Driveways
How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?
A gravel driveway is usually built in two or three layers, so the amount of gravel you need depends on the driveway's area, the depth of each layer and the gravel type. Here's how to estimate it — in cubic yards and tonnes — without guesswork.
Quick answer
For a typical residential gravel driveway, plan on 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) of total gravel built up in layers. A 100 ft² section at 10 inches deep needs about 3 cubic yards (roughly 3.7 tonnes) of gravel. Multiply for your driveway's full area, then order 5–10% extra for compaction.
Gravel driveway layers
A long-lasting gravel driveway is rarely a single dump of stone. It's built in graded layers so it drains and stays firm:
- Sub-base (4–6 in): large angular stone such as 2–4 in (50–100 mm) clear or crusher run for a stable foundation.
- Base (3–4 in): 3/4 in (19 mm) crusher run that compacts into a tight, load-bearing layer.
- Top / driving layer (2–3 in): 3/4 in clear stone or a decorative gravel for the surface you actually drive on.
On soft or clay soils, add a layer of geotextile fabric under the sub-base to stop the stone from sinking into the ground.
How to calculate driveway gravel step by step
- Measure the driveway length × width in feet to get the area in square feet.
- Decide the total gravel depth (8–12 in is typical) and convert to feet (inches ÷ 12).
- Multiply area × depth to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Multiply cubic yards by the gravel's weight (about 1.2–1.4 tonnes per yard) to get tonnes.
Cubic yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Total depth ft) ÷ 27
Driveway gravel quantities at a glance
Approximate gravel for a single 10-inch-deep driveway build (all layers combined):
| Driveway size | Area | Cubic yards (10" deep) | Tonnes (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 car (10 × 20 ft) | 200 ft² | 6.2 yd³ | 7.6 t |
| 2 car (20 × 20 ft) | 400 ft² | 12.3 yd³ | 15 t |
| Short rural drive (10 × 50 ft) | 500 ft² | 15.4 yd³ | 18.8 t |
| Long rural drive (12 × 100 ft) | 1,200 ft² | 37 yd³ | 45 t |
Tonnes assume crusher run at about 1.6 t/m³ (≈1.22 t/yd³). Add 5–10% for compaction.
What gravel is best for a driveway?
Use angular crushed stone (crusher run for the base, 3/4 in clear for the top) — the sharp edges lock together and compact, unlike round pea gravel or river rock, which shift and rut under tires. For the full breakdown, see best gravel for driveways in Canada. To estimate cost, read gravel driveway cost in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Plan on 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) of total gravel for a residential driveway, built in layers: a 4–6 in coarse sub-base, a 3–4 in crusher-run base, and a 2–3 in top layer. Heavier vehicles or soft soils need the deeper end of that range.
How many tonnes of gravel for a driveway?
A 10 × 20 ft single-car driveway at 10 inches deep needs roughly 6 cubic yards, or about 7.6 tonnes of crusher run. Scale up linearly with area — double the area, double the gravel.
How much gravel do I need per square foot of driveway?
At 4 inches deep you need about 0.012 cubic yards (≈0.015 tonnes) per square foot. For a full 10-inch build it's roughly 0.031 yd³ (≈0.038 t) per square foot.
Should I use pea gravel for a driveway?
Pea gravel is not ideal as a driving surface because its round stones don't lock together and tend to scatter and rut. Use angular crushed stone for the structural layers; a thin decorative top layer of pea gravel can work over a firm compacted base.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general estimates for planning. Actual gravel quantities, weights and prices vary with material type, particle size, moisture, compaction, supplier and your province. Costs are material-only ballparks in Canadian dollars and exclude labour, delivery and taxes unless stated. Always confirm quantities and prices with your local supplier.