How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost? (2026)
A gravel driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot for materials, or $1,200 to $3,000 installed for a standard single-car driveway. Here is the full breakdown by project size and approach.
| Driveway Size | Dimensions | Materials Only | Professionally Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (single-car) | 12 x 20 ft (240 sq ft) | $300–$700 | $600–$1,200 |
| Standard | 12 x 50 ft (600 sq ft) | $600–$1,800 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Large (2-car, long) | 16 x 80 ft (1,280 sq ft) | $1,300–$3,800 | $2,600–$6,400 |
| Extra-long rural | 12 x 200 ft (2,400 sq ft) | $2,400–$7,200 | $4,800–$12,000 |
Material Cost Breakdown
Gravel is the most affordable driveway material, but a proper driveway is not just one layer of rock. Here is what a well-built gravel driveway requires:
Base layer (4-6 inches): Large crushed stone (#3 or #4, 2-3 inch pieces) at $30 to $45 per cubic yard. For a 600 sq ft driveway at 5 inches deep, you need roughly 9 to 10 cubic yards — about $270 to $450. This layer provides drainage and prevents the driveway from sinking into the subsoil.
Middle layer (3-4 inches): Mid-size stone like #57 (3/4 to 1 inch) at $35 to $50 per cubic yard. For 600 sq ft at 3.5 inches, you need about 6.5 cubic yards — roughly $230 to $325. This bridges between the coarse base and the fine surface.
Surface layer (2-3 inches): Crusher run, DGA, or #411 at $30 to $45 per cubic yard. For 600 sq ft at 2.5 inches, you need about 4.5 cubic yards — roughly $135 to $200. The fines in these products compact into a smooth, firm driving surface.
Geotextile fabric: $0.15 to $0.35 per sq ft ($90 to $210 for 600 sq ft). Laid between the subgrade and base layer, it prevents gravel from migrating into soft soil — especially important on clay soils.
Check gravel and driveway-base buying options
Use these retailer shortcuts after you price the full job, especially if you are comparing bagged repairs against larger supplier orders.
Use our gravel calculator to get exact cubic yards and tonnage for each layer based on your driveway dimensions. You can also use the stone calculator for crushed stone base quantities.
Labor Costs: DIY vs Contractor
DIY cost: Materials plus equipment rental. A skid steer rental runs $200 to $350 per day (essential for spreading and rough-grading large driveways). A plate compactor is $60 to $100 per day. Most DIYers can complete a standard driveway in 1 to 2 days with a helper. Total cost for a 600 sq ft driveway: $700 to $2,100 including materials and rentals.
Contractor cost: $2 to $5 per sq ft installed, which includes grading the subgrade, laying fabric, spreading and compacting all layers, and shaping the crown for drainage. For a 600 sq ft driveway: $1,200 to $3,000. Contractors who own their equipment can work much faster and achieve better compaction — a properly compacted driveway develops fewer ruts and needs less maintenance.
Regional Price Variation
Gravel driveway costs vary by 20% to 50% by region, driven primarily by local aggregate availability. Areas near quarries (much of the Midwest, Appalachian region, and parts of the South) have the lowest gravel prices — often $25 to $35 per cubic yard delivered. Coastal areas, the Pacific Northwest, and remote rural locations can pay $50 to $70 per cubic yard once delivery is factored in. Delivery charges add $50 to $150 per truckload, and a standard driveway requires 2 to 3 truckloads.
Calculate Your Exact Materials
Every driveway is different — length, width, and local soil conditions all affect how much gravel you need. Use our gravel calculator to get exact quantities in cubic yards and tons for each layer. With precise numbers, you can call local suppliers for accurate quotes instead of over-ordering (or worse, running short mid-project).