Crushed Stone Calculator
Calculate the precise volume and weight of crushed stone needed.
Quick Answer
To find how much crushed stone you need, multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.5 to get tons. A 20 × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep needs roughly 2.5 cubic yards (about 3.7 tons) — add 10% for compaction.
Crushed Stone Calculator Guide
Our Crushed Stone Calculator helps you determine the exact amount of crushed stone needed for driveways, pathways, drainage projects, and construction bases. Crushed stone is one of the most versatile materials in landscaping and construction, offering excellent drainage and a stable foundation for various applications.
Whether you're building a gravel driveway, creating a paver base, or installing a French drain system, this calculator provides accurate volume estimates in cubic yards and tonnage to help you order the right amount from suppliers.
It works equally well as a crushed rock calculator or a clean, washed stone calculator across all the common grades. For driveways and bases, the most popular sizes are #57 stone (3/4-inch) and #411, while finer crusher run binds tightly for compacted sub-bases and clean, washed 3/4-inch stone is preferred where free drainage matters most. Whichever grade you choose, just enter your dimensions to get the exact tonnage to order.
How Many Tons in a Cubic Yard of Crushed Stone?
Crushed stone weighs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard, so one cubic yard is roughly 1.5 tons (3,000 lb). It varies a little by grade and moisture — clean #57 stone is a touch lighter (~1.45 t/yd³) than dense crusher run.
Tons per cubic yard by material (US short tons):
| Material | Tons per yd³ | 1 yd³ ≈ | 1 ton ≈ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone | 1.50 | 1.50 tons | 0.67 yd³ |
| #57 stone | 1.45 | 1.45 tons | 0.69 yd³ |
| Crusher run / DGA | 1.50 | 1.50 tons | 0.67 yd³ |
| Pea gravel | 1.35 | 1.35 tons | 0.74 yd³ |
| Sand | 1.60 | 1.60 tons | 0.63 yd³ |
How Many Cubic Yards in a Ton of Crushed Stone?
About 0.67 cubic yards — divide 1 by the density (1 ÷ 1.5). So a 10-ton delivery is roughly 6.7 cubic yards. Convert any amount with the cubic yards to tons calculator.
Spread and Compact Crushed Stone the Right Way
Crushed stone is only as good as how it's placed. Pull it out to an even depth with a bow rake — the flat back doubles as a screed to knock down high spots — so you're not chasing a lumpy surface later. Then compact it in two-inch lifts with a hand tamper (a plate compactor for bigger areas). That angular stone interlocks under compaction into a firm, stable layer, which is exactly why crushed stone outperforms loose gravel as a base.
Bow Rake
Spreads and screeds crushed stone to an even depth so the surface ends up flat.
Check Price on AmazonHand Tamper
Compacts the stone in lifts so the angular pieces interlock into a firm base.
Check Price on AmazonThe product links above are affiliate links — at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much crushed stone do I need per square foot?
For a 2-inch depth, you need approximately 0.006 cubic yards per square foot. For a 4-inch depth (common for driveways), you need about 0.012 cubic yards per square foot. Our calculator automatically computes this based on your dimensions.
What size crushed stone is best for driveways?
#57 stone (3/4 inch) is the most popular choice for driveway surfaces. For the base layer, #2 stone (2-3 inches) provides excellent drainage and stability. Many driveways use a layered approach with larger stones at the bottom.
How much does a cubic yard of crushed stone weigh?
Crushed stone typically weighs between 2,500-2,800 pounds (1.25-1.4 tons) per cubic yard, depending on the stone type and moisture content. Granite is heavier than limestone. Use our tonnage calculator for precise weight conversions.
How deep should crushed stone be for a driveway?
A residential driveway typically needs 4-6 inches of crushed stone. This usually consists of a 4-inch base layer of larger stone (#2) topped with 2 inches of smaller stone (#57) for the driving surface.
What's the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone is mechanically broken rock with angular edges that lock together for stability. Gravel consists of naturally weathered, rounded stones. Crushed stone is better for bases and driveways due to its interlocking properties.