Gravel driveway cost by size
Estimates from this calculator's default prices for a driveway with a 4 in crusher-run base and a 3 in top layer of #57 crushed stone on graded, compacted ground. Your local prices will differ, so change the defaults above to match quotes or quarry prices near you.
| Driveway | Stone | Installed | Per foot of driveway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 × 10 ft | 18.5 tons | $1,700–$2,550 | $34–$51 |
| 100 × 10 ft | 36 tons | $2,950–$4,450 | $30–$45 |
| 100 × 12 ft | 43.5 tons | $3,450–$5,200 | $35–$52 |
| 100 × 20 ft | 72 tons | $5,500–$8,300 | $55–$83 |
| 200 × 12 ft | 86 tons | $6,550–$9,800 | $33–$49 |
Per square foot, the middle of the range runs from about $4.23 for a 50 × 10 ft driveway down to $3.34 for a 200 × 20 ft one. Equipment rental and setup are spread over more stone on bigger jobs.
How much does a 100 ft gravel driveway cost?
A 100 ft driveway 12 ft wide takes about 43.5 tons of stone: 26 tons of crusher run for the base and 17.5 tons of #57 on top, in 3 truckloads. With these defaults it costs about $3,450–$5,200 installed. Materials delivered come to about $2,031. Labor is about 25.5 worker hours to grade, spread and compact, plus $400 for a skid steer and compactor.
Gravel cost per ton and per yard
These are the default delivered prices per ton in this estimate, from our gravel calculator, and what they work out to per cubic yard at each stone's typical weight. Quarry prices vary by region, so call a local supplier.
| Stone | Per ton | Per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run (base) | $38 | $57 |
| #57 crushed stone | $45 | $63 |
| Pea gravel | $50 | $70 |
| Decomposed granite | $60 | $78 |
So 1 ton of gravel typically runs $38–$60 at these defaults, plus a delivery fee ($85 per truckload here). Most suppliers have a minimum load, and bagged gravel costs far more per ton.
Choosing the top layer
Crushed stone with sharp edges locks together and stays put under tires. Pea gravel is round, so it rolls and spreads, and is better for paths than driveways. With these defaults, a 100 × 12 ft driveway is about $3,500–$5,250 with a crusher-run top, $3,450–$5,200 with #57 stone, and $3,700–$5,550 with decomposed granite.
What changes the price
- Site prep: digging out 6 in of soil, hauling it away and laying fabric brings the 100 × 12 ft driveway to about $4,700–$7,050.
- Re-topping: adding 2 in of new stone to an existing driveway, with no base, costs about $1,150–$1,700 for the same size.
- Edging: steel or plastic edging along both sides brings the 100 × 12 ft driveway to about $4,400–$6,600.
- Drainage: culverts, ditches and crowning the surface so water runs off are extra.
- Distance from the quarry: delivery fees climb with distance and number of loads.
- Permits: a new curb cut or driveway apron onto a public road often needs a permit. Check local rules.
How this estimate works
Stone is figured the way our gravel calculator does it: area × depth gives cubic yards, plus 15% for compaction on crusher run and 10% on #57 and pea gravel, times about 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard, ordered in half tons. Delivery is $85 per 15-ton truckload. Grading takes 0.5 worker hours per 100 sq ft, and spreading and compacting 1.5 cubic yards per worker hour. Equipment rental is $400 for the job. The contractor's markup on materials is 20%, not on delivery, and labor is billed at $60 an hour including the contractor's overhead and profit. The range is the result minus 20% to plus 20%. Change any of these above. Fixr puts a 24 × 24 ft two-car gravel driveway, with about 12 in of gravel in three layers, at $1,000–$3,000 nationally (updated August 2022); the same size comes to about $1,850–$2,800 with our defaults.
Getting quotes
Get at least three quotes for the same length, width, base depth and top stone. Ask how many tons they plan, whether they'll grade a crown for drainage and whether fabric is included. If a quote is far below this estimate, ask how deep the base is.
Questions
How much does a gravel driveway cost per foot?
With this calculator's typical defaults, a 12 ft wide gravel driveway costs about $33–$58 per foot installed, depending on length. A 20 ft double driveway is about $54–$89 per foot.
How much does 1 ton of gravel cost?
At these defaults, $38 for crusher run, $45 for #57 crushed stone, $50 for pea gravel and $60 for decomposed granite, plus delivery. Prices vary by quarry and region.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A 100 × 12 ft driveway with a 4 in base and a 3 in top layer takes about 43.5 tons here. Use our gravel calculator for other sizes and depths.
Is a gravel driveway cheaper than concrete?
Usually. With these defaults a 100 × 12 ft gravel driveway comes to about $3.60 per sq ft installed. Our concrete patio estimator puts a 4 in slab of 400 sq ft at about $8–$12 per sq ft, and driveways are usually poured thicker. Gravel needs topping up and regrading every few years.