.gravel-driveway-calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 10px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
color: #333;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 1.8em;
border-bottom: 2px solid #4CAF50;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .input-group {
margin-bottom: 18px;
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container label {
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #555;
font-size: 0.95em;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container input[type="number"] {
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 1em;
width: 100%;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: border-color 0.3s ease;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container input[type="number"]:focus {
border-color: #4CAF50;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(76, 175, 80, 0.5);
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container button {
background-color: #4CAF50;
color: white;
padding: 14px 25px;
border: none;
border-radius: 6px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 1.1em;
font-weight: bold;
width: 100%;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease, transform 0.2s ease;
margin-top: 15px;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #45a049;
transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .result-section {
margin-top: 30px;
padding-top: 20px;
border-top: 1px solid #eee;
background-color: #e8f5e9;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 20px;
box-shadow: inset 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .result-section h3 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 15px;
text-align: center;
font-size: 1.5em;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .result-item {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
padding: 10px 0;
border-bottom: 1px dashed #d4edda;
font-size: 1.1em;
color: #333;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .result-item:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .result-item span:first-child {
font-weight: bold;
color: #4CAF50;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .error-message {
color: #d32f2f;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
font-weight: bold;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .article-content {
margin-top: 40px;
line-height: 1.7;
color: #444;
font-size: 1em;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .article-content h3 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-top: 25px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
font-size: 1.6em;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 5px;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .article-content p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .article-content ul {
list-style-type: disc;
margin-left: 20px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.gravel-driveway-calculator-container .article-content li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
function calculateGravel() {
var drivewayLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById("drivewayLength").value);
var drivewayWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById("drivewayWidth").value);
var gravelDepth = parseFloat(document.getElementById("gravelDepth").value);
var gravelCostPerTon = parseFloat(document.getElementById("gravelCostPerTon").value);
var errorMessage = document.getElementById("errorMessage");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
errorMessage.textContent = "";
resultDiv.style.display = "none";
if (isNaN(drivewayLength) || isNaN(drivewayWidth) || isNaN(gravelDepth) || isNaN(gravelCostPerTon) ||
drivewayLength <= 0 || drivewayWidth <= 0 || gravelDepth <= 0 || gravelCostPerTon < 0) {
errorMessage.textContent = "Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.";
return;
}
// Constants
var CUBIC_FEET_PER_CUBIC_YARD = 27;
var POUNDS_PER_TON = 2000;
// Average density of crushed gravel is around 90-110 lbs/cubic foot. Using 100 for estimation.
var GRAVEL_DENSITY_LBS_PER_CUBIC_FOOT = 100;
// Convert depth from inches to feet
var gravelDepthFeet = gravelDepth / 12;
// Calculate volume in cubic feet
var volumeCubicFeet = drivewayLength * drivewayWidth * gravelDepthFeet;
// Convert volume to cubic yards
var volumeCubicYards = volumeCubicFeet / CUBIC_FEET_PER_CUBIC_YARD;
// Calculate total weight in pounds
var totalWeightLbs = volumeCubicFeet * GRAVEL_DENSITY_LBS_PER_CUBIC_FOOT;
// Convert weight to tons
var totalWeightTons = totalWeightLbs / POUNDS_PER_TON;
// Calculate estimated cost
var estimatedCost = totalWeightTons * gravelCostPerTon;
// Display results
document.getElementById("volumeCubicYards").textContent = volumeCubicYards.toFixed(2) + " cubic yards";
document.getElementById("totalWeightTons").textContent = totalWeightTons.toFixed(2) + " tons";
document.getElementById("estimatedCost").textContent = "$" + estimatedCost.toFixed(2);
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}
Gravel Driveway Material Calculator
Calculation Results
Volume Needed:
Estimated Weight:
Estimated Total Cost:
Understanding Your Gravel Driveway Needs
A gravel driveway is a popular and cost-effective choice for many homeowners, offering excellent drainage, a natural aesthetic, and relatively easy maintenance. However, accurately estimating the amount of gravel required is crucial to avoid overspending or running short during your project. Our Gravel Driveway Material Calculator helps you determine the exact volume and weight of gravel you'll need, along with an estimated cost.
How to Use the Calculator
Using this calculator is straightforward:
- Driveway Length (feet): Measure the total length of your driveway in feet.
- Driveway Width (feet): Measure the total width of your driveway in feet.
- Desired Gravel Depth (inches): This is a critical factor. For a new driveway, a depth of 4-6 inches is common for the main layer, often laid over a compacted base. For resurfacing, 2-3 inches might suffice.
- Estimated Cost per Ton ($): Enter the average cost per ton of gravel in your local area. This will give you a rough estimate of the total material cost.
Once you've entered these values, click "Calculate Gravel Needs" to see the estimated cubic yards, total weight in tons, and the projected cost.
Factors Affecting Gravel Quantity and Cost
While the calculator provides a solid estimate, several factors can influence your actual gravel requirements and overall project cost:
- Compaction: Gravel compacts over time and with use. The calculator provides a loose volume, but you might need slightly more to account for compaction, especially if you're using a vibratory plate compactor.
- Base Layer: For a durable driveway, a proper base layer (e.g., crushed stone or larger aggregate) is often recommended before applying the top layer of gravel. This calculator focuses on the top gravel layer.
- Gravel Type: Different types of gravel (e.g., crushed stone, pea gravel, river rock) have varying densities and costs. The calculator uses an average density, but specific types might vary slightly.
- Delivery Fees: Don't forget to factor in delivery charges from your supplier, which can significantly impact the total cost.
- Waste and Spillage: Always account for a small percentage of waste or spillage during the spreading process. It's often wise to order 5-10% more than your calculated amount.
Example Calculation
Let's say you have a driveway that is 60 feet long and 12 feet wide, and you want a gravel depth of 5 inches. The local cost for gravel is $45 per ton.
- Length: 60 ft
- Width: 12 ft
- Depth: 5 inches (0.4167 feet)
- Volume (cubic feet): 60 * 12 * 0.4167 = 300.024 cubic feet
- Volume (cubic yards): 300.024 / 27 = 11.11 cubic yards
- Estimated Weight (at ~100 lbs/cu ft): 300.024 * 100 = 30002.4 lbs = 15.00 tons
- Estimated Cost: 15.00 tons * $45/ton = $675.00
This calculator will quickly provide you with these essential figures, helping you plan your project efficiently and budget accurately.