Crushed Stone Calculator
Quickly estimate cubic yards, tons, and material cost for your Crushed Stone project. Adjust the inputs below and the result updates in real time.
Calculate Your Project
Estimate only. Add 10-15% for compaction and waste.
How this calculator works
Crushed stone, unlike mulch or topsoil, is priced and delivered by the ton rather than the cubic yard.
A crushed stone calculator turns the length, width and depth of a project into the number of tons to order, using the density of crushed stone rather than a general gravel estimate. Because crushed stone sells by the ton, not the cubic yard, getting the density right matters more than it does for mulch or soil. This page covers what the tool computes, how to pick a depth, how the tons come from the density figure, and how much extra to order so the job does not run short.
What the Crushed Stone Calculator Computes
Enter the length and width of the area in feet and a depth in inches, and the calculator multiplies those figures, adjusts for depth, and converts the resulting volume to tons using the material's density. The result is a delivery order in tons, the unit crushed stone is sold and delivered in. The same math applies to an angular base material or a finer top layer, so the tool works for the common crushed stone products: #57 Crushed Stone, 3/4" Crushed Stone, and Crusher Run. Each has a different mix of particle sizes, but they share close to the same density, so one calculator setting covers all three.
Depth Guidance for Crushed Stone
Depth depends on how the stone will be used. A compacted base layer commonly runs 4 to 6 inches deep, and a leveling or top layer often sits closer to 2 inches. A deeper base needs more material per square foot, so small changes in depth make a real difference in the ton total. If the depth is uncertain, use the deeper end of a range for a base course and the shallower end for a finishing layer, then compare the two totals before ordering.
Density and the Yards to Tons Conversion
Crushed stone weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot, which works out to roughly 2,700 pounds per cubic yard. Divide that by 2,000 pounds in a ton and one cubic yard of crushed stone comes out to about 1.35 tons. The calculator uses this density figure to turn a cubic yardage into the ton figure that gets ordered, since crushed stone is priced and delivered by the ton. If a project has already been measured in cubic yards from another source, run the numbers through the cubic yards to tons converter, once to confirm the ton total before placing an order.
Ordering Tips and Overage
Order a little more than the calculator's exact figure. Compaction settles the stone, uneven ground eats extra material, and a shortfall on delivery day means a second trip. Adding roughly 5 to 10 percent on top of the calculated tons covers most of that variance without leaving a large surplus. Round the final number up to the nearest half ton or full ton, since deliveries are scheduled in load increments rather than fractional amounts. Keep the depth and area figures used for the order, so a follow up order for the same project matches the original mix.
Materials this calculator covers
From $48.68/ton- SizeDense-graded, varies
- Density2700 lb/yd³
- ColorGray
From $48.68/ton- Size3/4 - 1″
- Density2700 lb/yd³
- ColorGray
From $41.27/ton- SizeDense-graded, varies
- Density2900 lb/yd³
- ColorGray
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How much crushed stone do I need for my project?
Measure the length and width of the area in feet and pick a depth in inches, then multiply length by width by depth and divide by 324 to get cubic yards. Multiply that figure by about 1.35 to convert to tons, since crushed stone weighs roughly 2,700 pounds per cubic yard. The calculator handles this automatically once the dimensions are entered.
How much does a yard of crushed stone weigh?
A cubic yard of crushed stone is sold and delivered by the ton, the calculator uses this weight to convert a project's volume into a ton total for ordering.
What does a 3/4 inch crushed stone calculator estimate?
A 3/4 inch crushed stone sizes that one calculator setting works for #57 stone, 3/4 inch stone and crusher run alike, so the tonnage figure it returns applies to all three.
What is the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?
#57 stone is a clean, fairly uniform crushed stone with limited fines, often chosen where drainage matters. Crusher run with stone dust and fines, which lets it compact tightly into a firm, stable base. Both are ordered by the ton and both use the same density for calculator purposes, but they behave differently once compacted on site.
Do I need to compact crushed stone after it is delivered?
Base layers of crushed stone typically get compacted in lifts, especially crusher run, since compaction is what gives it strength as a base course. Top or finishing layers are sometimes left loose depending on the project. Compaction reduces the finished depth somewhat, which is one reason to order slightly more than the calculator's exact figure.
Can I use this calculator for crusher run or 3/4 inch stone too?
Yes. Crusher run, #57 stone and 3/4 inch crushed stone types.