Class 5 Gravel Calculator
— How Much Do You Need?

Class 5 is a Minnesota road-base specification, not a single stone size. It is dense-graded gravel: larger crushed rock plus smaller pieces and stone dust that pack into a firm base. MnDOT Standard Specification 3138 sets the gradation, and the exact limits vary with recycled content. AASHTO No. 5 is different clean stone. Outside Minnesota, similar base gravel may be called crusher run, road base, or dense-graded base, but names and blends change by region. Confirm the local product matches your project plan before ordering. Hello Gravel can help match the name used near you.

Class 5 gravel is a versatile base material used in both residential and commercial projects. It is commonly placed as the base under concrete slabs, garage floors, poured patios, sidewalks, and driveways. It provides a stable foundation for sheds, pole barns, and other structures, and is often used for parking pads and rural driveways. Contractors also use Class 5 as a base layer for asphalt paving and as backfill in utility trench work where a compacted, stable base is needed. If you need a surface or foundation that stays put under regular vehicle traffic and swings through freeze‑thaw cycles, Class 5 is a strong choice.

Yes. Class 5 is a popular driveway material because it compacts into a dense, stable surface that resists rutting and holds up under daily vehicle traffic. For a standard residential driveway, a compacted depth of 4 to 6 inches is typical. For heavier loads or frequent truck traffic, 6 to 8 inches may be better. Remember that the performance comes from proper compaction, so use a plate compactor or roller and some moisture during installation. For a precise tonnage, use the Hello Gravel calculator with your dimensions.

The nickname comes from the way the fines in Class 5 act like a natural binder when the material is compacted. With the right moisture and compaction, the surface tightens up and feels hard and firm, similar to concrete but at a fraction of the cost. It is not a substitute for engineered concrete, but for many driveways, parking areas, and work surfaces it provides a very solid, durable surface at a much lower price.

Class 5 is not a drainage gravel. It contains substantial stone dust and fines, so water does not move through it as quickly as it would through a clean, open-graded stone. The material is designed for a compacted base, not permeability. Install it with a slight slope or crown so water runs off the surface. If you need water to pass through the base, consider a different aggregate for that application.