Order 5–10% extra. Subgrades settle, edges spill, and a thin second delivery costs more per ton than getting it right the first time.
How much gravel do you need?
Use the compacted depth — loose material compacts roughly 20–30%.
Formula used: cubic yards = L × W × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27; tons = cubic yards × tons-per-yard (material-specific, labeled approximations).
Guides
FAQ
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Roughly 1.3–1.5 depending on material: crushed stone ≈ 1.4, sand ≈ 1.3, river rock ≈ 1.5. These are labeled averages — the quarry's scale is the final word.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A lasting driveway is usually 6–8 inches of compacted base plus 4–6 inches of surface stone. Thin gravel over dirt turns into mud by spring — depth is the whole game.
Tools for the job
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