Calculate how much gravel, crushed stone or pea gravel you need for your project — get cubic yards, cubic metres, tonnes and cost estimate.
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Multiply length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For a 20 ft × 15 ft area at 4 inches (0.333 ft) deep: (20 × 15 × 0.333) / 27 = 3.7 cubic yards. Add 10% for settling and waste. One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.5 tonnes depending on stone type.
A residential gravel driveway typically needs 4–6 inches of base gravel (crushed stone, Class 5 or road base) compacted, plus 2–3 inches of surface gravel (pea gravel or river rock) for a total of 6–9 inches. For heavy vehicle traffic, 8–12 inches of compacted base is recommended. Always compact each layer before adding the next.
Crushed stone (3/4 inch) is the most popular driveway base — it compacts firmly and allows drainage. Pea gravel (3/8 inch, round) works as a surface layer but can shift. Road base or crusher run contains mixed sizes and fines that bind together well. Avoid large decorative river rocks on driveways — they shift under vehicle weight.
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs 1.2–1.5 tons (1,100–1,350 kg) depending on stone type and moisture content. Dry pea gravel: ~1.25 tons/yd³. Crushed limestone: ~1.35 tons/yd³. River rock: ~1.4 tons/yd³. Wet gravel is heavier. Most bulk delivery trucks carry 8–15 cubic yards per load.
A garden path needs 2–3 inches of gravel after compaction. The process: excavate 4–6 inches, add a layer of landscaping fabric, add 1–2 inches of coarse base material, then 2 inches of decorative gravel. Without a weed barrier and solid edge restraints, gravel migrates into lawn and garden beds over time.
Gravel refers to naturally rounded stones formed by water erosion. Crushed stone is mechanically broken rock with angular edges that interlock and compact better. Pea gravel is small (3/8 inch), smooth rounded stones used for decorative purposes and drainage. Angular crushed stone is better for driveways; pea gravel is better for drainage and walkways.
Use edge restraints (plastic landscape edging, concrete borders, or timber) to contain gravel laterally. Place landscaping fabric beneath to prevent sinking into soil. Use a plate compactor to compact base layers. Choose angular crushed stone rather than round river rock — the angular edges lock together. Regular raking and top-dressing maintain surface level.
A gravel driveway typically needs replenishing (top-dressing) every 3–5 years, adding 2–3 inches of new material. Annual raking redistributes migrated gravel. Ruts and potholes can be filled immediately. Installing the driveway correctly with proper compacted base layers dramatically reduces ongoing maintenance requirements.
Bulk gravel costs $15–$75 per cubic yard or $10–$50 per ton depending on stone type, region and quantity. Pea gravel is typically $35–$55/yd³. Crushed limestone: $20–$40/yd³. Decorative river rock: $50–$100/yd³. Delivery adds $50–$150 per load. Bagged gravel from hardware stores costs significantly more per cubic yard.
For driveways and high-traffic areas, yes — a compacted sub-base of crushed stone or road base is essential before adding surface gravel. Start with 4–6 inches of 3/4-inch crushed stone, compact with a plate compactor, then add 2–3 inches of surface material. For decorative garden paths with low traffic, a weed barrier and direct placement on firm soil is acceptable.
