How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

For a resurfacing top coat use about 2 inches of #57. For a new driveway surface layer use about 4 inches of #57 (often over a crusher-run base). Formula: cubic yards = length × width × depth(inches) ÷ 324, then multiply by density for tons and add ~10% waste.

Should I buy gravel bags or bulk?

Under about 1 ton (or under ~40–50 bags of 0.5 cu ft mix) bags are often fine for small paths and beds. Around 1–2 tons either can work. Over about 2 tons — or any full driveway — bulk from a quarry or landscape yard is usually cheaper and far less lifting.

What depth of gravel for a walkway?

Walkways and paths are commonly 2–3 inches. HaulYards defaults walkway preset to 3 inches. Pea gravel works for paths but shifts under tires — do not use it as a driveway surface.

Can I use crusher run for a French drain?

No. Crusher run / road base packs hard and fines clog drainage. French drains need clean stone such as #57. Use crusher run for compactable patio or shed bases instead.

Gravel Calculator

Order gravel by the yard and the ton.

Order about

— yd³

— ft³

Short tons

— tons

#57 · 1.40 t/yd³

Bags (0.5 cu ft)

— bags

ceil · with waste

Net — yd³ · — tons Order — yd³ · — tons

Job preset

Material

Densities are estimates in US short tons per cubic yard. Your ticket wins.

Length

Width

Depth

Waste / overage 10%

Compaction, edges & spill · drag 0–15%

Show calculation steps

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How the numbers work

Volume: cu yd = L × W × depth(in) ÷ 324 (= cu ft ÷ 27)
Tons: short tons = cu yd × density (US short ton = 2,000 lb)
Bags: ceil(order cu ft ÷ 0.5) for typical 50-lb / 0.5 cu ft gravel bags
Waste / overage: order = net × (1 + waste%). Slider 0–15%, default 10%

HaulYards is independent and not affiliated with any quarry, Home Depot, Lowe’s, or QUIKRETE. Densities are planning estimates — confirm with your supplier ticket.

Coverage cheat sheet — 1 short ton

Approximate square feet covered by 1 short ton of the selected material (no waste). Updates when you change material.

Depth	Coverage
2 in	—

Using #57 at 1.40 t/yd³.

Quick examples

New driveway 12×40 at 4 in #57

160 ft³ → 5.926 yd³ · +10% → 6.519 yd³ · ≈ 9.13 tons

352 bags of 0.5 cu ft — call for bulk. Don’t put pea gravel on a driveway.

Walkway 3×20 at 3 in pea

15 ft³ → 0.556 yd³ · +10% → 0.611 yd³ · ≈ 0.83 tons

33 bags — bag run is usually fine for this size.

FAQ — yards, tons & bags

How many tons of gravel in a yard?

Roughly 1.4 short tons per cubic yard for #57 crushed stone. Crusher run ~1.5; pea ~1.35. Always check your quarry — densities vary by stockpile.

How much gravel for a driveway?

Resurface on an existing base: about 2 inches #57. New surface layer: about 4 inches #57 (often over crusher-run base). Bare soil with only 2″ will rut — plan a proper base.

Bags or bulk delivery?

Under ~1 ton → bags. Around 1–2 tons → either. Over ~2 tons or any full driveway → bulk from a landscape yard or quarry.

Pea gravel on a driveway?

No. Rounded pea gravel rolls under tires. Use #57 or similar angular crushed stone for driving surfaces; save pea for paths and beds.

Crusher run in a French drain?

No. Fines in crusher run / road base clog drainage. French drains need clean #57 (or similar washed stone).

Should I add waste?

Yes for most jobs. The Waste / overage slider defaults to 10% (0–15%). Covers compaction, uneven grade, and edge spill. Decorative thin beds can drop to 0–5%.