How much gravel do I need for a 12x24 driveway?

By the YardBrick Editorial Team · Last updated October 5, 2026

Check it with your own numbers

Open the Gravel Calculator with these values

The math

12 × 24 ft is 288 square feet. At 4 inches deep that is 96 cubic feet, or 3.56 yd³. Crushed stone runs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so plan on 4.98 tons. Quarries sell by the ton, so ask for 5 tons and you are set for a top layer on a single-car pad.

One layer is rarely enough

A driveway that lasts is built in layers. The 4 inches above is the top course. Underneath it, a real driveway usually has:

• Sub-base: 4 to 6 inches of #3 stone or 2-inch crusher run on undisturbed soil
• Base: 3 to 4 inches of crusher run (#57 stone with fines) compacted hard
• Top: 2 to 3 inches of #57 or 3/8-inch crushed stone for a clean surface

Run the calculator once per layer and switch the material to "Crusher run / base" for the lower courses, since it packs denser at 1.5 tons per yard.

Avoid pea gravel on a driveway

Round stone rolls under tires and migrates into the lawn. Angular crushed stone locks together when compacted. Pea gravel is fine for a path, not for a 12x24 parking pad.

Delivery

A single-axle dump truck carries about 5 to 7 tons, so 5 tons fits in one load. Have the driver spread it as he drives forward with the tailgate chained partly open. A good driver can lay down most of a 24 ft run in one pass and save you an hour with a rake.

Compaction

Rent a plate compactor and run it over each layer before the next goes down. Lightly wet the crusher run first. Gravel loses 10 to 15% of its loose volume when compacted, which is why quarry yardage always looks generous until you start packing.

Edging

Steel or timber edging along both 24 ft sides keeps the stone from spreading into the grass. Without it, expect to top up a ton every couple of years.

For other sizes, use the full Gravel Calculator or browse all answers.