📋 Project Dimensions
ft
Length of area to cover in feet
Enter a valid length greater than 0.
ft
Width of area in feet
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inches
Depth in inches — see guide below for recommended depths
Enter depth (0.5–36 inches).
Density varies by stone type and affects tons calculation
Driveways lose 10–20% to compaction; always add overage
$/ton
National avg $35–$55/ton — leave blank to skip cost
Enter a valid price.
Total Crushed Stone Needed
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📋 Project Breakdown
⚠️ Disclaimer: Density values are industry averages from InchCalculator and CalculatorSoup. Actual density varies by moisture content, stone size, and local supplier. Always confirm exact density and coverage with your supplier before placing a final order. Add 10–15% extra for compaction and waste on every project.
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Sources & Methodology
Volume formula and density data verified from InchCalculator, CalculatorSoup, and TheSiteMath. All density values cross-referenced against supplier data from Mulzer Crushed Stone and Alborn Supply.
InchCalculator — Gravel & Stone Calculator
Volume formula: Cubic Yards = L × W × (D/12) / 27. Weight conversion: Tons = Cubic Yards × Density. Material density data for pea gravel (1.4–1.7 t/yd³), crushed stone (1.4–1.7 t/yd³), and river rock used in this calculator.
CalculatorSoup — Gravel Calculator
Density data by gravel type: pea gravel 2,565 lbs/yd³ (1.28 t/yd³), decomposed granite 2,835 lbs/yd³ (1.42 t/yd³). Volume-to-weight conversion methodology used in this calculator.
TheSiteMath — Gravel Calculator
Stone depth recommendations by application (walkways 2–3", driveways 4–6"), compaction factor guidance (10–15% loss), and crusher run vs #57 stone use-case differentiation used in tip copy.
Exact Formula Used:
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth (in) ÷ 12) Cubic Yards = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27 Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density (tons/yd³) × Waste Factor Cost = Tons × Price per Ton Density values (tons/yd³): #57 stone 1.40, Crusher run 1.50, Crushed limestone 1.45, Pea gravel 1.30, River rock 1.45, Decomposed granite 1.35, Lava rock 1.25, Crushed granite 1.50. Waste factor applied to BOTH cubic yards and tons before displaying.
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth (in) ÷ 12) Cubic Yards = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27 Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density (tons/yd³) × Waste Factor Cost = Tons × Price per Ton Density values (tons/yd³): #57 stone 1.40, Crusher run 1.50, Crushed limestone 1.45, Pea gravel 1.30, River rock 1.45, Decomposed granite 1.35, Lava rock 1.25, Crushed granite 1.50. Waste factor applied to BOTH cubic yards and tons before displaying.
Last reviewed: April 2026 | Density values verified against multiple supplier references
Crushed Stone Calculator Guide 2026 — Tons, Cubic Yards & Stone Types
Crushed stone and gravel are among the most commonly used construction materials in residential projects — driveways, patios, French drains, base layers, and landscaping. But calculating the right amount is critical: too little means a second delivery (expensive and inconvenient), too much leaves you with a pile with nowhere to go. This guide covers the exact formula, correct depth for every application, stone type selection, and the compaction factor most calculators ignore.
💡 Quick formula: Cubic Yards = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.4 (average density for most crushed stone). Example: 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep = 20 × 10 × 0.333 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards = 3.46 tons before overage.
Stone Type Density Reference Table
| Stone Material | Density (tons/yd³) | lbs/yd³ | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| #57 Stone (3/4" clean) | 1.40 | 2,800 | French drains, drainage, concrete aggregate, driveway middle layer |
| Crusher Run / Road Base | 1.50 | 3,000 | Driveway base, foundation base, compacted sub-base (best for compaction) |
| Crushed Limestone | 1.45 | 2,900 | Driveway surfaces, pathway base, road construction |
| Pea Gravel (3/8" rounded) | 1.30 | 2,600 | Decorative pathways, playgrounds, dog runs, patio top dressing |
| River Rock / Natural Gravel | 1.45 | 2,900 | Decorative landscaping, drainage, dry creek beds |
| Decomposed Granite | 1.35 | 2,700 | Pathways, driveways, desert landscaping, compactable surface |
| Lava Rock | 1.25 | 2,500 | Decorative landscaping, fire pits, BBQ grills, drainage beds |
| Crushed Granite (#411) | 1.50 | 3,000 | Driveways, high-traffic areas, base layers, commercial applications |
Recommended Depth by Application
| Application | Recommended Depth | Stone Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative garden pathway | 2–3 inches | Pea gravel or river rock | No compaction needed; replenish annually |
| Patio surface (gravel) | 3–4 inches | Pea gravel over compacted base | Lay crusher run base first, then top with pea gravel |
| Driveway (surface layer) | 2–3 inches | #8 or pea gravel | Top dressing over compacted base |
| Driveway (base layer) | 4–6 inches | Crusher run or road base | Must be compacted with plate compactor |
| Driveway (full build from scratch) | 8–12 inches total | Multiple layers | 4-6" base + 3" middle #57 + 2" top surface layer |
| French drain trench | 12–18 inches | #57 clean stone | Fill trench around perforated pipe; do NOT use crusher run |
| Under concrete slab | 4 inches | Compacted crusher run or #21A | Required before any concrete pour for drainage |
| Retaining wall backfill | 12 inches min | #57 clean stone | Critical for drainage; prevents hydrostatic pressure |
#57 Stone vs. Crusher Run — The Most Important Choice
#57 stone (3/4 inch, clean and washed) does NOT compact. This is its biggest advantage in drainage applications — water flows freely through the voids between stones. Use #57 stone for French drains, drainage beds under slabs, drainage behind retaining walls, and as concrete aggregate. Because it does not compact, it provides no structural stability as a surface or base layer.
Crusher run (also called road base, dense-graded aggregate, or quarry process) is a blend of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts into a hard, stable surface. It is the correct material for driveway base layers, patio sub-base, and anywhere you need a compacted, load-bearing surface. Crusher run must be compacted in lifts no thicker than 3 to 4 inches per pass with a plate compactor or vibratory roller.
Understanding Compaction Loss
Compaction is the most common reason homeowners run short of gravel. When you compact crushed stone, the volume shrinks as voids close. Crusher run typically loses 10 to 20 percent of its loose volume when properly compacted. This means if your calculation says you need 5 cubic yards of crusher run, you may need 5.5 to 6 cubic yards in loose, uncompacted form to achieve the compacted depth you want.
For driveways and compacted base layers, always add 15 to 20 percent to your calculated volume. For decorative, non-compacted applications (pea gravel, river rock), 10 percent overage is sufficient.
How Much Does Crushed Stone Cost?
| Stone Type | Cost per Ton (2026) | Cost per Cubic Yard | Min. Delivery (truckload) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher Run / Road Base | $12–$25 | $17–$38 | 13–25 tons |
| #57 Crushed Stone | $30–$50 | $42–$70 | 13–25 tons |
| Crushed Limestone | $28–$45 | $41–$65 | 13–25 tons |
| Pea Gravel | $25–$55 | $33–$72 | 13–25 tons |
| River Rock | $45–$130 | $65–$190 | Varies by supplier |
| Decomposed Granite | $35–$60 | $47–$81 | Varies by supplier |
Prices are 2026 national averages and exclude delivery. Delivery costs add $50–$200+ depending on distance. Small loads under 3–5 tons typically incur short-load surcharges from suppliers.
Coverage Per Ton by Depth
A quick reference for how many square feet 1 ton of standard crushed stone covers at different depths, based on an average density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard:
- 1 inch deep: approximately 160 sq ft per ton
- 2 inches deep: approximately 80 sq ft per ton
- 3 inches deep: approximately 55 sq ft per ton
- 4 inches deep (standard driveway): approximately 40 sq ft per ton
- 6 inches deep: approximately 27 sq ft per ton
- 12 inches deep (French drain): approximately 13 sq ft per ton
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculate volume: Length × Width × (Depth in inches ÷ 12) = cubic feet. Divide by 27 = cubic yards. Multiply by material density (typically 1.4–1.5 t/yd³) = tons. Add 10–15% for overage and compaction. Our calculator above does all of this automatically with stone-type-specific density values.
A proper residential driveway requires 8 to 12 total inches of gravel in layers: 4 to 6 inches of crusher run as a compacted base layer, 3 inches of #57 stone as a middle drainage layer, and 2 inches of pea gravel or #8 stone as the top surface. Each layer must be compacted before adding the next. Minimum for light-use driveways: 4 inches of compacted crusher run as a single layer.
#57 stone is clean, washed gravel (3/4 inch) that does NOT compact — excellent for drainage, French drains, and concrete aggregate. Crusher run is a mix of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts into a hard surface — best for driveway bases, foundation sub-base, and load-bearing applications. Use #57 where drainage is needed; use crusher run where stability and compaction are needed.
Most crushed stone weighs 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is lighter at 1.25 to 1.35 tons/yd³. Crusher run and crushed granite are heavier at 1.5 tons/yd³. To convert cubic yards to tons: multiply by your material's density. Example: 5 cubic yards of #57 stone × 1.4 = 7 tons.
At standard average density (1.4 tons/yd³): 1 ton covers 160 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 80 sq ft at 2 inches, 55 sq ft at 3 inches, 40 sq ft at 4 inches, 27 sq ft at 6 inches. Denser stones (crusher run) cover slightly less; lighter stones (pea gravel) cover slightly more.
#57 washed stone (3/4 inch) is the standard material for French drains. It provides excellent drainage while supporting the perforated pipe. Never use crusher run in a French drain — the fine particles fill the voids and block drainage. Fill the trench from bottom up: perforated pipe, then 12 inches of #57 stone, then geotextile fabric to prevent soil migration.
Crusher run (road base) is the cheapest at $12 to $25 per ton. #57 stone costs $30 to $50 per ton. Pea gravel costs $25 to $55 per ton. River rock and specialty stones cost $45 to $130 per ton. Delivery adds $50 to $200+ depending on distance. Small orders under 3 to 5 tons often incur short-load surcharges. Call multiple local suppliers for quotes as prices vary significantly by region.
Compaction loss is the volume reduction that occurs when loose crushed stone is compacted. Crusher run typically loses 10 to 20 percent of its loose volume when properly compacted. So if you need 4 inches of compacted depth, you must start with 4.5 to 5 inches of loose material. Always add 15 to 20 percent overage for any compacted driveway or base layer project.
Pea gravel (rounded, 3/8 inch) is generally NOT recommended for driveways because it does not compact or stay in place under vehicle traffic. Cars sink into it and it migrates to the edges over time. For driveways, use angular crushed stone (crusher run base + #57 middle layer + angular top stone). Pea gravel is appropriate for decorative pathways, playground surfaces, and dog runs.
A standard full-size pickup truck can safely carry about 0.5 to 1 cubic yard of gravel (about 700 to 1,400 lbs). A half-ton truck (F-150 class) should stay at 0.5 yd³. A three-quarter or one-ton truck can handle 0.75 to 1.0 yd³. Never overload your truck — gravel is very dense. For projects requiring more than 1 cubic yard, consider a dump truck delivery from your supplier.
To convert tons to cubic yards: divide tons by the material density in tons per cubic yard. For standard crushed stone (1.4 t/yd³): 10 tons ÷ 1.4 = 7.14 cubic yards. For crusher run (1.5 t/yd³): 10 tons ÷ 1.5 = 6.67 cubic yards. For pea gravel (1.3 t/yd³): 10 tons ÷ 1.3 = 7.69 cubic yards.
Decomposed granite (DG) is naturally weathered granite that breaks into small particles with a sandy-gritty texture. It compacts well, drains better than pea gravel, and provides a firm walking surface. Best uses: pathways, fire pit surrounds, desert/xeriscape landscaping, and driveways in dry climates. It can wash away in heavy rain and is not ideal for regions with heavy precipitation. Stabilized DG (with polymer binders) lasts longer in wet climates.
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