Driveway Calculator
— How Much Do You Need?

The most popular choice for a gravel driveway is crusher run, which is also called road base or dense-graded aggregate. Crusher run is a blend of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts tightly under traffic, creating a firm, stable surface that resists rutting and shifting. It is especially effective as a base layer because the mix of particle sizes interlocks and stays put. For a top dressing layer, many homeowners go with a clean crushed stone such as #57 or #411. These coarser stones provide excellent drainage and give the surface a polished, finished appearance. Angular stone is generally the better pick over round river rock because the jagged edges lock together under vehicle tires rather than rolling out of place. If budget is your priority, crushed concrete is another strong option. It behaves much like crusher run, compacts well, and holds up under regular vehicle use. Many customers use it as a base layer, as the full driveway surface, or both. Hello Gravel carries gravel, crushed stone, crushed concrete, and other driveway aggregates in bulk truckload quantities. If you are not sure which material is the right fit for your project, the Hello Gravel team is happy to point you in the right direction.

The amount of material you need comes down to three things: the length of your driveway, the width, and the depth you plan to install. At 4 inches of compacted depth, you need roughly 1.2 cubic yards of material for every 100 square feet of driveway. If you plan a two-layer installation with a 4-inch base and a 2-inch top layer, you would be looking at closer to 1.8 cubic yards per 100 square feet. To put that in real-world terms, a driveway that is 200 feet long and 12 feet wide covers 2,400 square feet. At 4 inches of compacted depth, that comes out to around 30 cubic yards, or roughly 40 to 45 tons depending on the material. A shorter single-car driveway at 10 feet wide and 60 feet long would need considerably less. Rather than working through the math by hand, the Hello Gravel calculator makes this quick and straightforward. Just enter your driveway dimensions and your target depth, and it will give you a solid quantity estimate. From there, you can place your order and choose a delivery date that works for your schedule.

For a new gravel driveway, a total installed depth of 6 to 8 inches gives you a durable surface that holds up under regular vehicle use. Most experienced installers split this into two layers. The base layer, typically crusher run or road base, is laid at 4 inches of compacted depth. This is the structural layer that prevents the driveway from sinking or rutting over time. A top dressing layer of clean crushed stone, at 2 to 3 inches, then goes on top for drainage and surface quality. If you are refreshing an existing driveway that has worn down or developed thin spots, a 2 to 3 inch top-up layer is usually enough to bring it back to life without a full rebuild. The depth you choose directly affects how much material you will need to order, so it is worth settling on your installation plan before you run your numbers through the Hello Gravel calculator.

Among all common driveway types, gravel is consistently the lowest-cost option to install. Asphalt and poured concrete both require professional installation, specialized equipment, and significantly higher material costs. Decorative pavers and natural stone can cost even more. A gravel driveway, by contrast, can be installed by a homeowner with basic tools, and the material is delivered right to your property by the truckload. The savings do not stop at installation. Gravel driveways are also inexpensive to maintain over time. If a section develops ruts or washes out after a heavy rain, you simply order a fresh truckload and regrade the affected area. There is no cracking, no repaving, and no need to hire a specialist. That kind of low-cost upkeep is one of the biggest reasons so many homeowners and property owners keep coming back to gravel. For current material pricing on your specific project, use the Hello Gravel calculator or reach out to the team for a quote.

Driveways are most commonly built from gravel, asphalt, concrete, or pavers, and each option comes with its own trade-offs in cost, maintenance, and installation. Gravel driveways are the most affordable to install and the easiest to maintain. They drain well naturally, handle heavy vehicles effectively, and can be refreshed with a new truckload of material whenever they start to look worn. The main trade-off is that they require occasional regrading and some material replenishment over the years. Asphalt offers a smooth, sealed surface that performs well in cold climates, but it requires professional installation and periodic resealing to prevent cracking and deterioration. Concrete is long-lasting but comes with high upfront costs and can be prone to cracking in freeze-thaw climates, making repairs costly. Pavers offer the most visual appeal but are generally the most expensive option of all. Hello Gravel specializes in the aggregate materials used to build and surface gravel driveways, including crusher run, crushed stone, and crushed concrete. Whether you want a complete gravel surface or need a solid base layer under another type of finished surface, Hello Gravel can supply it in bulk, delivered by dump truck to your property.