Short answer
A 12 ft × 30 ft driveway needs about 10.5 tons of gravel in total: 7.2 tons of crusher-run base plus 3.3 tons of surface stone, each including a 10% compaction allowance. That is one tandem-truck load for most suppliers. Work through the project below with your own size, or try the Gravel Driveway Calculator for an instant result.
The formula
Cubic feet = length × width × (depth in inches ÷ 12). Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard for that stone, then add the compaction allowance. A shortcut for yards is: area in square feet × depth in inches ÷ 324 = cubic yards.
Worked project: 12 ft × 30 ft driveway, two layers
Step 1: area is 12 × 30 = 360 sq ft. Step 2, the base: 4 inches of crusher run gives 360 × (4 ÷ 12) = 120 cu ft = 4.44 cu yd. At 1.48 tons per cubic yard that is 6.57 tons, and with a 10% compaction allowance it is 7.23 tons — order about 7.2 tons. Step 3, the surface: 2 inches of #57 stone gives 360 × (2 ÷ 12) = 60 cu ft = 2.22 cu yd. At 1.35 tons per cubic yard that is 3.00 tons, and with a 10% allowance it is 3.30 tons — order about 3.3 tons. Step 4, the total: 7.23 + 3.30 = 10.53 tons, so about 10.5 tons in total. Order the two stones separately: a supplier cannot split one load into base and surface stone for you.
Why two layers, not one
The base layer does the structural work: crusher run, which is stone down to dust, compacts hard when damp and spreads the weight of vehicles. The surface layer does the driving work: angular #57 stone locks together, drains, and gives a firm top to drive on. A single thick layer of rounded pea gravel would shift under tyres, and a single layer of crusher run alone would stay dusty and soft on top. Keep the layers separate in your order, and compact the base before the surface goes on.
How much gravel for common driveway sizes
This table is for a single 4 inch layer of #57 stone at 1.35 tons per cubic yard, including a 10% compaction allowance — use it to sense-check a quote, then run the two-layer walkthrough above for a real build.
| Driveway size | Area | Cubic yards | Tons (with 10% extra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft × 20 ft | 200 sq ft | 2.47 cu yd | 3.7 tons |
| 12 ft × 30 ft | 360 sq ft | 4.44 cu yd | 6.6 tons |
| 12 ft × 50 ft | 600 sq ft | 7.41 cu yd | 11.0 tons |
What changes the number
Depth matters most: doubling the depth doubles the gravel. Stone type matters next: crusher run at 1.48 tons per cubic yard weighs more per yard than #57 stone at 1.35, so the same volume orders different tonnages. Soft ground, heavy vehicles and slopes all push the depth — and the tonnage — up. Always confirm the weight per cubic yard on your supplier's ticket, because density varies by quarry and moisture.
Method and limits
This guide uses the standard volume formula for a rectangular driveway: length × width × depth, converted with 27 cubic feet per cubic yard, then converted to tons with typical loose densities (1.48 tons per cubic yard for crusher run, 1.35 for #57 stone) plus a 10% compaction allowance. It assumes a flat, rectangular area measured at its widest points. Irregular shapes, slopes, soft subsoil and different stone densities change the result, so treat the total as an estimate and confirm the final quantity with your supplier. For a path instead of a driveway, see the Gravel Path Calculator; for a patio base, see the Gravel Patio Calculator.
Try it with your own numbers
Open the Gravel Driveway Calculator, enter your driveway size and depth, and it gives cubic yards and tons. More construction tools are in Construction calculators, and more guides are on the BuildCalc Blog. See How Our Calculators Are Checked for how the numbers behind these guides are verified.
Results are estimates and general information only. Always check your supplier's density and confirm final quantities before you order.