Crushed Stone Calculator

Free aggregate quantity & weight estimator

Complete Project Guide

Crushed Stone: How to Calculate, Choose, and Use It for Any Project

Whether you're filling a driveway, building a patio base, or setting up drainage, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — in plain English.

Construction Project Guide · 10 min read

In This Guide

1.What Is Crushed Stone?
2.Types of Stone and Which One to Use
3.Stone Sizes Explained
4.How to Calculate How Much Stone You Need
5.The Formulas (With a Worked Example)
6.How Much Does Crushed Stone Cost?
7.Project-by-Project Depth and Stone Guide
8.Installation Tips and Common Mistakes

How Much Crushed Stone Do You Need?

Enter your project dimensions to instantly get the quantity in cubic yards, estimated weight in tons, and optional material cost — with a built-in waste factor.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Pick your area shape — rectangular, circular, or triangular.
2. Enter the length, width, and depth of the area to fill.
3. Choose your material type (limestone, granite, gravel, etc.).
4. Results update instantly — quantity, weight, and optional cost.

1 Area Shape

2 Dimensions

Length

Width

Depth (thickness of the stone layer)

3 Material & Options

Material Type

Densities shown are typical bulk delivery estimates. Actual weight varies ±10% by source, gradation, and moisture. Confirm with your supplier.

Waste Factor (%) — accounts for spillage & compaction (Max 50%)

10% is a common starting point. Use 15% for rough terrain or irregular shapes.

Price per US Ton — Optional ($)

Enter your supplier's price to see a material cost estimate.

Quantity Unit

Weight Unit

Your Results

Fill in your dimensions above
to see your results here.

Formula Used

Quantity = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
Order = Quantity × (1 + waste% ÷ 100)
Weight = Order (yd³) × density (tons/yd³)

All dimensions are converted to feet internally. Weight is always calculated as Order (in cubic yards) × material density (tons per cubic yard), then converted to your selected unit.

Quick Example

Driveway: 20 ft × 10 ft, 4 in deep, limestone

4 ÷ 12 = 0.3333 ft depth

(20 × 10 × 0.3333) ÷ 27 = 2.47 yd³

+ 10% waste = 2.72 yd³ to order

× 1.45 density = ≈ 3.94 US tons

Common Stone Sizes & Uses

Stone DustPaver setting beds, smooth surfaces

¼" (No. 10)Walkways, horse stables

¾" (No. 57)Driveways, drainage, pipe bedding

1½" (No. 4)Heavy driveways, base layer

1–3" River RockDry creek beds, landscaping, decorative drainage

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about crushed stone quantity, weight, cost, and installation.

For a 10×20 ft area at 4 inches deep, you need about 2.47 cubic yards before waste. With a standard 10% waste factor added, that comes to 2.72 cubic yards — which weighs roughly 3.94 US tons using limestone density (1.45 tons/yd³). Just enter those numbers into the calculator above to confirm instantly.

Most quarries sell crushed stone by the ton (weight), but you measure your project by cubic yards (volume). One cubic yard of crushed stone typically weighs about 1.3 to 1.55 US tons depending on the material, moisture, and compaction level. Standard crushed limestone averages around 1.45 tons per cubic yard. This calculator converts for you automatically based on the material you select.

When you spread and compact crushed stone, some material is always lost — it gets pushed to the edges, compresses into the ground, or spills during installation. A 10% waste factor is a common starting point for many driveways, patios, and landscape projects. If your area has an uneven base or irregular edges, bump it up to 15% to be safe.

A typical residential gravel driveway often uses a 4–6 inch compacted base plus a surface layer, but the exact depth depends on soil, drainage, climate, and vehicle load. A two-car driveway that is 20×40 ft at 4 inches deep needs about 9.88 cubic yards before waste. With a 10% waste factor, that comes to about 10.86 cubic yards to order. At roughly 1.40 tons per cubic yard (average crushed stone), that weighs about 15.2 US tons. Use the calculator above with your actual measurements to get the exact aggregate estimate for your driveway.

For a patio base, use at least 4 inches of compacted crushed stone for many residential projects. In frost-prone climates or weak soils, many installers use a thicker base such as 6 inches to help reduce heaving and shifting. Compact it in layers — about 3 inches at a time — for the best result.

For drainage projects like French drains and dry wells, use clean, washed, free-draining stone recommended for your trench and pipe design. No. 57 stone is a common choice in many areas, but local gradations vary. For septic drain fields, use only clean, washed aggregate that meets your local code and installer recommendations.

Yes. Just select "Pea Gravel" or "River Rock" from the material type dropdown and the calculator will use the correct density for your weight estimate. Pea gravel weighs slightly less than angular crushed stone — about 1.30 tons per cubic yard versus 1.45–1.50 for crushed limestone or granite.

One ton of crushed stone often covers about 70–85 square feet at 3 inches deep, or roughly 50–65 square feet at 4 inches deep, depending on the stone type, density, and compaction. For the most accurate estimate for your specific project dimensions, use the calculator at the top of this page.

Complete Crushed Stone Guide

Everything you need to know about calculating, choosing, and using crushed stone for any US project.

1 What Is Crushed Stone?

Crushed stone is rock that has been quarried and mechanically broken down into graded sizes. Related aggregate products may be sold as crushed gravel, crusher run, road base, screenings, or stone dust, but exact gradation and use can vary by supplier.

What makes crushed stone different from regular gravel is its shape. Natural gravel is smooth and rounded. Crushed stone has sharp, angular edges that interlock when compacted, creating a firm, stable surface that holds up under weight and rain.

Common crushed stone materials include limestone, granite, and traprock (basalt), though availability varies by region. Each has slightly different weight and hardness. Densities are typical estimating values. Actual weight can vary ±10% by stone source, gradation, moisture, and supplier. Use our calculator's material selector to get a closer weight and cost estimate for the material you choose.

Note: Key Takeaway

Crushed stone is sold by weight (tons), but you plan your project by volume (cubic yards). This calculator handles that conversion automatically.

2 Types of Stone and Which One to Use

What stone is available near you depends on your region. In the Midwest, limestone is most common. In the Northeast and Southeast, granite and traprock are easier to find.

Limestone

Density

1.45 tons/yd³

Best For

Driveways, base material, concrete mix

Most widely available and affordable. Compacts well and holds up in most climates.

Granite

Density

1.50 tons/yd³

Best For

High-traffic driveways, decorative uses

Very hard and durable. Costs more than limestone but lasts longer under heavy use.

Traprock (Basalt)

Density

1.55 tons/yd³

Best For

Road bases, heavy-duty projects

The densest and hardest common aggregate. Often used on roads and railroads.

Pea Gravel

Density

1.30 tons/yd³

Best For

Landscaping, walkways, play areas

Naturally rounded — not angular. Great for decorative use but does not compact like crushed stone.

Sandstone

Density

1.35 tons/yd³

Best For

Decorative landscaping, light pathways

Softer and more porous. Not recommended for driveways or areas with vehicle traffic.

Stone Dust

Density

1.35 tons/yd³

Best For

Paver setting beds, void filler

Very fine material that compacts tightly and creates a firm leveling base, but it does not drain well.

Not sure which stone to get? Ask your local quarry or stone yard what they stock. For most driveways and patios in the US, limestone or granite crushed stone is a safe, affordable choice. Use our calculator's material selector to get a closer weight and cost estimate for the material you choose.

3 Stone Sizes Explained

Crushed stone comes in several standard sizes. Picking the wrong size can cause drainage problems or a weak base. Note: Stone names and gradations vary by region and supplier, so always confirm the local equivalent with your quarry or stone yard.

Size	Best Used For	Notes
Stone Dust	Paver base, void filler	Compacts tightly, firm base, poor drainage
No. 10 (¼")	Walkways, horse stables	Fine surface that packs down firm
No. 57 (¾")	Driveways, drainage, pipe bedding	Most popular all-purpose size
No. 4 / #3 (1½"–2½")	Driveway base, construction roads	Good base material — use under No. 57
1–3" River Rock	Dry creek beds, landscaping, decorative drainage	Smooth and rounded — decorative, does not compact

Pro Tip: Layering Your Driveway

Many contractors use two layers for driveways: a 4–6 inch base of No. 4 or #3 stone (1½" to 2½") compacted down, followed by a 2–3 inch top layer of No. 57 (¾" stone). You get a solid base and a clean, stable surface on top.

4 How to Calculate How Much Stone You Need

Ordering the right amount comes down to three measurements: length, width, and depth of the area to fill. From those, you get cubic yards (quantity) and tons (weight).

Why do you need both? Because stone is sold by the ton, but you're measuring your project in cubic yards. One cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 1.3 to 1.55 tons depending on the type. Our calculator handles this conversion automatically when you choose a material type.

Step 1 — Get the Volume

Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet). Divide by 27 to convert from cubic feet to cubic yards.

Step 2 — Convert to Weight

Add your waste factor to the cubic-yard quantity, then multiply the order quantity by the stone density to estimate tons.

A 10% waste buffer is a common starting point on many projects. If you're working on a sloped area or an irregular shape, bump it to 15% so you don't run short and need a second delivery.

5 The Formulas (With a Worked Example)

Our calculator does this automatically, but here's how the math works so you can double-check or do a quick hand estimate.

Rectangular Area

// Volume in cubic yards
Quantity = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
// With waste factor
Order = Quantity × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100)
// Weight in US tons
Weight = Order × Density

Circular Area

For a circular patio, fire pit ring, or round garden bed:
Quantity = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Depth ÷ 27

Then apply: Order = Quantity × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100) Weight = Order × Density

Triangular Area

For triangular beds or corner fills:
Quantity = 0.5 × Base × Height × Depth ÷ 27

Then apply: Order = Quantity × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100) Weight = Order × Density

Worked Example: 20×10 ft Driveway, 4 inches deep, Limestone

Convert depth: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.3333 ft
Volume: (20 × 10 × 0.3333) ÷ 27 = 2.47 yd³
+ 10% waste: 2.47 × 1.10 = 2.72 yd³ to order
Weight (1.45 t/yd³): 2.72 × 1.45 = ≈ 3.94 US tons

Note: Unit Quick Reference

1 foot = 12 inches | 1 yard = 3 feet | 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet | 1 US ton = 2,000 lbs

6 How Much Does Crushed Stone Cost?

Crushed stone prices vary by region, stone type, and order size. Most quarries sell by the ton, but some quote by the cubic yard. Always confirm the unit of measurement before you order.

Cost Item	Typical Range	Notes
Stone material	$15 – $75 per ton	Depends on type and your location
Delivery fee	$50 – $150+	Higher the farther from the quarry
Spreading labor	$25 – $60/hour	Only if you hire someone — DIY is common
Plate compactor rental	$60 – $120/day	Needed for driveways and patio bases

Pro Tip: Buying in Bulk

If your order is close to 10 tons, round up and combine nearby projects. Many suppliers give a per-ton price break at higher volumes, and the extra delivery cost for a larger load is usually small.

To get a material cost estimate, enter your price per ton into the optional cost field in our calculator above. We'll multiply the total tonnage by your price and show the result instantly.

7 Project-by-Project Depth & Stone Guide

Different projects need different depths and stone sizes. Here's a quick reference for the most common crushed stone applications in the US.

Gravel Driveway

Depth

4–6 in base + 2–3 in top

Stone Grade

No. 4 / #3 Stone base, No. 57 surface

A typical residential gravel driveway often uses a 4–6 inch compacted base plus a top layer, but required depth depends on soil, drainage, climate, and vehicle load. Crown the center slightly so water drains to the sides.

Patio Base

Depth

4 in min (6 in in frost zones)

Stone Grade

No. 57 or Crusher Run Base

Compact in two 3-inch lifts — never all at once. Top with stone dust or sand as your final setting bed before laying pavers or flagstone.

French Drain

Depth

Trench 12–18 in deep

Stone Grade

No. 57 clean (washed) stone

For drainage projects, use clean, washed, free-draining stone recommended for your trench and pipe design. Wrap the trench and pipe in filter fabric. Slope the pipe at least 1% toward the outlet.

Landscaping Bed

Depth

2–3 in decorative, 3–4 in for weeds

Stone Grade

River rock, pea gravel, or decorative

Put down landscape fabric before the stone to block weeds and keep the stone from mixing into the soil. River rock looks natural and stays put. Decomposed granite packs tightly and gives a clean, tidy finish.

Septic Drain Field

Depth

12 in of stone around and above pipes

Stone Grade

Clean #1 stone (1.5–2.5 in)

For septic drain fields, always use clean, washed aggregate that meets your local code and installer recommendations. Requirements vary by state and county.

8 Installation Tips and Common Mistakes

Most stone project failures come down to a few avoidable mistakes. Here's what to do — and what to skip.

Do:

Compact in Layers

Add stone in 3 inch layers and compact each one before adding more. Deep, uncompacted stone will shift under load.

Don't:

Don't Skip the Edging

Without edging (metal, plastic, or concrete), crushed stone will gradually spread outward. Set your edging before the stone is delivered so you can contain it properly from the start.

Do:

Slope for Drainage

All stone surfaces should slope at least 1–2% away from your home or structures. Even crushed stone that drains well will puddle if the ground beneath it is perfectly flat.

Don't:

Don't Mix Stone with Soil

Never lay crushed stone directly on clay or loose soil without excavating first. Stone mixed with soil creates a weak, mushy base that sinks under weight. Dig out the area and remove the soil.

Do:

Order a Little Extra

Use the waste factor in this calculator — 10% is a good starting point. A second small delivery often costs almost as much as the material.

Don't:

Don't Go Too Thin

The most common DIY mistake: using 2 inches of stone when the project calls for 4. Too-thin stone will not compact correctly and will shift and rut within one season. Check your depth with a tape measure before you spread.

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