CalcMaterials

Crushed Stone Calculator

Estimate crushed stone for a driveway, base, or pad in cubic yards and tons — for #57 stone, crusher run, or #411 — at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.

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What you'll need to buy

  • Crushed stone (#57 / crusher run)Bulk by the yard or tonShop
  • Geotextile fabricStops stone sinking into soft soilShop
  • Plate compactor (rent)Compacts each lift for a firm baseShop
  • Edging / restraintKeeps stone from migrating outwardShop
  • Landscape rakeSpreads and grades the stone evenlyShop

Links marked Shop open a retailer search (Home Depot) and are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How the math works

A 24 ft × 12 ft driveway (288 sq ft) at 4" deep = 288 × (4 ÷ 12) = 96 cu ft. With 10% waste: 105.6 ÷ 27 ≈ 3.9 cubic yards ≈ 5.5 tons of crusher run.

Formula

cubic feet = area × depth in feet cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 tons = cubic yards × 1.4

Reference values

Crushed stone density & depth reference
MaterialDensity
#57 stone≈ 1.4 tons / yd³ (~2,800 lb)
Crusher run (ABC)≈ 1.4 tons / yd³
#411 base≈ 1.4 tons / yd³
#8 (3/8")≈ 1.45 tons / yd³
1 cubic yard= 27 cubic feet

Step by step

  1. Measure the area length and width for square footage.
  2. Choose a depth (4" typical, 6" for heavy use).
  3. Multiply area × depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
  4. Add 10% waste, multiply yards by 1.4 for tons, and round up.

Waste allowance

Always add a waste factor: more for diagonal, herringbone, or irregular layouts and for trenches in rocky soil. It's cheaper to round up than to pay for a second delivery.

Bags vs. bulk

Bagged material is convenient for small jobs, but loose/bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per unit once you pass roughly 1–3 cubic yards. Compare the per-cubic-yard price before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

How many tons of crushed stone are in a cubic yard?

About 1.4 tons (roughly 2,800 lb) for #57 stone, crusher run, and #411. Smaller #8 stone runs a touch higher at about 1.45 tons. Moisture and exact gradation shift this slightly, but 1.4 t/yd³ is the standard figure.

What's the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?

#57 is washed, uniform 3/4" stone with no fines — it drains freely but stays loose. Crusher run (also called ABC or dense-grade) mixes stone with stone dust so it compacts into a hard, locked surface, which makes it the better driveway base.

How much crushed stone do I need for a driveway?

Multiply area × depth in feet for cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 for tons. A 288 sq ft driveway at 4" deep needs about 3.9 cubic yards (≈5.5 tons) with waste.

Which crushed stone is best for a driveway base?

Use crusher run or #411 for the compacted base because the fines bind it solid; many people then top it with a thin #57 or #8 surface course for looks and drainage. A 4" compacted base is typical, deeper over soft ground.

How deep should crushed stone be?

Plan on a 4" compacted layer for a residential driveway and 6" or more for heavy vehicles or soft, wet ground. Walkways and light pads can go 2–3". Compact in lifts for the firmest result.

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