Gravel calculator for driveway & asphalt base
Driveway gravel calculator / asphalt base tool: estimate tons of aggregate under a driveway or pad. Default density 100 lb/ft³ is a rough compacted-gravel planning value — quarries vary. For the asphalt layer itself use the asphalt calculator or driveway tool.
Notes
Use this to calculate gravel for driveway base layers (also searched as driveway calculator gravel / gravel calculator driveway).
Formula matches our asphalt tool: volume (ft³) × density ÷ 2000, then waste. Base thickness is often several inches of compacted stone before hot mix — follow your engineer or paver. See methodology for the asphalt-layer defaults (145 lb/ft³).
Next: estimate asphalt tons on the size guide or the main calculator. For dense igneous driveway stone, try the trap rock driveway calculator.
FAQ
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway base?
Multiply length × width × (base thickness in inches ÷ 12) × density, then divide by 2,000. A 50 × 10 ft base 4 inches thick at 100 lb/ft³ is about 8.33 tons, or 8.75 tons with 5% extra.
What density does this gravel calculator use?
It defaults to 100 lb/ft³ as a rough compacted-gravel planning value, with 95, 110 and 120 lb/ft³ options. Quarries vary, so ask yours for the weight of the stone you are buying.
How thick should the base under asphalt be?
Base is often several inches of compacted stone before hot mix goes down. Soil, traffic and climate change the answer, so follow your engineer or paver.
Does this include the asphalt layer?
No. It only figures the stone base. Use the asphalt calculator for the hot mix layer, which uses 145 lb/ft³ by default.