How Much Gravel for a Driveway?
Gravel is ordered by the cubic yard but priced by the ton, and the two confuse everyone once. A 20ร40 ft driveway at 4 inches needs just under 10 cubic yards โ about 13โ14 tons of crushed stone. This guide converts once, clearly, then covers base prep and delivery so the truck shows up ready.
Step-by-Step Takeoff
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1
Measure length ร width and confirm depth: 4 in (0.333 ft) of surface stone.
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2
Volume: 20 ร 40 ร (4 รท 12) = 267 cu ft รท 27 = 9.9 cu yd.
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3
Weight: 9.9 ร ~1.4 tons/yd (crushed stone) โ 13.8 tons.
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4
Base first: 4โ6 in of compacted crusher-run, crowned 1/2 in per foot for drainage.
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5
Order 10 yards; confirm whether your quarry sells by yard or by ton.
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6
Schedule tailgate spreading if the truck can drive the path โ it beats wheelbarrows.
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7
Compare base rock vs decorative stone pricing in the Gravel Calculator.
Guide FAQ
How many tons per cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.3โ1.5 tons for crushed stone; pea gravel runs lighter. Always confirm with the quarry.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
4 inches of surface stone over 4โ6 inches of compacted base.
How much does a truckload of gravel cover?
A tri-axle hauls 20โ25 tons โ roughly 700โ900 sq ft at 4 inches deep.
Crushed stone or pea gravel for driveways?
Crushed angular stone locks together under tires; pea gravel migrates and ruts.
How often to top up a gravel driveway?
Every 2โ3 years with an inch of fresh stone, plus annual grading of washboard spots.
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