How Much Gravel for a Driveway? (Depth + Cost Guide)
A 10x40 driveway needs about 4.9 cubic yards (7.4 tons) of gravel. Depth guide, layers and cost per ton.
Quick answer: A 10×40 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 4.9 cubic yards of gravel (~7.4 tons). Use the gravel calculator for your exact size.
Gravel driveway math
Driveways need 4-6 inches of gravel for vehicles. Formula: length × width × depth (ft). A 10 × 40 ft driveway at 4 inches:
- Area: 400 sq ft
- Volume: 400 × 0.33 = 133 cu ft ≈ 4.9 cubic yards
- Weight: ~1.5 tons/yd → 7.4 tons
Gravel amounts by driveway size
| Driveway | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|
| 10×20 (2 cars) | 2.5 yd | 3.7 yd |
| 10×40 | 4.9 yd | 7.4 yd |
| 12×40 | 5.9 yd | 8.9 yd |
| 12×60 | 8.9 yd | 13.3 yd |
Layer the gravel right
- Base layer: 3-4 inches of 3/4-inch crushed stone
- Top layer: 1-2 inches of smaller stone (pea gravel or 1/2-inch)
- Compact each layer with a plate compactor
Cost per ton
Bulk gravel runs $30-60 per ton delivered. For 7.4 tons: about $250-450 for material — a full installed gravel driveway typically runs $1-3 per sq ft.
FAQ
How many tons of gravel for a 10x40 driveway?
At 4 inches: about 7.4 tons (4.9 cubic yards).
How deep should driveway gravel be?
4-6 inches — more for soft soil or heavy trucks.
What gravel is best for driveways?
3/4-inch crushed stone for the base, topped with smaller gravel for a smoother drive.
Need a different size?
Our free calculators give you the exact answer in seconds.