🪨 Crushed Stone Calculator
Calculate crushed stone needed for your project
Common depths: 4 inches (driveways), 2 inches (walkways), 6-8 inches (base material)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Area Dimensions
Input the length and width of your area in feet. Measure the total area where you'll be installing crushed stone (driveway, walkway, base material, etc.).
Specify Depth
Enter the depth in inches. Common depths: 4 inches for driveways, 2 inches for walkways, 6-8 inches for base material under concrete or pavers. Deeper layers provide better stability.
Calculate Crushed Stone
Click "Calculate Crushed Stone" to see the volume needed in cubic yards, cubic feet, tons, and bags. The calculator accounts for standard crushed stone density.
Order Materials
Use the cubic yards result to order from suppliers. Crushed stone is typically delivered by the cubic yard. Add 10% extra for waste, compaction, and settling. Order larger quantities for better pricing.
Formula
Depth (feet) = Depth (inches) ÷ 12
Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Cubic Yards × Density (1.45 tons/yd³)
Example 1: Driveway (20 ft × 10 ft × 4 inches)
Step 1: Convert depth: 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet
Step 2: Calculate volume: 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.67 cubic feet
Step 3: Convert to yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards
Step 4: Calculate weight: 2.47 × 1.45 = 3.58 tons
Step 5: Add waste: 2.47 × 1.10 = 2.72 cubic yards (with 10% waste)
Example 2: Base Material (30 ft × 15 ft × 6 inches)
Step 1: Convert depth: 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet
Step 2: Calculate volume: 30 × 15 × 0.5 = 225 cubic feet
Step 3: Convert to yards: 225 ÷ 27 = 8.33 cubic yards
Step 4: Calculate weight: 8.33 × 1.45 = 12.08 tons
About Crushed Stone Calculator
The Crushed Stone Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, contractors, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts who need to accurately determine how much crushed stone is required for their projects. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise measurements in cubic yards (the standard unit for crushed stone delivery), cubic feet, tons, and bags, helping you order the right amount of materials without waste or shortages.
When to Use This Calculator
- Driveway Construction: Calculate crushed stone needed for new driveways, parking areas, or access roads
- Base Material: Determine material requirements for base material under concrete, pavers, or asphalt
- Walkway Projects: Estimate crushed stone for pathways, walkways, or garden paths
- Drainage Solutions: Calculate materials for French drains, drainage ditches, or foundation drainage
- Landscaping: Plan crushed stone for decorative features, garden beds, or outdoor areas
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Measurements: Precise calculations prevent over-ordering or running short
- ✅ Multiple Units: Get results in cubic yards (for delivery), cubic feet, tons, and bags
- ✅ Weight Estimates: Provides weight calculations for shipping and handling
- ✅ Compaction Factor: Accounts for compaction when calculating weight (crushed stone compacts 10-15%)
- ✅ Cost Savings: Order the exact amount needed plus waste allowance to avoid excess material
- ✅ Time Efficient: Instant calculations save hours of manual math and measurements
Common Applications
Driveway Projects: Homeowners and contractors planning crushed stone driveways use this calculator to order the correct quantity of crushed stone. Standard driveways require 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone, which this calculator helps determine accurately.
Base Material: Contractors and builders planning base material installations use this tool to estimate crushed stone quantities needed. Base material typically requires 6-8 inches of crushed stone under concrete, pavers, or asphalt for proper support.
Walkway Projects: Landscapers and homeowners planning walkways use this calculator to determine crushed stone quantities needed, ensuring sufficient materials are on-site before starting work.
Tips for Best Results
- Add Waste Allowance: Always add 10% extra to account for compaction, settling, and waste
- Standard Depths: Use 4 inches for driveways, 2 inches for walkways, 6-8 inches for base material
- Compaction Factor: Crushed stone compacts 10-15% when compacted, account for this in depth calculations
- Stone Types: Different crushed stone types (limestone, granite, trap rock) have similar weights (~1.4-1.5 tons/yd³)
- Order by Volume: Crushed stone is typically ordered in cubic yards; verify with supplier for weight-based orders
Frequently Asked Questions
How much crushed stone do I need for a 20×10 foot driveway at 4 inches deep?
A 20×10 foot driveway at 4 inches deep requires approximately 2.47 cubic yards of crushed stone, weighing about 3.58 tons. Always add 10% extra for compaction and waste, so plan for about 2.72 cubic yards or 3.94 tons.
What's the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone is angular (sharp edges) and made by crushing larger stones. Gravel is rounded (smooth edges) from natural erosion. Crushed stone compacts better and is preferred for driveways and base material. Both have similar weights (~1.4-1.5 tons/yd³).
How deep should crushed stone be for a driveway?
Standard crushed stone driveways require 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone. The base layer should be 4-6 inches of larger crushed stone, then topped with 2-3 inches of smaller stone for smooth driving. Check local building codes for requirements.
Do I need to add extra crushed stone for compaction?
Yes! Crushed stone compacts 10-15% when compacted. Always add 10% extra to account for compaction, settling, and waste. If you need 2.5 yards after compaction, order about 2.75 yards.
How much does a cubic yard of crushed stone weigh?
A cubic yard of crushed stone typically weighs 1.4-1.5 tons (2,800-3,000 pounds), depending on the type and compaction. Limestone and granite crushed stone weigh about 1.45 tons/yd³. Weight may vary slightly by region and stone type.
Can I calculate crushed stone for an irregular shape?
Divide irregular shapes into rectangles, calculate each separately, then add the volumes together. For circular areas, use π × radius² × depth (all in feet). For complex shapes, break them into multiple simple geometric shapes.