Gravel Cost Calculator: Free Online Gravel Project Cost Estimator

Gravel costs $15 to $75 per ton depending on the type and your location. Basic crushed stone and bank-run gravel costs $15-$25 per ton, pea gravel costs $30-$55 per ton, and decorative river rock costs $45-$75 per ton. Delivery fees typically add $50-$100 per load. Prices vary significantly by region: gravel is more expensive in urban areas and on the coasts, and cheaper in the Midwest where quarries are abundant.

For a standard 200 ft × 12 ft driveway with a 6-inch gravel depth, you need approximately 44.4 cubic yards or about 60 tons of gravel. This assumes a standard two-layer construction: a 4-inch base layer of 2-3 inch crushed stone (about 29.6 cubic yards) topped with a 2-inch layer of 3/4 inch angular gravel (about 14.8 cubic yards). Use our calculator above with your exact dimensions for an accurate estimate.

The cost to gravel a standard 50 ft × 12 ft driveway ranges from $300 to $900 for materials alone, depending on gravel type and depth. At $25 per ton for basic crushed stone, a typical 12-ton driveway costs about $300 in materials plus $50-$100 for delivery. Larger driveways (200 ft × 12 ft) cost $1,200-$1,800 in materials. Professional installation adds $1-$3 per square foot for grading, compaction, and spreading. Total installed cost for a 600 sq ft driveway is typically $600-$2,500.

To estimate gravel cost by the cubic yard: first calculate yardage using length × width × depth(inches)/12 ÷ 27, then convert to tons by multiplying by 1.35-1.5 (depending on stone type), and multiply tons by your local price per ton. For example, 10 cubic yards of 3/4 inch crushed stone at $25/ton: 10 yards × 1.4 = 14 tons, then 14 × $25 = $350 in materials. Our calculator does this math automatically: enter your dimensions and price per ton for instant cost estimates.

Gravel prices are dominated by transportation costs because gravel is heavy and bulky. Shipping gravel more than 30-50 miles from the quarry can double or triple the price. Areas near active quarries (Midwest, Southeast US) see prices of $12-$20 per ton, while areas far from quarries (coastal regions, dense urban areas) pay $40-$75 per ton. Additionally, the type of gravel matters significantly: crushed stone is cheapest, followed by pea gravel, with decorative river rock and specialty aggregates being the most expensive.

Gravel is typically sold by the ton at quarries and landscape supply yards, while some retailers sell by the cubic yard. Buying by the ton is more precise because weight is measured directly on a truck scale. When comparing prices, convert cubic yards to tons by multiplying by 1.35 to 1.5 depending on the stone density. At a typical price of $25/ton vs. $35/yard: a ton is about 0.67-0.74 cubic yards, so $25/ton is equivalent to $34-$37/yard. Always confirm pricing units and density assumptions before comparing quotes.

A standard 50 ft × 10 ft driveway with 4 inches of gravel requires approximately 10–11 tons of crushed stone. Use our calculator above to get an exact quantity based on your specific dimensions and gravel type.

Angular crushed stone (size #57 or #67) is best for driveways because the angular edges interlock and resist shifting under vehicle loads. Pea gravel is attractive but tends to scatter and rut. For the base layer, use #3 or #4 stone (1.5–2.5 inches), topped with #57 (0.75–1 inch) for the surface.

Gravel driveways should be 4–6 inches deep total: 3–4 inches of larger base stone and 1–2 inches of surface gravel on top. Deeper than 6 inches is unnecessary for passenger vehicles and makes the surface soft and difficult to drive on.

A well-built gravel driveway needs 1–2 inches of fresh gravel every 2–4 years, depending on traffic, climate, and maintenance. Annual grading with a box blade or rake refreshes the surface and can extend replenishment intervals.