How to Calculate How Many Cubic Yards or Tons of Material You Need for Your Driveway

Planning to install or refresh your driveway with #57 limestone or medium-sized river gravel? It’s crucial to order the right amount of material to avoid unnecessary delays or excess costs. If you’re unsure how much to order, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through calculating the exact amount of gravel or limestone you need for your project.

Step 1: Measure Your Driveway

The first thing you’ll need is accurate measurements. Grab a tape measure and jot down the following:

1. Length: Measure the full length of the driveway.
2. Width: Measure the width at the widest point.
3. Depth: The depth you’ll need depends on whether this is a new installation or a refresh. For most residential driveways, a depth of 3-4 inches is recommended.

Step 2: Calculate the Volume in Cubic Yards

Once you have the measurements, the next step is to calculate the volume of material needed in cubic yards. Here’s the formula:

$$\text{Volume (cubic yards)} = \frac{\text{Length (ft)} \times \text{Width (ft)} \times \text{Depth (inches)}}{324}$$

Why 324? It’s the conversion factor that accounts for the cubic feet per yard and the inches-to-feet conversion.

Example:

If your driveway is 50 feet long, 10 feet wide, and you want a 3-inch depth:

$$\text{Volume} = \frac{50 \times 10 \times 3}{324} = 4.63 \text{ cubic yards}$$

In this example, you’ll need about 4.63 cubic yards of material.

Step 3: Convert to Tons (if needed)

If the supplier provides material in tons rather than cubic yards, you can convert the volume by multiplying the cubic yards by the density of the material. For #57 limestone or medium-sized river gravel, the density is typically around 1.4 tons per cubic yard.

$$\text{Weight (tons)} = \text{Volume (cubic yards)} \times 1.4$$

Using the same example, for 4.63 cubic yards:

$$4.63 \times 1.4 = 6.48 \text{ tons}$$

So, you would need approximately 6.5 tons of material.

Step 4: Factor in a Buffer

It’s always a good idea to order a little more material than you think you need. We recommend ordering about 5-10% more to account for settling or uneven areas.

Final Thoughts

If you’re located in or around Waveland, Mississippi, visit us at 509 US-90, and we’ll be happy to help you get the exact amount of #57 limestone or medium-sized river gravel for your driveway. If you have any questions or need assistance with your project, feel free to contact us!

Getting the amount right the first time will save you time and money—and ensure your driveway looks and functions perfectly. Happy paving!