How to use
- Measure the driveway’s length and average width.
- For a new build, review all three layer depths with your supplier.
- For resurfacing, set the base and middle depths to zero and enter only the top-up layer.
- Keep each layer’s material weight separate when reading the result.
How the estimate is calculated
For each enabled layer, cubic yards = length × width × depth in inches ÷ 324. Layer tons = layer cubic yards × that layer’s density. The total adds the enabled layers; it does not convert the combined total into a single material.
Example: a 50 × 12 ft driveway with 4 in base, 4 in middle, and 2 in top needs 7.41, 7.41, and 3.70 cu yd respectively. Using 1.40, 1.40, and 1.85 tons per cu yd gives 18.52 cubic yards and 27.59 tons combined.
A new driveway is different from a top-up
| Example layer | Depth | Planning weight |
|---|---|---|
| Base, #3 stone | 4 in | 1.40 tons per cu yd |
| Middle, #57 stone | 4 in | 1.40 tons per cu yd |
| Top, crusher run | 2 in | 1.85 tons per cu yd |
The layer sequence follows a Hello Gravel seller example. The weights are commonly used planning figures based on Missouri DOT loose-aggregate and Wisconsin DOT compacted-base summaries. They are not verified construction requirements. The top density uses a compacted basis; do not assume the displayed yards are loose truck capacity.
Drainage and delivery planning
A volume estimate cannot choose the driveway’s crown, drainage outlets, or base design for its soil and traffic. Resolve those details on site before ordering. Ask the hauler whether capacity is limited by weight or loose volume and whether different materials need separate loads. No truckload count is assumed here.
Common mistakes
- Repeating the full new-driveway buildup for a surface-only repair.
- Applying the top material’s density to all three layers.
- Using compacted layer yards as loose delivered yards without supplier conversion.
Sources
Layer planning follows a Hello Gravel seller example (summary checked October 22, 2026). Density context: Missouri DOT estimating factors and Wisconsin DOT dense-base summary. These original sources were not fetched in the project snapshot; their figures are adjustable planning inputs.
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate only a fresh surface layer?
Enter the driveway dimensions, set base and middle depths to zero, and specify the top layer you intend to add.
Why are there separate weights for each layer?
The example uses different materials and density bases. A single combined density would conceal those differences.
Are the default depths required for every driveway?
No. They illustrate a seller’s common build-up. Soil, drainage, traffic, and local practices can call for another design.
How many truckloads will the total need?
Ask the supplier for the truck’s weight and loose-volume limits for each material. This calculator does not assume a truck size.
Does the result include a compaction delivery allowance?
No additional loose-volume allowance is added. For a compacted-base order, use the crushed rock tool or your supplier’s conversion.