Crushed Stone Calculator
Use this crushed stone calculator to find exactly how many cubic yards and tons of crushed rock you need for your driveway, patio, walkway, French drain, or any landscaping project. Enter your area dimensions below, pick your stone type, and get an accurate estimate in seconds — with a built-in waste factor that accounts for compaction and spillage.
Quick answer: To calculate how much crushed stone you need, multiply length × width × depth (all in feet), divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by your stone's density (1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard) to convert to tons. Add 10% extra for waste.
Crushed Stone Estimator
How to Use This Crushed Stone Calculator
You don't need to be a math expert. Just follow these five steps:
- Choose your area shape. Pick rectangle for driveways, patios, and sidewalks. Pick circle for fire pits, tree rings, or round garden beds.
- Type in your length and width in feet. Measure from edge to edge. If you only have measurements in inches, divide each number by 12 to convert to feet. Not sure how to get accurate measurements for a driveway? Check our guide on how to measure a driveway for gravel.
- Enter the depth in inches. This is how thick your crushed stone layer will be. If you're unsure how deep to go, scroll down to the recommended depth table.
- Select your stone type. Different aggregate sizes have different densities. Choosing the correct one — whether it's #57 stone, crusher run, or stone dust — gives you a more accurate tonnage estimate.
- Check your results. The calculator shows cubic yards (what you tell the supplier), tons (how suppliers price bulk material), and an optional cost estimate.
💡 Pro Tip: Round up to the nearest half-yard when placing your order. Aggregate suppliers sell in half-yard or full-yard increments, and coming up short means paying a second delivery fee that costs more than the extra stone would have.
Key Fact: One cubic yard of crushed stone covers roughly 108 square feet at 3 inches deep — that's about the size of a 10 × 11 foot area. (Source: Standard volumetric calculation — 27 cu ft ÷ 0.25 ft depth = 108 sq ft)
Crushed Stone Calculator Formula
Prefer to do the math by hand? Here are the exact formulas the calculator uses. They work for any crushed rock, gravel, or aggregate material.
Rectangular Area Formula
Most people measure depth in inches. To convert inches to feet, simply divide by 12. For example, 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet.
The number 27 is the conversion factor between cubic feet and cubic yards. One cubic yard contains exactly 27 cubic feet (3 × 3 × 3 = 27).
Circular Area Formula
Here, Radius is the distance from the center of your circle to the outer edge in feet. To get the radius, measure across the widest point (diameter) and divide by 2.
Converting Volume to Weight (Tons)
Crushed stone density ranges from 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard depending on the type and size. If you don't know the exact product you're buying, 1.5 tons per cubic yard is the industry standard average that most suppliers and contractors use for quick estimates.
Adding the Waste Factor
This adds 10% to cover compaction, uneven ground, and minor spillage during spreading.
💡 Pro Tip: Crushed stone compacts between 10% and 20% after you spread it and run a plate compactor or hand tamper over it. Angular, well-graded material like crusher run compacts on the higher end. The 10% waste factor is a minimum — for deep fills over soft clay soil, consider adding 15%.
Key Fact: There are exactly 46,656 cubic inches in one cubic yard. If you prefer measuring entirely in inches, multiply L × W × D (all in inches), then divide by 46,656 to get cubic yards directly.
Crushed Stone Density by Type and Size
Not all aggregate weighs the same. Smaller particles pack together more tightly and leave fewer air voids, so they weigh more per cubic yard. Larger, angular rocks create bigger gaps between pieces, reducing their weight per unit volume.
Use this density reference table to get an accurate weight estimate for the exact stone type you plan to order.
| Stone Type / Size | Tons per Cubic Yard | Lbs per Cubic Foot | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Dust / Screenings (< ¼") | 1.3–1.5 | 100–110 | Paver base, leveling, joint filling, smooth surfaces |
| #8 Stone (⅜ inch) | 1.4–1.5 | 105–110 | Asphalt mix, walking paths, finishing layer |
| #57 Stone (¾–1 inch) | 1.4–1.7 | 105–125 | Driveways, French drains, pipe bedding, slab sub-base |
| #67 Stone (¾", dense-graded) | 1.5–1.7 | 110–130 | Road base, concrete slab base, highway construction |
| #1 Stone (2–4 inches) | 1.5–1.7 | 115–130 | Heavy sub-base, erosion control, large drainage fills |
| Crusher Run (¾" down to fines) | 1.5–1.7 | 110–130 | Driveway base, building foundations, parking areas |
| ½ Inch Crushed Stone | 1.4–1.6 | 100–120 | Concrete mix, water filtration, environmental applications |
| Crushed Limestone | 1.5–1.7 | 130–145 | Base layer, fill material, retaining wall backfill |
| Crushed Granite | 1.5–1.8 | 135–150 | Driveways, decorative paths, high-strength base |
| Decomposed Granite (DG) | 1.4–1.5 | 100–110 | Walkways, xeriscaping, landscaping ground cover |
| Pea Gravel (⅜–¾ inch, rounded) | 1.4–1.6 | 95–110 | Decorative beds, drainage, playground surfaces |
| Rip Rap (6–9 inches) | 1.7–2.0 | 130–150 | Slope stabilization, shoreline protection, culvert outlets |
Key Fact: Crushed granite weighs 5–10% more per cubic yard than crushed limestone because granite is composed of denser minerals — primarily feldspar, quartz, and mica crystals — while limestone is a softer sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate.
💡 Pro Tip: If your supplier quotes by the ton but you've calculated cubic yards, multiply your cubic yards by the density from the table above. When you don't know the exact product yet, 1.5 tons per cubic yard works as a safe middle estimate for budgeting purposes.
Recommended Crushed Stone Depth by Project
How deep should your crushed stone layer be? It depends on what you're building, how much weight the surface needs to support, and what your soil conditions are like.
Soft or clay-heavy soils require thicker stone layers because they don't provide stable support on their own. Sandy, well-drained soils can get by with slightly less depth.
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Best Stone Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential driveway | 4–6 inches | #57, Crusher Run | Minimum 4" compacted for passenger vehicles |
| Heavy-vehicle driveway | 6–8 inches | #1 base + #57 top | Two-layer build for trucks and equipment |
| Patio base (pavers/flagstone) | 2–4 inches | #57, #67 | Use 4" over clay or poorly draining soil |
| Walkway or garden path | 2–3 inches | #8, Pea Gravel, ½" | Lighter foot traffic only |
| French drain trench | 8–12 inches | #57, ¾ inch | Surrounds perforated drain pipe on all sides |
| Concrete slab sub-base | 4–6 inches | #57, Crusher Run | Prevents frost heave and moisture wicking |
| Utility pipe bedding | 4–6 inches | ¾ inch | Below and around the pipe |
| Retaining wall backfill | 12+ inches | #57, #1 | Provides drainage behind the wall face |
| Gravel parking area | 6–8 inches | Crusher Run | Compacts to form stable vehicle surface |
| Shed or outbuilding pad | 4–6 inches | #57, Crusher Run | Level and compact before placing structure |
Key Fact: Most local building codes in the United States and guidance from the National Asphalt Pavement Association recommend a minimum of 4 inches of compacted crushed stone base beneath residential driveways. This prevents settling, cracking, and damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles (frost heave).
💡 Pro Tip: For driveways that handle pickup trucks, RVs, or delivery vehicles, build two layers. Spread 3–4 inches of larger #1 or #2 stone first as a structural sub-base. Then top it with 2–3 inches of #57 stone or crusher run. The large bottom stones provide deep drainage while the smaller top layer interlocks and creates a smooth, drivable surface. Need help estimating material specifically for a driveway? Try our gravel driveway calculator for a project-specific estimate.
Worked Calculation Examples
Numbers make more sense when you see them applied to real projects. Here are three common scenarios calculated step by step.
Example 1: Gravel Driveway — 10 ft × 20 ft, 4 Inches Deep
- Convert depth to feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Calculate volume: (10 × 20 × 0.333) ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards
- Add 10% waste factor: 2.47 × 1.10 = 2.72 cubic yards
- Convert to tons: 2.72 × 1.5 = 4.08 tons
- Final order: 4.5 tons of #57 stone or crusher run (rounded up for safe measure)
- Estimated cost at $45/ton: approximately $200 for material, plus delivery.
Example 2: Patio Base — 12 ft × 8 ft, 3 Inches Deep
- Convert depth: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
- Calculate volume: (12 × 8 × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 0.89 cubic yards
- Add 10% waste: 0.89 × 1.10 = 0.98 cubic yards
- Convert to tons: 0.98 × 1.5 = 1.47 tons
- Final order: 1.5 tons of #57 or #67 stone
Example 3: Circular Fire Pit Area — 8 ft Diameter, 3 Inches Deep
- Find radius: 8 ÷ 2 = 4 ft
- Convert depth: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
- Calculate volume: (3.1416 × 4² × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 0.47 cubic yards
- Add 10% waste: 0.47 × 1.10 = 0.51 cubic yards
- Convert to tons: 0.51 × 1.5 = 0.77 tons
- Final order: 1 ton
Key Fact: A standard 0.5 cubic foot bag of crushed stone weighs approximately 50 pounds. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so you'd need 54 bags to equal one cubic yard of material — that's about 2,700 lbs worth of bags.
How to Order Crushed Stone (Bulk vs. Bags)
Knowing your tonnage is step one. Here's what you need to know before calling a supplier.
When to order bulk delivery:
- Your project needs 1 cubic yard or more (about 1.5+ tons)
- Bulk pricing runs $30–$65 per ton for most common crushed stone in the US
- Delivery fees range from $50–$150 depending on distance from the quarry
- Ask for the "delivered price per ton" — that number includes trucking and is your real cost
When to buy bags instead:
- Your project needs less than 0.5 cubic yards
- Bagged crushed stone at Home Depot, Lowe's, or local hardware stores comes in 0.5 cu ft bags weighing around 50 lbs
- Bags cost significantly more per ton than bulk, but there's no delivery fee if you haul them yourself
Truck capacity reference:
- Single-axle dump truck: 5–6 tons (3–4 cubic yards)
- Tandem-axle dump truck: 12–15 tons (8–10 cubic yards)
- Tri-axle dump truck: 15–20 tons (10–13 cubic yards)
💡 Pro Tip: You cannot return bulk aggregate after it's been dumped. Always order 10–15% more than your raw calculation. Leftover crushed stone stores easily in a pile and is always useful for future fill, drainage fixes, or topping off settled areas.
Crushed Stone Sizes Explained (ASTM Grades)
Crushed stone is classified by particle size following ASTM D448 standards. Each number designation tells you the approximate size of the rock fragments and guides you toward the right product for your project.
Stone Dust / Screenings (under ¼ inch): The finest crushed stone product. Created as a byproduct of the crushing process. Used for leveling paver bases to a smooth finish, filling joints between pavers or flagstones, and as a component in concrete block fabrication. Packs very tightly with minimal voids.
#8 Stone (⅜ inch): Small angular aggregate commonly mixed into asphalt and concrete as a coarse component. Also used as a top-dressing layer on walking paths and light-duty areas. Compacts well and creates a relatively smooth finished surface.
#57 Stone (¾ inch to 1 inch): The single most popular and versatile crushed stone grade in the United States. Used for residential driveways, drainage layers, French drain fill, pipe bedding, and as a sub-base beneath concrete slabs and asphalt. Provides excellent drainage while still offering good structural support.
#67 Stone (¾ inch, tighter gradation): Similar in particle size to #57 but with a more uniform distribution that creates a denser, more stable layer. Preferred for road base courses, highway construction, and applications where a flatter, smoother surface is needed under pavement.
#1 Stone (2–4 inches): Large, angular fragments used for heavy-duty structural applications. Typical uses include deep sub-base layers under roads and driveways, erosion control blankets, and the bottom layer of French drain systems in areas with high water tables.
Crusher Run (¾ inch down to fines): A blend of crushed rock and stone dust that comes directly from the crusher without any screening or separation. The mix of particle sizes — large pieces down to fine powder — means it self-compacts when moistened and tamped. This makes it the single best product for driveway bases and building pad foundations where maximum stability is needed.
Rip Rap (6–9 inches): Very large angular rocks designed for slope stabilization, stream bank protection, shoreline erosion control, and the outlets of drainage culverts. Not used for surfaces that people walk or drive on.
💡 Pro Tip: If you're building a new gravel driveway from scratch, crusher run gives you the best value and performance. The fine particles fill every gap between the larger rocks, locking the surface together without needing any additional binder or geotextile fabric underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much crushed stone do I need for a 10 × 20 area?
For a 10 × 20 foot area at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 2.47 cubic yards or 4.1 US tons of crushed stone before the waste factor. After adding 10% for compaction and spillage, the total comes to about 2.72 cubic yards or 4.5 tons. For a shallower 3-inch depth, the numbers drop to roughly 1.85 cubic yards or 2.8 tons.
How many tons is 1 cubic yard of crushed stone?
One cubic yard of crushed stone weighs between 1.4 and 1.7 US tons depending on the stone type, particle size, and moisture content. The industry standard average used by most quarries and contractors is 1.5 tons per cubic yard, which equals approximately 3,000 pounds.
How big is a yard of crushed stone?
One cubic yard measures 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet, totaling 27 cubic feet of volume. Picture a cube roughly the size of a standard kitchen refrigerator. At a density of 1.5 tons per cubic yard, that cube weighs about 3,000 lbs. Spread 3 inches deep, one cubic yard covers approximately 108 square feet.
What size crushed stone is best for a driveway?
#57 stone and crusher run are the most popular choices for residential driveways. Crusher run is preferred by most professionals because its blended particle sizes compact into a solid, locked surface. For driveways that need to handle heavy vehicles like trucks or RVs, use a base of #1 stone topped with 2–3 inches of crusher run or #57.
How deep should crushed stone be for a patio base?
A patio sub-base typically requires 2 to 4 inches of compacted crushed stone. Use the full 4 inches if your soil is soft, has high clay content, or drains poorly. #57 or #67 stone works best because it provides good drainage while still compacting into a stable, level base for pavers, flagstone, or concrete.
How do I calculate crushed stone in yards?
Follow these steps:
- Measure the length and width of your area in feet.
- Measure the depth in inches and divide by 12 to convert to feet.
- Multiply all three numbers together: length × width × depth.
- Divide the result by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards.
- Multiply by 1.10 to add 10% for waste and compaction.
Does crushed stone compact after you install it?
Yes. Crushed stone compacts approximately 10–20% after placement and mechanical compaction with a plate compactor or hand tamper. Well-graded materials like crusher run (which contain a mix of large and fine particles) compact more than uniformly sized stone like clean #57. Always order 10–15% extra to account for this volume loss after compaction.
Should I buy crushed stone by the ton or by the cubic yard?
Most aggregate suppliers in the US sell bulk material by the ton because weight is more precise and consistent than volume. Loose crushed stone can shift, settle, and compress during transport, making volume measurements unreliable from load to load. When comparing prices between suppliers, use this conversion: 1 cubic yard ≈ 1.5 tons for standard crushed stone. So if a supplier quotes $45 per ton, that's roughly $67.50 per cubic yard.