Crushed Stone Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons & Cost

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 allowance.

By Sanket Dhanawade · Last reviewed October 2026

Browse all project guidesDriveways, patios, drainage & more

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, or enter your supplier's density.
4. Results update instantly — quantity, weight, and optional cost.

What are you building?

Tap a project to fill in a typical stone and depth, then add your measurements.

1 Area Shape

2 Dimensions

Length

Width

Depth (thickness of the stone layer)

3 Material & Options

Material Type

Density used: 1.40 tons/yd³

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

Waste Factor / Order Allowance (%) — extra for spillage, uneven ground & measuring error (max 50%)

10% is a common starting point. Use 15% for rough terrain or irregular shapes. This is an ordering buffer, not a compaction factor.

Price — 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.

Already know your cubic yards or tons? Use the Stone Weight Calculator to convert a known volume directly to weight.

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

Dust / No. 10Leveling, walkways, horse stables — check paver specs before use

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

1½"–¾" (No. 4)Driveway base layer

2"–1" (No. 3)Heavy-duty base, soft ground

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

About This Calculator

Built and maintained by Sanket Dhanawade. This site is an independent project focused on making aggregate quantity estimation simple for DIY homeowners and small contractors in the US.

How densities are set: each figure is a typical loose bulk density used for planning, not a guaranteed product weight. Actual delivered weight varies roughly ±10% by quarry, gradation, and moisture, so confirm with your supplier before placing a large order.

Last reviewed: October 2026

More Calculators for Your Project

Need a different type of stone estimate? Choose the calculator that best matches your project.

Gravel Calculator Estimate gravel quantity, weight, and material needs for driveways, paths, drainage, and landscaping. Open calculator Rock Calculator Estimate landscape rock and decorative stone for beds, borders, paths, and other outdoor areas. Open calculator Stone Weight Calculator Estimate the weight of stone slabs, blocks, boulders, crushed stone, and known volumes. Open calculator Crushed Concrete Calculator Estimate cubic yards and tons of recycled crushed concrete (RCA) for driveway bases, pads, and fill. Open calculator Decomposed Granite Calculator Plan decomposed granite for paths, patios, and driveways, with tons, bags, and coverage per ton. Open calculator

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 crushed stone, some material is always lost: it gets pushed past the edges, fills low spots, or spills during delivery and spreading. 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. The waste factor is an ordering buffer, not a compaction factor. If your base must reach a specific compacted depth, ask your supplier or contractor how much loose stone to order for that depth.

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 a more accurate aggregate estimate for your driveway.

For many residential patio or paver bases, 4–6 inches of compacted base material is a common estimating range, but the exact depth depends on soil, climate, traffic, drainage, and the paver or stone system being installed. For traditional paver bases, follow the manufacturer’s recommended base and bedding material. Compact the base in thin lifts instead of placing the full depth all at once.

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. Select “Pea Gravel” or “River Rock” from the material type dropdown and the calculator will use a typical estimating density for that material. Actual weight can vary by supplier, gradation, moisture, and compaction. Pea gravel is often estimated at about 1.30 tons per cubic yard, while many crushed limestone or granite products are commonly estimated around 1.45–1.50 tons per cubic yard.

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.

Multiply your cubic yards by the density of the material in tons per cubic yard. For example, 5 cubic yards of crushed stone at 1.40 tons per cubic yard is about 7 US tons. If you would rather not do the math, the Stone Weight Calculator has a Known Volume mode that converts cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, or gallons straight to weight.

Complete Crushed Stone Guide

How to calculate, choose, and use crushed stone for any US project · 10 min read

Whether you're filling a driveway, building a patio base, or setting up drainage, this guide walks DIY homeowners, property owners, landscapers, and small contractors in the United States through the key decisions in plain English.

Because crushed stone is usually measured by volume but sold by weight, small errors in depth, stone type, or waste allowance can lead to ordering mistakes, delivery delays, and unnecessary cost.

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 Many Cubic Yards of 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

1 What Is Crushed Stone?

Crushed stone is rock that has been quarried from larger rocks 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. It may cost more than limestone, but performance depends on local material quality, gradation, installation, and traffic load.

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 and similar in size to garden peas. Great for decorative use, but it does not compact like angular 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

Common Uses

Leveling, screenings, void filler

Very fine material that compacts tightly, but it does not drain well. For paver setting beds, follow the paver manufacturer’s recommended bedding material instead of assuming stone dust is suitable.

Not sure which stone to get? Ask your local quarry or stone yard what they stock. For many driveways and patios in the US, locally available limestone, granite, or similar crushed aggregate can be a practical choice when it matches the project requirements. 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 across different stone products. 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 / No. 10 Screenings (¼" and smaller)	Leveling, walkways, horse stables, void filling	Packs down firm but drains poorly; check paver specs before using as bedding material
No. 57 (usually sold as ¾")	Driveways, drainage, pipe bedding	Most popular all-purpose size
No. 4 (about 1½"–¾")	Driveway base, access roads	Common base layer under No. 57 stone
No. 3 (about 2"–1")	Heavy-duty base, construction entrances, soft ground	Larger base stone for heavier loads
1–3" River Rock	Dry creek beds, landscaping, decorative drainage	Smooth and rounded — decorative, does not compact

Size ranges are approximate nominal sizes from the standard ASTM D448 / AASHTO M 43 gradation tables. Your state DOT and local quarry may use slightly different ranges.

Pro Tip: Layering Your Driveway

Many contractors use two layers for driveways: a 4–6 inch base of No. 4 (about 1½"–¾") or No. 3 (about 2"–1") stone 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 Many Cubic Yards of Stone You Need

Ordering the right amount comes down to three measurements: length, width, and depth of the area to fill, whether you're estimating crushed stone, gravel, or another aggregate material. Those measurements determine the quantity to order by showing the volume needed in cubic yards and the estimated tons.

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. This aggregate calculator handles the 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 supplier's price per ton or per cubic yard into the optional price field above. The calculator multiplies the order tonnage (or the order cubic yards) by your price.

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 or No. 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

Often 4–6 in, project-dependent

Stone Grade

Crusher run/road base or specified open-graded stone

For many traditional patio and paver bases, use a compacted dense-graded base such as crusher run or road base, then use the bedding material recommended by the paver manufacturer. Clean No. 57 stone can be used in properly designed open-graded base systems. Avoid assuming stone dust is correct for every paver project.

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. Where the design allows, many French drain systems use about a 1% slope toward a safe outlet, but site conditions and local requirements can vary.

Landscaping Bed

Depth

2–3 in decorative, 3–4 in for weeds

Stone Grade

River rock, pea gravel, or decorative

Standard landscape coverage is typically 2 to 3 inches deep. Put down landscape fabric before the stone to block weeds and keep the stone from mixing into the soil. Decorative stone choices vary by look, drainage needs, and how much foot traffic the area will get. River rock looks natural and stays put. Decomposed granite packs tightly and gives a clean, tidy finish.

Septic Drain Field

Depth

Follow approved septic design

Stone Grade

Code-approved clean, washed aggregate

For septic drain fields, do not rely on a general calculator guide for material specifications. Use only clean, washed aggregate that meets your local health department, state/county code, and installer design requirements. Stone size, depth, and layout vary by system.

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

For outdoor stone surfaces near homes or structures, use a gentle slope away from buildings where appropriate. Even free-draining stone can puddle if the base or surrounding grade sends water the wrong way.

Don't:

Don't Mix Stone with Soil

Avoid laying crushed stone directly on clay, loose soil, or dirt without proper base preparation. Stone mixed with soil creates a weak, mushy base that sinks under weight. Dig out unstable material and prepare a firm base before adding stone.

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.

More Project Guides

Planning a driveway, French drain, or patio base? Read our step-by-step project guides on the Crushed Stone Calculator blog.

Ready to use our aggregate calculator for your project?

Use our free crushed stone calculator to get your quantity, weight, and cost estimate in seconds.

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Crushed Stone Calculator — For estimating purposes only. Confirm quantities with your supplier before ordering.
Results include a configurable waste factor. Actual quantities may vary based on site conditions and compaction.

Consult a contractor or engineer for structural applications.