How Much Gravel for a Driveway? A Layer-by-Layer Guide
How gravel driveways are built in layers, how much depth and tonnage each layer needs, and how to calculate the total material cost.
A gravel driveway isn't one layer of stone — it's built in stages, and skipping a layer is the most common reason gravel driveways rut and wash out within a year or two.
The standard layer structure
- Base layer (4 in): larger crushed stone (2-4 in) for structural support and drainage.
- Middle layer (2-4 in): medium crushed stone to fill gaps and add stability.
- Top layer (2-3 in): smaller, finer gravel (like pea gravel) for a smooth driving surface.
Total depth typically runs 8-12 inches across all three layers for a driveway that will carry regular vehicle traffic — much deeper than a garden path or drainage bed needs.
Converting depth to tonnage
Multiply your driveway's area by the depth (in feet) to get cubic yards, then multiply by the material's density — most gravel runs 1.3 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard depending on type. Calculate each layer separately if you're using a different material per layer, since base and top-layer stone often have different densities.
The Gravel Calculator calculates tonnage per material and depth, so you can run it once per layer and add the totals for a full driveway estimate.