Calculate the volume and weight of crushed stone, gravel, or sand needed for your project.
⚠ Disclaimer: Density varies significantly by stone type, moisture, and compaction. Defaults are ~2700 lbs/yd³ (imperial) and ~1600 kg/m³ (metric) for crushed stone; granite, limestone, and recycled asphalt differ. Actual weight depends on gradation (size mix), dust content, weathering, and how tightly the material is compacted. Always verify density with your supplier before ordering. This calculator assumes uniform conditions; site variations may require 10-20% buffer stock. Weight also affects transportation and equipment capacity—confirm truck limits with your hauler.
Standard crushed stone is ~2700 lbs/yd³ (1600 kg/m³)
Crushed stone is typically sold by the ton or by the cubic yard. One cubic yard of crushed stone covers approximately 80 square feet at a 4-inch depth.
When ordering, it's always better to have a little extra. A 10% overage is recommended to account for compaction and uneven subgrades.
Scenario: You're building a driveway that's 50 feet long and 12 feet wide. You want a 4-inch base layer of crusher run. How much stone do you need?
Step 1: Calculate volume in cubic feet = 50 × 12 × 0.333 = 200 cubic feet
Step 2: Convert to cubic yards = 200 ÷ 27 = 7.41 cubic yards
Step 3: Calculate weight = 7.41 × 2700 = 20,007 lbs ÷ 2000 = 10 tons
Result: Order 10-11 tons of crusher run (add 10% for compaction and waste). At $40/ton, expect to spend about $440 for the base layer material.
On average, a cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 2,700 to 2,800 pounds, or roughly 1.4 tons.
For a standard residential driveway, a base of 4 to 6 inches of crushed stone is recommended, followed by a 2-inch surface layer.
Yes, installing a heavy-duty landscape fabric under your stone will prevent weeds from growing up through the gravel and keep the stone from sinking into the soil.
Absolutely. Clean crushed stone (without dust) is excellent for French drains and retaining wall backfill as it allows water to pass through easily.
Crushed stone has sharp, angular edges from mechanical crushing, which helps it lock together when compacted. Gravel is naturally rounded by water erosion and doesn't compact as tightly. Crushed stone is better for structural applications like driveways.
Break the area into rectangular or triangular sections, calculate each separately, then add the volumes together. For very irregular areas, use the average length and average width. Always add 10-15% extra for waste.
Yes, especially for driveways and structural bases. Use a plate compactor or roller after every 2-3 inch layer. Proper compaction increases stability and reduces future settling. Water lightly during compaction for better results.
Prices vary by region and material but typically range from $30-$60 per ton or $40-$75 per cubic yard. Delivery adds $50-$150 depending on distance. Specialty stones (marble chips, colored gravel) cost more, up to $100/ton.