Gravel Driveway Calculator
Estimate gravel driveway volume, short tons, truckloads, geotextile area and delivered material cost from driveway dimensions and depth.
Default project preview
13.69 short tons
Truckloads
2
Driveway area
720 ft²
Base volume
8.89 yd³
Loose order volume
9.78 yd³
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Driveway length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 60 ft.
Driveway width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 12 ft.
Compacted gravel depth
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 4 in.
Extra allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Gravel density
Enter this project assumption in short tons/yd³. The current imperial default is 1.4 short tons/yd³.
Truck capacity
Enter this project assumption in short tons. The current imperial default is 10 short tons.
Price per ton
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 38. Minimum: 0.
Fabric price per area
Enter this project assumption in per ft². The current imperial default is 0.25 per ft². Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Truckloads
10 short tons each. Default preview: 2.
Driveway area
geotextile footprint. Default preview: 720 ft².
Base volume
before allowance. Default preview: 8.89 yd³.
Loose order volume
allowance included. Default preview: 9.78 yd³.
Gravel cost
entered ton price. Default preview: $520.18.
Gravel plus fabric
material and geotextile. Default preview: $700.18.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Compacted volume = length × width × depth. Order volume applies the extra allowance. Tonnage = order volume × entered density; truckloads round up.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 29, 2026
This calculator estimates compacted gravel volume, loose delivered volume, weight and truckloads for a driveway. It separates geometric depth from compaction and density assumptions so supplier quantities can be compared transparently.
Calculation steps
- 1Measure the driveway footprint by section.
- 2Enter compacted layer depth.
- 3Apply a loose-volume or compaction factor for the selected aggregate.
- 4Convert volume to weight with supplier density and round truckloads.
Worked numerical example
A 60 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 in compacted depth contains 8.89 yd³. With a 15% loose-volume allowance, plan about 10.22 yd³ before truck rounding.
Purchasing and rounding
Aggregate may be sold by ton or cubic yard. Use the supplier density and truck capacity rather than a generic conversion when ordering.
Interpret the result
Volume answers how much space the layer occupies; weight answers what the supplier may invoice. Moisture and gradation can change the relationship.
Page-specific assumptions
- Uniform compacted depth.
- Rectangular sections.
- One aggregate density.
- Subgrade correction and geotextile are separate.
Common mistakes
- Using loose depth as compacted depth.
- Applying density twice.
- Ignoring crown and edge taper.
- Assuming all gravel weighs the same.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Gravel Driveway Calculator questions
Why can delivered volume exceed compacted volume?+
Loose aggregate settles and compacts during placement, so a supplier may recommend an additional conversion factor beyond simple waste.
Should geotextile be used under a gravel driveway?+
It can help separate aggregate from weak soil, but suitability depends on subgrade, drainage and project design.
Does one gravel layer work for every driveway?+
No. Many driveways use multiple aggregate sizes and compacted lifts.