Gravel, Crushed Stone & Paver Base Calculator

Q: How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

On average, one cubic yard of standard construction gravel (such as #57 crushed limestone or granite) weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 pounds). Dense aggregates like crusher run with rock dust weigh up to 1.5 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard, while lighter volcanic pea gravel weighs roughly 1.3 tons.

Q: How deep should gravel be for a driveway vs a walkway?

A residential driveway requires a minimum gravel depth of 4 to 6 inches over a compacted subbase (often 3 to 4 inches of larger #3 base stone topped with 2 to 3 inches of #57 stone). Garden walkways and patio sub-bases only require 2 to 3 inches of gravel.

Q: How much extra gravel should I order for compaction?

Always add 10% to 15% extra material to account for mechanical compaction and settling into the native soil, especially when using crusher run (crushed stone with fines) that packs down tightly under a plate compactor or heavy vehicular traffic.

Q: What size gravel is best for driveways?

#57 crushed stone (about 0.75-inch angular rock) is the industry standard for driveway surfaces because the jagged edges interlock to create a stable driving bed that sheds water and prevents rutting. Smooth round pea gravel should be avoided on slopes as it shifts like marbles under tires.

Q: How much does a dump truck load of gravel cost to deliver?

A standard tri-axle dump truck typically hauls 12 to 14 tons (about 9 to 10 cubic yards) of gravel. In 2026, delivering a full truckload averages $550 to $950, which includes $400 to $700 for the aggregate and a $100 to $250 local trucking delivery fee.

Determine exact cubic yards, compaction tonnage, and delivered material costs for driveways, drainage trenches, and patios.

100% Free & Instant 10% Compaction Factored Printable Order Sheet Included

Project Excavation Dimensions Default: 30' × 12' Driveway (4" Depth)

Order Takeoff & Volume 10% Compaction Added

Total Cubic Yards

4.44 yd³

120 ft³ Net Excavation

Order Weight

6.84 tons

Net: 6.22 tons (+10% comp.)

Material Cost

$376

$55.00 / ton @ quarry

Total Delivered Cost

$496

Includes $120 delivery fee

Excavation cross-section: 4" compacted aggregate stone bed over compacted subgrade.

Order Specification	Quantity	Rate	Subtotal
Net Excavation Volume	120.0 ft³ (4.44 yd³)	Calculated	—
Compacted Tonnage Required	6.84 tons	$55.00 / ton	$376.20
Quarry Tri-Axle Delivery	1 Truckload (10-14 ton max)	Flat Fee	$120.00
Total Delivered Order Cost	—	—	$496.20

How the Gravel Weight & Yardage Are Calculated

Standard quarry calculation formulas based on aggregate bulk density:

Volume & Compaction Math Steps

Step 1 — Net Volume in Cubic Feet:
Volume = Length (30 ft) × Width (12 ft) × (Depth 4" ÷ 12) = 360 × 0.3333 = 120.00 cu ft
Step 2 — Volume in Cubic Yards:
Cubic Yards = 120.00 cu ft ÷ 27 = 4.444 cu yds
Step 3 — Net Weight in Tons (Bulk Density 1.4 tons/yd³):
Net Tons = 4.444 cu yds × 1.40 tons/yd³ = 6.222 tons
Step 4 — Recommended Order w/ 10% Compaction:
Order Tons = 6.222 tons × 1.10 = 6.844 tons ≈ 6.84 tons
Step 5 — Total Delivered Price:
Total = (6.84 tons × $55.00) + $120.00 delivery = $376.20 + $120.00 = $496.20

2026 Construction Aggregate & Gravel Density Chart

Comparing common rock types, standard weights per cubic yard, and typical residential applications.

Aggregate Classification	Typical Size	Bulk Density (Tons / Yd³)	Average Price / Ton	Ideal Application
#57 Crushed Stone (Limestone)	0.75 in Angular	1.40 tons	$45 – $65	Driveways, Drainage, Concrete Aggregate
Crusher Run / Dense Grade Aggregate	0.75 in to Rock Dust	1.50 tons	$38 – $52	Driveway Sub-Base, Paver Foundations
Pea Gravel (Round Natural)	0.25 to 0.375 in	1.30 tons	$55 – $80	Garden Paths, Playgrounds, Decorative
Decomposed Granite (DG)	0.25 in to Fines	1.35 tons	$60 – $90	Rustic Walkways, Patios, Xeriscaping
#3 Heavy Ballast Stone	1.5 to 2.5 in Heavy	1.45 tons	$42 – $58	Construction Site Entrance, Heavy Mud Base

Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel Estimating

Practical advice from experienced excavation and grading contractors.

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

On average, one cubic yard of standard crushed stone weighs 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs). Finer aggregates with stone dust (like crusher run or road base) pack more mass into the space, weighing up to 1.5 to 1.6 tons per yard. Always confirm density with your local supplier.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway vs a walkway?

For a vehicular driveway, gravel should be installed at a minimum thickness of 4 to 6 inches. Heavy vehicle parking pads benefit from an 8-inch cross-section (4 inches of coarse base rock topped with 4 inches of surface stone). For pedestrian walkways and garden trails, 2 to 3 inches is ideal.

How much extra gravel should I order for compaction?

Always add 10% to 15% extra material. When crushed aggregate is rolled or tamped with a plate compactor, smaller stone chips nestle into air pockets between larger rocks, reducing total bed volume while increasing density and load-bearing capacity.

What size gravel is best for driveways?

#57 stone (3/4-inch crushed stone) is the gold standard for residential driveways. Because the rock is mechanically fractured, its sharp angular faces lock together under automobile tire pressure, preventing the washboarding and gravel scatter common with smooth stones.

How much does a dump truck load of gravel cost to deliver?

A typical single tri-axle delivery truck delivers 10 to 14 tons of gravel. Depending on mileage from the rock quarry, a full delivered load in 2026 typically costs between $600 and $950 ($450 to $750 for the material plus $100 to $200 for trucking).