How Much Gravel for a 12×24 Driveway?
Cubic yards and tons of gravel for a 12 ft × 24 ft driveway at 3 to 12 inches deep, with the density range and compaction allowance stated.
Quick answer
A 12×24 ft driveway (288 ft²) at 4 inches deep needs 3.56 yd³ of gravel — about 5.33 tons at 1.5 tons/yd³. At 6 inches it needs 5.33 yd³, about 8.00 tons. Order a little extra (10%+) because gravel compacts.
Formula & worked math
Tons = cubic yards × bulk density (tons/yd³)
- Area: 12 × 24 = 288 ft²
- Volume at 4 in: 288 × 4 ÷ 12 = 96 ft³ → 96 ÷ 27 = 3.556 yd³
- Weight at 1.5 tons/yd³: 3.556 × 1.5 = 5.33 tons
- With 10% for compaction and spreading: 3.91 yd³ ≈ 5.87 tons
Gravel for a 12×24 driveway by depth
| Depth | ft³ | yd³ | Tons @1.35 | Tons @1.5 | Tons @1.7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 72.0 | 2.67 | 3.60 | 4.00 | 4.53 |
| 4 in | 96.0 | 3.56 | 4.80 | 5.33 | 6.04 |
| 6 in | 144.0 | 5.33 | 7.20 | 8.00 | 9.07 |
| 8 in | 192.0 | 7.11 | 9.60 | 10.67 | 12.09 |
| 12 in | 288.0 | 10.67 | 14.40 | 16.00 | 18.13 |
Use the gravel calculator with your supplier's density for an exact figure, or for other driveway sizes.
Assumptions
- Density 1.35–1.7 tons/yd³ covers typical crushed stone and gravel; 1.5 is used for the headline numbers. Ask your supplier — they sell by the ton or yard and know the density of their material.
- Loose gravel compacts when rolled or driven on, so a compacted depth needs more loose material. Adding about 10–15% is a common allowance; ask your supplier for their figure for the specific stone.
- Rectangle of uniform depth; flares at the street or curves add area.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Gravel driveways are usually built in layers rather than one depth of one stone: a coarser base layer (often larger crushed stone) topped by a finer, compactable surface layer such as crushed stone with fines. Total depths of several inches up to about a foot are common for new driveways, with more depth on soft or clay soils; a top-up layer on an existing driveway may only be 2–3 inches. Calculate each layer separately using its own depth and density, then add the tonnage. A geotextile fabric under the base helps keep stone from sinking into soft soil.
FAQ
How much gravel do I need for a 12x24 driveway?
At 4 inches deep, 3.56 cubic yards (about 5.33 tons at 1.5 tons/yd³). At 6 inches, 5.33 cubic yards (about 8.00 tons). Add about 10% for compaction.
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
Typically 1.35–1.7 US tons depending on stone type and size; 1.5 is a common working figure. Your supplier’s number is the one to use.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.5 tons/yd³ and 4 inches deep, one ton is 0.667 yd³ = 18 ft³, which covers 18 ÷ (4/12) = 54 ft².
Last updated: October 12, 2026.