3/4 inch stone (also called 3/4" crushed stone or #57 stone) is one of the most versatile materials for driveways, drainage, and base applications. Calculating the right amount ensures your project stays on budget while achieving professional results. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to determine your 3/4 stone needs.
What is 3/4 Inch Stone?
3/4 inch stone refers to crushed stone aggregate that has been screened to approximately 3/4 inch (19mm) in diameter. This size is ideal for applications requiring both stability and drainage. The angular shape of crushed stone allows it to compact well while maintaining void spaces for water flow.
Common names for 3/4 stone include #57 stone, 3/4" clean stone, or 3/4" crushed gravel. It's typically made from limestone, granite, or trap rock, depending on your region. Understanding the specific characteristics of 3/4 stone helps you calculate quantities more accurately.
Coverage Rates for 3/4 Stone
Standard Coverage per Ton
- • At 2 inches deep: ~100 square feet per ton
- • At 3 inches deep: ~65 square feet per ton
- • At 4 inches deep: ~50 square feet per ton
- • At 6 inches deep: ~35 square feet per ton
These coverage rates assume proper compaction and account for typical settling. For precise calculations specific to your project, use our crushed stone calculator which factors in your exact dimensions and depth requirements.
Calculation Formula
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Calculate area: Length (ft) × Width (ft) = Square feet
- Calculate volume: Area (sq ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 12 = Cubic feet
- Convert to cubic yards: Cubic feet ÷ 27 = Cubic yards
- Convert to tons: Cubic yards × 1.4 = Tons (approximate weight of 3/4 stone)
- Add compaction factor: Tons × 1.15 = Total tons needed
Practical Examples
Example 1: Residential Driveway
Project: 12 ft wide × 40 ft long driveway, 4 inches deep
- • Area: 12 × 40 = 480 square feet
- • Volume: 480 × 4 ÷ 12 = 160 cubic feet
- • Cubic yards: 160 ÷ 27 = 5.93 cubic yards
- • Tons: 5.93 × 1.4 = 8.3 tons
- • With compaction (15%): 8.3 × 1.15 = 9.5 tons needed
Result: Order approximately 10 tons of 3/4 stone
Example 2: French Drain
Project: 50 ft long × 1.5 ft wide × 2 ft deep trench
- • Volume: 50 × 1.5 × 2 = 150 cubic feet
- • Cubic yards: 150 ÷ 27 = 5.56 cubic yards
- • Tons: 5.56 × 1.4 = 7.8 tons
- • With compaction (10%): 7.8 × 1.10 = 8.6 tons needed
Result: Order approximately 9 tons of 3/4 stone
For drainage projects like French drains, our drainage stone calculator provides specialized calculations that account for pipe diameter and proper stone coverage around drainage systems.
Common Applications and Depths
| Application | Recommended Depth | Coverage per Ton |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway Base | 4-6 inches | 40-50 sq ft |
| Walkway Base | 3-4 inches | 50-65 sq ft |
| Paver Base | 4-6 inches | 40-50 sq ft |
| French Drain | 12-24 inches | Varies by trench |
| Concrete Base | 4-6 inches | 40-50 sq ft |
Installation Tips
- Compact in layers: For depths over 4 inches, spread and compact stone in 2-3 inch layers for maximum stability.
- Use landscape fabric: Install geotextile fabric beneath stone to prevent mixing with soil and maintain drainage.
- Grade for drainage: Slope the base 2-3% away from structures to ensure proper water runoff.
- Order extra material: Always order 10-15% more than calculated to account for compaction, waste, and future repairs.
Cost Considerations
The cost of 3/4 stone varies by region, typically ranging from $30-$60 per ton. Factors affecting price include:
- • Stone type (limestone, granite, trap rock)
- • Delivery distance and accessibility
- • Order quantity (bulk orders often receive discounts)
- • Local market conditions and availability
- • Seasonal demand fluctuations
For driveway projects, consider using our driveway stone calculator which includes cost estimation features based on your local pricing. For paver installations, the paver base calculator helps determine the exact amount of 3/4 stone needed for a stable foundation.
3/4 Stone vs Other Sizes
Understanding when to use 3/4 stone versus other aggregate sizes ensures optimal project results:
| Stone Size | Best Uses | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4" Stone | Driveways, drainage, base | Excellent compaction & drainage |
| 1.5" Stone | Large drainage, riprap | Maximum drainage, less compaction |
| Stone Dust | Paver leveling, top layer | Fine particles, excellent leveling |
| Pea Gravel | Decorative, pathways | Smooth, decorative, minimal compaction |
Expert Resources
For additional information on aggregate materials and installation techniques, these authoritative sources provide valuable insights:
- • Family Handyman - Gravel Driveway Guide - Step-by-step installation instructions
- • Bob Vila - Types of Gravel - Comprehensive guide to gravel types and uses
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 3/4 stone cover per ton?
One ton of 3/4 inch stone typically covers approximately 100 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 50 square feet at 4 inches deep. For driveways requiring 4-6 inch depth, plan on 40-50 square feet of coverage per ton.
What is 3/4 stone used for?
3/4 inch stone is commonly used for driveway base material, drainage systems, French drains, concrete aggregate, and as a base layer under pavers. Its size allows for excellent compaction while maintaining drainage properties.
How deep should 3/4 stone be for a driveway?
For residential driveways, 3/4 stone base should be 4-6 inches deep. Heavy-use driveways or commercial applications may require 6-8 inches. Always compact in 2-3 inch layers for best results.
How many tons of 3/4 stone do I need?
Calculate tons needed by: (Area in sq ft × Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 (approximate weight of 3/4 stone per cubic yard). Add 10-15% for compaction. Example: 500 sq ft at 4 inches = 6.2 cubic yards = 8.7 tons.
Calculate Your 3/4 Stone Needs Instantly
Use our free calculator to get precise estimates for your project. Enter your dimensions and get instant results in tons, cubic yards, and estimated costs.
Calculate Now →Conclusion
Calculating how much 3/4 stone you need doesn't have to be complicated. By following the formulas and examples in this guide, you can accurately estimate material quantities for any project. Remember to account for compaction, order slightly more than calculated, and consult with local suppliers about specific stone characteristics in your area.
Whether you're building a driveway, installing drainage, or creating a paver base, 3/4 inch stone provides the perfect combination of stability and drainage. Use our online calculators to verify your calculations and ensure your project succeeds the first time.