Gravel Driveway Calculator
Instantly estimate the volume and tonnage of gravel needed for your driveway or landscaping project. Free, accurate, and easy to use.
Calculate Your Gravel Needs
Enter your driveway dimensions and preferred gravel type below to get an instant, precise estimation of the volume (cubic metres) and weight (tonnes) required.
Project Details
Enter your measurements to see the gravel estimate
Standard driveway depth is 5cm to 7cm. Use 7cm+ for heavier vehicles.
Different materials have different densities, affecting the total weight.
Estimated Requirements
Based on standard material densities
Gravel Coverage Reference Chart
Approximate coverage area per tonne of standard gravel (1.6 t/m³) at various depths. Useful for quick planning and budgeting.
| Depth (cm) | Area Covered per Tonne | Best Use Case | Volume per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 cm | ~20.8 m² | Decorative borders, light pathways | 0.03 m³ |
| 5 cm | ~12.5 m² | Standard pedestrian driveways, patios | 0.05 m³ |
| 7 cm | ~8.9 m² | Regular vehicle driveways, stable base | 0.07 m³ |
| 10 cm | ~6.25 m² | Heavy vehicle access, deep sub-base | 0.10 m³ |
| 15 cm | ~4.15 m² | Major construction, deep foundational layers | 0.15 m³ |
Gravel Driveway FAQ
Everything you need to know about calculating, choosing, and laying gravel for your driveway or landscaping project.
To calculate the amount of gravel needed, measure the length and width of your driveway in metres, and decide on the depth in centimetres. Multiply Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 100) to get the volume in cubic metres (m³). Then, multiply the volume by the gravel’s density (typically 1.6 tonnes per m³) to find the total weight in tonnes.
A standard gravel driveway should be between 5cm and 7cm (2 to 3 inches) deep. For driveways that will bear heavier vehicles or frequent traffic, a depth of 7cm to 10cm is recommended, ideally laid over a compacted hardcore sub-base for long-term stability.
A cubic metre of standard gravel typically weighs between 1.5 and 1.7 tonnes, depending on the moisture content and the specific type of stone. Pea gravel is slightly lighter (around 1.5 t/m³), while dense crushed stone or MOT Type 1 aggregate can be heavier (up to 1.7 t/m³).
Crushed stone, such as MOT Type 1 or angular gravel (e.g., 20mm or 40mm graded), is ideal for driveways. The sharp, angular edges lock together when compacted, providing a stable, non-shifting surface that won’t scatter under vehicle tyres. Rounded pebbles or pea gravel are better suited for decorative pathways.