A 12 x 30 driveway (360 sq ft) takes about 6 tons of gravel at 4 inches deep, or 4.4 cubic yards. That's one-third of a standard 18-ton dump truck.
6 tons is a pile about 11 feet across and 3.5 feet high.
The typical driveway. The median driveway we've measured is 31 x 12 ft, and the median order is 6 tons.
Tons at each depth
Depth
Use it for
Cubic yards
Tons
With 10% extra
Share of a truck
2 in
Refreshing thin old gravel
2.2
3
3.5
one-fifth
3 in
Heavier refresh, or a light new driveway
3.3
4.5
5
one-quarter
4 in
New driveway, cars
4.4
6
7
one-third
6 in
Trucks and heavy use
6.7
9.5
10.5
half
What 6 tons looks like
Dumped in one spot, that's a pile about 11 feet across and 3.5 feet high, so plan on a clear spot about the size of a parking space, and rake it out from there.
Worth knowing at this size
If yours is a refresh over solid old gravel, 2 inches (about 3 tons) is usually enough.
Is your driveway really 12 x 30?
Most aren't exactly. Flares at the street and the apron by the garage add up. Trace yours on a map for the exact number, then price it at your ZIP with Hello Gravel.
Common questions
How many tons of gravel for a 12 x 30 driveway?
About 6 tons at 4 inches deep, 3 tons at 2 inches, or 9.5 tons at 6 inches, using driveway gravel at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How many cubic yards of gravel for a 12 x 30 driveway?
About 4.4 cubic yards at 4 inches deep.
Should I order extra?
We suggest about 10 percent extra, which makes it 7 tons at 4 inches. Gravel spreads and edges are never square.
Trace your driveway on a map. We'll tell you how much gravel to order.