Gravel Driveway Calculator – Material Estimates
Calculate gravel quantity for driveway construction with compaction
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the driveway length and width dimensions
- Specify the desired gravel depth (4-6 inches recommended)
- Select your preferred measurement units
- Adjust density for your specific gravel type
- Set compaction factor (15% recommended for driveways)
- Click calculate to get material requirements
Gravel Driveway Basics
A gravel driveway provides an affordable, durable surface for residential properties. Proper planning and material calculation ensure long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.
The key to a successful gravel driveway is proper base preparation, adequate depth, and quality compaction during installation.
Depth Recommendations
Recommended gravel depths for different applications:
- Light residential use: 4 inches (10 cm)
- Regular vehicle traffic: 6 inches (15 cm)
- Heavy vehicles: 8+ inches (20+ cm)
- Base layer only: 4-6 inches
- Top decorative layer: 1-2 inches
Understanding Compaction
Gravel compacts significantly under pressure and over time. Always order more material than your calculated volume:
- Standard compaction: 15% extra material
- Poorly draining soil: 20% extra material
- Heavy traffic areas: 20-25% extra material
- New installation: 15-20% extra material
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much gravel do I need for a standard driveway?
- For a typical residential driveway (10-12 feet wide, 20-30 feet long), you'll need approximately 20-40 cubic yards of gravel for a 6-inch depth including compaction.
- What's the best gravel type for driveways?
- Crushed stone or angular gravel works best as it locks together when compacted. Avoid round pea gravel for primary driveway surfaces as it doesn't compact well.
- Should I include a compaction factor?
- Yes, always include 15-20% extra material for compaction. Gravel settles significantly under vehicle weight and over time, so ordering extra prevents low spots.
- How deep should a gravel driveway be?
- For regular passenger vehicles, 6 inches of compacted gravel is recommended. For heavier vehicles or poor soil conditions, increase to 8-12 inches.
Related Calculators
construction
Air Changes Per Hour Calculator
construction
Area Moment of Inertia Calculator