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Planning a driveway, patio base, or drainage project with 3/4 crushed stone? This guide covers what you can expect to pay per ton, per cubic yard, and for delivery so you can estimate your total cost before placing an order.
Key Takeaways
- The price of 3/4 inch crushed stone typically ranges from $20 to $65 per ton for material only. Many homeowners pay roughly $50–$90 per cubic yard depending on region and stone type.
- Delivery can easily add $75–$250+ per load depending on distance, order size, and region. Delivery fees for crushed stone typically add $15 to $35 per ton on top of material cost.
- Prices vary widely by region, rock type (limestone, crushed granite, gravel), and supplier. Treat all numbers here as rough planning estimates only.
- Prices largely depend on stone type and delivery options, so always confirm with local suppliers before you schedule work or finalize a budget.
- Use the Crushed Stone Calculator to estimate cubic yards, tons, and rough total cost before calling suppliers.
What Is 3/4 Crushed Stone? (And Why Price Varies)
3/4 crushed stone is rock mechanically crushed so most pieces are around 3/4 inch in size. It is a versatile material commonly used under driveways, patios, walkways, and for drainage. The angular stone shape helps pieces interlock, providing excellent stability compared to round gravel.
- 3/4 clean has very little stone dust and drains freely. Ideal for drainage systems and backfill.
- 3/4 minus (or crusher run) includes fines that compact into a firm base, widely used for driveways and patio foundations.
- Some #57 stone products overlap with 3/4 clean in size, but gradation can differ by supplier.
Prices vary because of rock type (limestone, granite, trap rock), quarry distance, local demand, and whether the product is standard construction aggregate or decorative stone. This article focuses specifically on 3/4 crushed stone pricing.
Average 3/4 Crushed Stone Price in 2024–2026 (Per Ton & Per Cubic Yard)
All prices below are ballpark US estimates for planning. Always confirm current rates with nearby suppliers.
- Per ton: Many areas see roughly $20–$65 per ton for standard 3/4″ construction aggregate, excluding delivery. Metro and coastal markets generally trend higher. See our crushed stone cost per ton guide for more detail by type and region.
- Per cubic yard: One cubic yard of crushed stone weighs approximately 1.4 to 1.5 tons. At those densities, expect roughly $45–$100 per yard for material only in many regions.
- Small and specialty orders: Bagged stone, decorative landscaping rock, and small retail loads cost significantly more per unit.
Call at least 2–3 local suppliers for a quote, and ask whether prices are listed per ton or per yard to avoid confusion.
3/4 Crushed Stone Price by Unit: Ton, Cubic Yard, and Bag
| Unit | Typical Planning Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton (bulk pickup) | $20–$65 | Material only from quarry or yard |
| Per cubic yard (bulk) | $45–$100 | Based on ~1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard |
| Per bag (0.5 cu ft retail) | ~$4–$6 per bag | Equivalent to $200–$300+ per cubic yard |
| 1 yard of 3/4″ crushed stone | $125.88 | Example delivered price from one supplier; not a national average |
| 12 yards of 3/4″ crushed stone | $781.50 | Example bulk delivered price from one supplier; not a national average |
| 1 yard of beige crushed stone | $129.06 | Example decorative stone delivered price from one supplier; not a national average |
| 12 yards of beige crushed stone | $819.75 | Example decorative bulk delivered price from one supplier; not a national average |
Worked bag example: If a bag costs $5 for 0.5 cubic feet, that equals roughly $270 per cubic yard, about 5–7 times more than bulk. Bulk orders generally receive lower per-ton pricing, so ordering by the truckload saves money over bags.
Some suppliers list 3/4 crushed stone in per-yard or per-ton format. Double-check which unit you are being quoted before you add it to your cart and checkout.
The exact yard and 12-yard prices above are supplier examples, not national averages. Use them only to understand how some delivered bulk pricing may look, then confirm current pricing, delivery fees, taxes, and minimum order rules with your local supplier.
Clean 3/4″ Stone vs 3/4″ Minus (Crusher Run) Pricing
Clean stone is priced higher than dense-graded stone because it requires extra screening and washing. For one local supplier example, Harbor Soils in the Pacific Northwest listed 3/4 minus at $34.99 per yard and 3/4 clean at $43.99 per yard in its May 2026 guide, with delivery based on distance from its Gig Harbor yard. This is useful for comparison, but local prices can change and should not be treated as national averages.
| Product | Typical Use | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4″ clean | Drainage, backfill, French drains | Higher (20–30% more) |
| 3/4″ minus / crusher run | Driveway base, patio base, fill | Lower |
| Stone dust | Leveling layer under pavers, sand alternative | Varies by supplier and region |
Ask your supplier whether their 3/4 crushed stone quote refers to clean, minus, or a specific product like #57 stone. Small price differences per ton matter on larger projects.
Common Uses for 3/4 Crushed Stone (And When to Pay More)
Your project type determines whether standard aggregate is enough or whether a premium decorative stone is worth the extra cost. Crushed stone is commonly used for driveways and parking areas in both residential and commercial settings.
- Driveways and parking areas – 3/4 minus for base, clean for top layer or drainage.
- Patio and walkway bases – serves as a base material for pavers and bricks.
- Drainage – French drains, dry wells, and foundation drains (clean stone preferred). Crushed stone is used for drainage applications where water must flow freely.
- Construction – ideal for concrete aggregate in construction and under asphalt surfaces.
- Landscape beds and ground cover – crushed stone enhances landscaping with decorative applications. Reserve higher-cost decorative stone for visible areas and use economical 3/4 crushed for buried base layers.
- Erosion control – along slopes and channels where durability matters.
For long gravel driveways, standard 3/4 minus is generally the most cost-effective choice.
Delivery Cost for 3/4 Crushed Stone
Delivery can be a large portion of total cost, especially for smaller quantities. Common pricing models include:
- Flat fee per truckload within a set radius (often $75–$150 for 10–20 miles).
- Tiered fees based on distance from the quarry.
- Minimum order charges or small-load surcharges for partial trucks.
Delivery fees for crushed stone typically add $15 to $35 per ton. For a full load, many homeowners see total delivery charges from $75 to $250+ depending on distance and fuel costs.
Ask whether the quoted delivered prices include delivery or if it is separate, what the maximum tonnage per truck is, and whether extra fees apply for tight sites or weekend drops. Combining orders with neighbors or scheduling all stone in one delivery helps keep costs lower.
How to Estimate 3/4 Crushed Stone Quantity in Cubic Yards and Tons
Getting the quantity right helps avoid extra delivery trips and wasted material. One ton of 3/4 crushed stone often covers roughly 70 to 80 square feet at a 3-inch depth, depending on density and compaction.
Basic formula:
Cubic yards ≈ (length in ft × width in ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Worked driveway example (20 ft × 40 ft, 3″ depth):
- Volume: 20 × 40 × 3 ÷ 324 ≈ 7.4 cubic yards
- Weight: 7.4 × 1.4 ≈ 10.4 tons
- Material cost at $40/ton ≈ $416 before delivery
One cubic yard of crushed stone weighs approximately 1.4 to 1.5 tons, though you should confirm density with your supplier. Plug your exact length, width, and depth into the Crushed Stone Calculator to estimate quantities and rough project cost instantly.
Factors That Affect 3/4 Crushed Stone Price
Two neighbors can pay very different prices for the same 3/4 crushed stone. Key cost drivers:
- Region – local market conditions affect prices due to availability and demand. Urban areas typically cost more.
- Rock type – limestone vs granite and other rock choices change the price. Crushed concrete (recycled) is often cheaper than virgin quarried stone.
- Product gradation – 3/4 clean vs minus vs crusher run.
- Order size – full truckloads are subject to better per-ton rates than small orders.
- Sourcing – sourcing material directly from a local quarry is typically cheaper than third-party retailers.
- Seasonality and fuel – temporary surcharges can apply during peak construction months.
Note that online price estimates are planning tools, not firm quotes. Always confirm up-to-date rates before budgeting.
How Crushed Stone Calculator Helps Plan 3/4″ Stone Projects
Crushed Stone Calculator is a free planning tool for homeowners, landscapers, and small contractors across the United States. With it you can:
- Enter project dimensions and desired depth to estimate cubic yards and tons of 3/4 crushed stone required.
- Optionally enter an estimated cost per ton or per cubic yard to see a rough material budget.
- Adjust depth (for example 2″ vs 4″) to understand how quantity and total cost change.
Using a calculator first helps you avoid significantly under-ordering or over-ordering, and makes price discussions with suppliers more efficient. Bookmark the tool for future projects involving driveway stone, drainage gravel, or any other aggregate application.
FAQ: 3/4 Crushed Stone Price and Ordering
How many cubic yards of 3/4 crushed stone fit in a typical dump truck?
Many residential dump trucks carry roughly 8–12 cubic yards, but capacity depends on truck size and weight limits. Ask your supplier for the maximum tons or yards per load for the specific truck being used, and plan your order around full loads to reduce cost per yard.
Is 3/4 crushed stone the same as #57 stone?
Many #57 stone products fall in the 1/2″ to 1″ range with an average size close to 3/4 inch, so in some regions 3/4 clean and #57 are functionally similar. Exact gradation can differ by quarry and state DOT specifications, so if your project documents require #57, confirm the product meets that standard.
How deep should I install 3/4 crushed stone for a driveway?
Many residential driveways use about 4–6 inches of compacted 3/4 minus for a base, sometimes topped with 1–2 inches of clean stone. Heavier-use areas or clay soils may need deeper layers. Try different depth values in the Crushed Stone Calculator to see how extra material affects cost.
Can I mix 3/4 crushed stone with other sizes to save money?
Some suppliers offer blends or “bank run” materials mixing various sizes at a lower cost per ton, but performance for drainage or structural base layers may differ. For critical applications, follow the specified stone size rather than mixing randomly. Discuss any blend ideas with your supplier or contractor first.
Is there a big price difference between 3/4 crushed stone and pea gravel?
In some markets they are in a similar per-ton range, while decorative pea gravel can cost noticeably more. The bigger difference is performance: 3/4 crushed stone interlocks firmly, while pea gravel — closer to sand in behavior — rolls and shifts, which matters for driveways and slopes. Compare both price and suitability, then confirm current rates locally.