Crushed Stone Calculator

Crushed stone is a manufactured angular aggregate produced by mechanically fracturing limestone, granite, or traprock through rock crushers and vibrat

Construction

Coverage Surface Area

sq ft

Surface area of coverage in square feet

Layer Depth

Depth in inches (converted as in ÷ 12)

Crushed Stone Grade / Size

Grade Density Basis

lb/cu yd

Loose bulk density (NSSGA standard: #57 = 2,700 lb/yd³; #411 = 2,950 lb/yd³)

Waste & Spreading Allowance

Allowance for ground irregularities and compaction (10% standard)

Price per Ton (Optional)

Retail or quarry price per US ton

Formula & Methodology

Converted Depth (ft) = Layer Depth (in) ÷ 12 Volume (cu yd) = [Area (sq ft) × Converted Depth (ft)] ÷ 27 Gross Volume = Volume (cu yd) × (1 + Waste % ÷ 100) Tonnage to Order = [Gross Volume (cu yd) × Density (lb/cu yd)] ÷ 2,000 Coverage per Ton (sq ft) = (2,000 ÷ Density) × 27 ÷ Converted Depth (ft)

Unlike naturally rounded river gravel, crushed stone features sharp, angular edges that interlock under pressure. Each standard sieve grade carries a distinct bulk density: clean washed #57 stone has higher void ratios (~2,700 lb/yd³), while dense-graded #411 crusher run packs stone dust into interstitial voids (~2,950 lb/yd³). Depth is converted to feet prior to volume derivation and multiplied by the specific grade density.

Crushed Stone to Order

2.75 US tons

Overview

Crushed stone is a manufactured angular aggregate produced by mechanically fracturing limestone, granite, or traprock through rock crushers and vibrating sieves. This Crushed Stone Calculator estimates exact cubic yardage and purchasing tonnage across standardized ASTM stone sizes (#57, #411, #8, and #3), providing customized coverage rates per stone grade.

Estimates are for material planning and budgeting purposes only. This calculator does not provide geotechnical engineering, structural design, or official building code compliance advice. Always verify measurements, aggregate densities, and compaction requirements with a local quarry supplier or licensed contractor before ordering materials or commencing construction.

Worked Examples

Example 1: 200 sq ft Patio Base with #57 Stone (3 in Deep with 10% Waste)

Inputs: Area = 200 sq ft, Depth = 3 in, Grade = #57 (2,700 lb/yd³), Waste = 10%, Price = $38.00/ton

Convert depth: 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft.
Net cubic feet: 200 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 50.00 cu ft.
Convert to cubic yards: 50.00 ÷ 27 = 1.8519 cu yd.
Add 10% waste buffer: 1.8519 × 1.10 = 2.0370 cu yd.
Calculate total weight: 2.0370 cu yd × 2,700 lb/cu yd = 5,500.00 lb.
Convert to US tons: 5,500.00 ÷ 2,000 = 2.75 US tons.
Calculate coverage rate: (2,000 ÷ 2,700) × 27 ÷ 0.25 = 80.0 sq ft per ton.
Calculate cost: 2.75 tons × $38.00 = $104.50.

Final Answer: 2.75 US tons to order (2.04 cu yd; 80.0 sq ft/ton coverage; $104.50 material cost)

Example 2: Shed Foundation with #411 Crusher Run (4 in Deep with 10% Waste)

Inputs: Area = 120 sq ft, Depth = 4 in, Grade = #411 (2,950 lb/yd³), Waste = 10%

Convert depth: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.3333 ft.
Net cubic feet: 120 × 0.3333 = 40.00 cu ft ÷ 27 = 1.4815 cu yd.
Gross volume (10% waste): 1.4815 × 1.10 = 1.6296 cu yd.
Weight: 1.6296 cu yd × 2,950 lb/cu yd = 4,807.41 lb ÷ 2,000 = 2.40 US tons.
Coverage per ton: (2,000 ÷ 2,950) × 27 ÷ 0.3333 = 54.9 sq ft per ton.

Final Answer: 2.40 US tons to order (1.63 cu yd; 54.9 sq ft/ton coverage)

Example 3: Heavy Sub-Base with #3 Ballast Stone (6 in Deep with 12% Waste)

Inputs: Area = 300 sq ft, Depth = 6 in, Grade = #3 (2,550 lb/yd³), Waste = 12%

Convert depth: 6 in ÷ 12 = 0.50 ft.
Volume: 300 × 0.50 = 150.00 cu ft ÷ 27 = 5.5556 cu yd.
Gross volume (12% waste): 5.5556 × 1.12 = 6.2222 cu yd.
Weight: 6.2222 × 2,550 ÷ 2,000 = 7.93 US tons.

Final Answer: 7.93 US tons to order (6.22 cu yd; 7.93 tons ordered)

How to Use This Calculator

Enter total surface area to cover in square feet.

Enter crushed stone layer depth in inches (2-3 inches for walkways; 4-6 inches for vehicle foundations).

Select the appropriate ASTM crushed stone grade (#57 for clean drainage; #411 for compactable base).

Review the density basis (pre-set to official NSSGA bulk density for each stone grade).

Review the ordered tonnage alongside the square foot coverage yield per ton.

Reference Table

Stone Grade / Size	Typical Application	Density (lb/yd³)	Sq Ft per Ton (at 2" Depth)	Sq Ft per Ton (at 4" Depth)
#8 Stone (3/8" Chips)	Walkways & asphalt sealing	2,600 lb/yd³	124.6 sq ft	62.3 sq ft
#57 Stone (3/4" Clean)	Driveways, French drains, concrete	2,700 lb/yd³	120.0 sq ft	60.0 sq ft
#411 Crusher Run (3/4" with dust)	Compactable driveway & shed base	2,950 lb/yd³	109.8 sq ft	54.9 sq ft
#3 Ballast (1.5" - 2.5")	Heavy drainage, mud tracking pads	2,550 lb/yd³	127.1 sq ft	63.5 sq ft
#10 Stone Dust (Fines)	Paver joint sand & screed bed	2,800 lb/yd³	115.7 sq ft	57.9 sq ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is #57 crushed stone and why is it so widely used?

#57 stone refers to aggregate screened between 1/2-inch and 1-inch (averaging 3/4-inch). Because it has been washed clean of fine dust, it provides excellent water drainage while its sharp angular edges lock together to prevent tire rutting.

What is the difference between #57 stone and #411 crusher run?

#57 stone contains clean, uniform 3/4-inch stones with open voids that allow water to pass through freely. #411 stone combines 3/4-inch stone with fine stone powder; when wetted and rolled, the dust fills the voids and hardens into a dense, solid foundation.

How many square feet does 1 ton of crushed stone cover?

At a 2-inch depth, 1 ton of #57 stone covers approximately 120 square feet. At a 3-inch depth, 1 ton covers 80 square feet. At a 4-inch depth, 1 ton covers 60 square feet. Dense crusher run covers about 10% less area per ton due to higher density.

What crushed stone size should I use for a French drain?

Always use washed #57 (3/4-inch) or #4 (1.5-inch) clean angular crushed stone for French drains. Never use crusher run, road base, or unwashed stone, as the fine stone dust will wash down and permanently clog the perforations in the drain pipe.

Does crushed stone compact down when rolled?

Clean stone like #57 settles only slightly (approx. 5% to 8%). However, dense-graded crusher run (#411) containing fines loses 15% to 20% of its initial loose height during mechanical plate compaction as air voids are eliminated.