How Much Gravel for a 12×40 Driveway?
A 12×40 ft driveway at 6 inches deep needs 9.33 cubic yards of gravel (including 5% waste). Switch between gravel types below to see ton estimates for pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, and #57 stone.
Gravel type
You'll need
9.33 cubic yards
Tons
12.60
Pounds
25,200
Density
1.35 t/yd³
Includes 5% waste. Adjust dimensions in the full calculator →
How This Calculator Works
How we calculated this page
12 ft × 40 ft × (6" ÷ 12) = 240.00 cu ft base ÷ 27 = 8.89 cu yd × 1.05 waste = 9.33 cu yd
The standard formula for any rectangular gravel area — and the same math the full calculator uses:
Volume Area (sq ft) = Length × Width Volume (cu ft) = Area × Depth (depth converted to feet) Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27 Apply waste factor Final cu yd = Volume (cu yd) × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100) Weight Tons = Final cu yd × Density (tons/yd³) Pea gravel: 1.40 t/yd³ Crushed stone: 1.35 t/yd³ River rock: 1.35 t/yd³ #57 stone: 1.35 t/yd³
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet — the conversion that trips up most DIYers. The cubic yard volume is identical for all gravel types; only the weight (tons) differs based on density. Actual density can vary ±5–10% depending on moisture content and the specific quarry source.
The 5% waste factor accounts for uneven ground, edge spillage, and settling after compaction. For a first-time project or irregular area, increase to 10%.
Worked Example — 12 × 40 ft at 6" (Crushed Stone)
Area: 12 × 40 = 480 sq ft
Volume: 480 × (6 ÷ 12) = 240.00 cu ft ÷ 27 = 8.89 cu yd
With 5% waste: 8.89 × 1.05 = 9.33 cu yd
Weight (crushed stone): 9.33 × 1.35 = 12.60 tons
Common Project Sizes
Crushed stone density (1.35 t/yd³) used for ton estimates. 5% waste factor included.
| Driveway Size | Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons (Crushed Stone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft | 3" | 1.94 | 2.62 |
| 12 × 30 ft | 3" | 3.50 | 4.73 |
| 12 × 40 ft | 3" | 4.67 | 6.30 |
| 16 × 40 ft | 3" | 6.22 | 8.40 |
| 20 × 40 ft | 3" | 7.78 | 10.50 |
| 20 × 60 ft | 3" | 11.67 | 15.75 |
| 12 × 40 ft | 6" | 9.33 | 12.60 |
| 20 × 40 ft | 6" | 15.56 | 21.00 |
How to Use This Calculator
The values above are pre-calculated for a 12×40 ft driveway at 6". Use the material tabs to switch between pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, and #57 stone — the cubic yard volume stays the same, but the weight (tons) changes with each material's density.
If your driveway or area is a different size, use the full gravel calculator — it accepts any dimensions, depth, and material type.
When placing a bulk order, share the ton estimate with your supplier — most gravel yards price by the ton, not by the cubic yard. The cubic yard figure is useful if you're renting a dump truck or skip bin that charges by volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a 12×40 driveway?
A 12×40 ft driveway at 6 inches deep needs 9.33 cubic yards of gravel (with 5% waste). That's about 13.07 tons of pea gravel or 12.60 tons of crushed stone or #57 stone. For a 6-inch deep base, you would need double the volume.
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need?
Multiply your area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For example, a 12×40 ft driveway at 3 inches deep: 480 × 0.25 ÷ 27 = 4.44 cubic yards base, plus 5% waste = 4.67 cubic yards. The values on this page include the 5% waste factor.
How deep should gravel be on a driveway?
A standard residential driveway needs 3–4 inches of compacted gravel for light vehicle traffic. For a new driveway or heavy vehicle use, plan on 6 inches total — typically 4 inches of compacted base stone topped with 2 inches of surface gravel. This page uses 3 inches as the standard depth; see the 6-inch version for a heavier base.
How many tons of gravel do I need?
Gravel suppliers typically sell by the ton for bulk orders. Pea gravel weighs about 1.40 tons per cubic yard; crushed stone and #57 stone weigh about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Use the material tabs above to see the ton estimate for your chosen gravel type.
Should I add a waste factor for gravel?
A 5% waste factor is appropriate for a clean rectangular driveway with established edging. Use 10% for irregular areas, slopes, or if the subgrade is rough and uneven. The values on this page include a 5% waste factor. For larger projects with variable ground conditions, round up when ordering.
What is the difference between pea gravel, crushed stone, and #57 stone?
Pea gravel is smooth and rounded — comfortable underfoot but shifts without edging. Crushed stone has angular faces that interlock under load, making it more stable for driveways. #57 stone (3/4" crushed limestone or granite) is a popular driveway choice that compacts well while allowing drainage. River rock is decorative and works well in drainage beds.
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