settling.
5. Use landscape fabric: Install between soil and gravel to prevent mixing and weed growth. Overlap seams by 6-12 inches.
Compaction is critical: Uncompacted gravel settles 20-30% over time. Rent a plate compactor ($75-100/day) for driveways and high-traffic areas. Water lightly while compacting for better results.
Use our free Gravel Calculator above to instantly calculate tons and cubic yards needed for driveways, walkways, and drainage projects. Get accurate material estimates with compaction factors included.
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