Question 1

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

Accepted Answer

Multiply your driveway length × width to get area in m², then multiply by depth in meters. A 10m × 3m driveway at 100mm depth needs 3 m³ of gravel. Add 10% waste for a total order of 3.3 m³. For a 2-layer driveway (road base base + decorative top), calculate each layer separately and add them.

Question 2

What depth of gravel should I use for a driveway?

Accepted Answer

For a driveway that carries vehicles: 100–150mm of compacted road base is recommended. For a decorative top layer of pea gravel or crushed stone, add 50–75mm. Light-traffic driveways (pedestrian + occasional car) can use 75–100mm. Heavy-traffic or commercial driveways should use 150mm minimum. The calculator pre-fills 100mm for driveway, 50mm for paths.

Question 3

What is the best gravel for a driveway?

Accepted Answer

Road base (also called DGB or crusher dust) is the most common base material — it compacts well and drains water. Crushed granite or crushed limestone is used for the wear layer. Pea gravel and decorative river pebbles are popular for appearance but need edging to contain them. Avoid smooth river rock as a base — it shifts and doesn't compact.

Question 4

How do I convert cubic meters to tonnes for gravel?

Accepted Answer

Multiply volume (m³) by the material's bulk density (t/m³). Road base at 2.0 t/m³: 3 m³ × 2.0 = 6 tonnes. Pea gravel at 1.6 t/m³: 3 m³ × 1.6 = 4.8 tonnes. The calculator does this automatically — select your material and both m³ and kg/lbs are shown in results.

Question 5

Should I add a compaction factor for driveway gravel?

Accepted Answer

For final material quantity calculations, this calculator assumes no compaction factor (1.0). If you're ordering road base that will be compacted, add 10–20% to account for settling. Use the waste factor (10–15%) to cover this — it's a practical allowance that covers both compaction settlement and spillage during delivery.

Question 6

How do I calculate gravel for an irregular-shaped driveway?

Accepted Answer

Break the driveway into rectangular sections, calculate each one separately, and add the results. For example, an L-shaped driveway can be calculated as two rectangles. Alternatively, measure the total area directly (length × average width for curved driveways) and enter that as a single calculation. Add extra waste (15–20%) for irregular shapes.

Driveway Gravel Calculator

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