How to Estimate Gravel for a Driveway

Driveway gravel keeps weeds under control and allows water to penetrate the soil. Gravel driveways withstand all types of weather. Select "clean" gravel for driveway use as it contains little or no gravel powder. Purchase the correct size of individual rocks for each load of gravel. Larger stones withstand heavier loads. Use basic mathematics to calculate the correct amount of gravel you'll need for your driveway. A cubic "yard" represents the standard measure for gravel.

Things You'll Need

• 50-foot length of rope
• 25-foot tape measure
• Note pad
• Pencil
• Calculator

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure the length and width of your driveway. Use a length of rope for calculating running feet and a tape measure for measuring fractional lengths.

   • 2

     Determine gravel depth. Six inches will provide adequate protection against ground upheaval caused by freezing water.

   • 3

     Calculate the amount of cubic yards of gravel needed for your driveway. Multiply length, times width, times depth and divide by 27 to determine the cubic yards of gravel needed.