How deep should crushed stone be?

Depth by application: driveway base layer 4 to 6 inches of crusher run. Driveway surface layer 2 to 3 inches of #57 stone. Patio base 2 to 3 inches of #57 stone. Paver bedding 1 inch of ASTM C33 concrete sand (not crushed stone). French drain trench fill 8 to 10 inches around pipe. Concrete slab sub-base 4 inches of compacted #57 stone. Retaining wall backfill 12 inches of clean #57 stone behind wall face. Pathway surface 2 to 3 inches of #57 or #8 stone.

Crushed Stone Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons & Cost 2026

Q: How do you calculate crushed stone?

Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic yards. Add 10 to 15 percent for compaction and waste. Multiply cubic yards by stone density for tons: #57 crushed stone 1.40 tons per cubic yard, crusher run 1.45 tons per cubic yard, #3 stone 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Example: a 10×20 ft driveway base at 4 inches deep — 200 × 4 ÷ 324 = 2.47 yd³ plus 25% compaction = 3.09 yd³. Tons = 3.09 × 1.45 = 4.48 tons of crusher run.

Q: How many tons of crushed stone per cubic yard?

Crushed stone density varies by type. #57 stone: 1.40 tons per cubic yard (2,800 lb). #3 stone (1–2 inch): 1.35 tons per cubic yard (2,700 lb). Crusher run: 1.45 tons per cubic yard (2,900 lb). Stone dust: 1.50 tons per cubic yard (3,000 lb). #8 stone (3/8 inch): 1.40 tons per cubic yard. Limestone: 1.45 tons per cubic yard. Granite: 1.50 tons per cubic yard. Using a single figure of 1.5 for all crushed stone overestimates weight for clean angular stone and underestimates for dense-grade crusher run.

Q: What is #57 crushed stone used for?

#57 crushed stone (3/4-inch angular) is the most versatile and widely used crushed stone size. Primary uses: driveway surface layer, French drains and drainage systems, concrete aggregate, pipe bedding, patio base layer, and general fill. It drains freely because the clean angular pieces have significant void space. It does not compact as firmly as crusher run, making it better for drainage than structural base applications. Depth specification: 2 to 3 inches for driveway surface, 4 to 6 inches for base layer, 6 to 8 inches surrounding pipe in French drains.

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

#57 stone is clean, single-size (3/4 inch) angular crushed stone with no fines. It drains freely and does not compact into a rigid surface — it locks together but maintains drainage voids. Crusher run (also called road base, dense-grade aggregate, or DGA) is a blend of 1.5-inch stone down to stone dust. The mixed particle sizes compact together into a near-solid layer with minimal drainage. Use #57 for drainage applications and surface layers. Use crusher run for structural base layers where maximum compaction and load bearing is required.

Q: How much crushed stone for a driveway?

A residential driveway uses two layers. Base layer (crusher run or #3 stone): 4 to 6 inches. Surface layer (#57 or #8 stone): 2 to 3 inches. For a 12×40 ft driveway base at 6 inches: 480 × 6 ÷ 324 = 8.89 yd³ plus 30% compaction = 11.56 yd³. Tons = 11.56 × 1.45 = 16.76 tons of crusher run. Surface layer at 2 inches: 480 × 2 ÷ 324 = 2.96 yd³ plus 15% = 3.40 yd³. Tons = 3.40 × 1.40 = 4.77 tons of #57 stone. Total: approximately 15 yd³ and 21.5 tons.

Q: How many cubic yards of crushed stone per ton?

One ton of crushed stone equals approximately 0.71 cubic yards for #57 stone (at 1.40 t/yd³). For crusher run at 1.45 t/yd³: 1 ton = 0.69 cubic yards. For #3 stone at 1.35 t/yd³: 1 ton = 0.74 cubic yards. For stone dust at 1.50 t/yd³: 1 ton = 0.67 cubic yards. Always convert from cubic yards to tons (not reverse) because volume is what you measure and weight is what suppliers charge for.

Q: How much crushed stone for a French drain?

French drain specification: trench 18 to 24 inches deep × 12 inches wide. Crushed stone needed: 2 inches under the pipe plus 6 to 8 inches around and above it = approximately 0.3 cubic yards per linear foot of trench (at 12-inch trench width). For a 50-foot French drain: 0.3 × 50 = 15 cubic yards before waste. Use clean #57 stone for French drains — not crusher run which clogs drainage voids. Wrap the stone in landscape fabric to prevent soil migration.

Q: What is the best crushed stone for a driveway base?

Crusher run (dense-grade aggregate) is the best driveway base material. Its mixed particle sizes from 1.5 inches down to stone dust compact together into a near-solid structural layer that distributes vehicle weight across the subgrade. #3 crushed stone is the second choice — it compacts well but with slightly less density than crusher run. Never use clean single-size stone like #57 as a primary base — the large void spaces do not compact into a stable structural platform under repeated vehicle loads.

Q: How much does crushed stone cost per ton in 2026?

2026 bulk pricing by stone type: #57 crushed stone $28 to $45 per ton. Crusher run $15 to $30 per ton. #3 stone $25 to $45 per ton. #8 stone $30 to $50 per ton. Stone dust $10 to $25 per ton. Delivery fee $50 to $150 per load regardless of quantity. Regional variation is significant — the Southeast is cheapest due to abundant limestone quarries. The Pacific Coast and Northeast are 20 to 40 percent higher. Always get local quotes before using national averages for project budgeting.

Q: What is the compaction factor for crushed stone?

Crushed stone delivered loose occupies more volume than after mechanical compaction. Compaction factors: crusher run 25 to 35 percent (order 1.30 times calculated volume). #3 stone 20 to 25 percent (order 1.22 times). #57 stone 15 to 20 percent (order 1.17 times). #8 stone 10 to 15 percent (order 1.12 times). Stone dust 5 to 10 percent (order 1.07 times). Always apply the compaction factor for structural applications — base layers, driveways, road sub-bases. Surface-only applications need only a 10 percent waste buffer.

✓

Density values verified against USGS aggregate data · Size designations per ASTM D448 standard · Compaction factors from field practice · Methodology · Updated June 2026

Crushed Stone Calculator

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Depth (inches) Driveway base: 4–6 inches of crusher run recommended.

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Results include the selected compaction/waste buffer. For structural base layers, always apply the compaction factor. Delivered volume exceeds compacted volume significantly.

Quick Answer: Formula: Length × Width × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic yards. Add compaction factor (10–35% depending on stone type). Multiply by density for tons: #57 stone 1.40 t/yd³, crusher run 1.45 t/yd³. Use #57 for drainage and surfaces. Use crusher run for structural bases.

In This Guide

Formula — how to calculate crushed stone
Stone types, sizes, and densities
ASTM size numbers explained
Depth guide by application
Compaction factors by stone type
Pre-calculated quantities — common projects
Truck load planning
Crushed stone cost 2026
Frequently asked questions

Formula — How to Calculate Crushed Stone

Crushed stone calculations require three steps, not two. Most simple calculators skip the compaction factor. Which is why driveway projects consistently run short when following basic online estimates.

Three-step crushed stone formula: Step 1: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Raw cubic yards
Step 2: Raw yd³ × Compaction factor = Cubic yards to order
Step 3: Cubic yards × Density (t/yd³) = Tons to order

Why three steps matter: Crushed stone delivered loose from a truck occupies 20 to 35 percent more volume than after mechanical compaction. If you calculate 8 cubic yards and order 8 cubic yards of crusher run for a driveway base, the finished compacted depth will be 20 to 30 percent shallower than specified. For a 4-inch design depth that means a finished depth of 2.8 to 3.2 inches. Structurally inadequate and likely to fail within the first season.

Worked example. Driveway base 12 × 40 ft: Area = 480 sq ft. Step 1: 480 × 6 ÷ 324 = 8.89 yd³ raw. Step 2: 8.89 × 1.30 (30% crusher run compaction) = 11.56 yd³ to order. Step 3: 11.56 × 1.45 = 16.76 tons. Order 12 cubic yards or 17 tons of crusher run for this driveway base.

Stone Types, Sizes, and Densities

Using a single density of 1.5 tons per cubic yard for all crushed stone, as many calculators do, overestimates weight for clean angular stone and produces inaccurate cost estimates. Each stone type has a specific bulk density based on particle size and composition.

Stone type	Size	Density (t/yd³)	lb/yd³	Primary use
Crusher run / road base	1.5 in to dust	1.45	2,900	Driveway and road base layers
#3 crushed stone	1–2 inches	1.35	2,700	Base layer, large drainage, backfill
#57 crushed stone	3/4 inch nominal	1.40	2,800	Driveways, drainage, concrete aggregate
#8 stone	3/8 inch nominal	1.40	2,800	Fine surface layer, concrete aggregate
Stone dust / #10	0–1/4 inch	1.50	3,000	Paver leveling, joint fill, compactable base
Crushed limestone	Varies by spec	1.45	2,900	Base, drainage, road construction
Crushed granite	Varies by spec	1.50	3,000	Base, paths, decorative uses
Crushed concrete	Varies	1.40	2,800	Recycled base material, fill

Crusher run is denser than clean crushed stone because the fine particles fill the void spaces between larger pieces. The same principle that makes it compact so effectively. Clean #57 stone has significant void space between particles, which is why it drains so well but does not achieve the same structural density as crusher run under compaction.

ASTM Size Numbers Explained

ASTM D448 defines standard size numbers for crushed stone and gravel. These numbers appear in supplier quotes and project specifications but are rarely explained clearly. Understanding what each number means prevents ordering the wrong material.

ASTM size	Particle range	Common name	Best use
#1	2–4 inches	Large stone / rip-rap	Erosion control, large fill
#2	1.5–2.5 inches	Large base stone	Base layer, large drainage
#3	1–2 inches	Base stone	Driveway base, structural fill
#4	0.75–1.5 inches	Medium stone	Base, utility drainage
#57	0.5–1 inch (3/4 in nom.)	Standard driveway stone	Driveways, French drains, concrete
#67	0.5–0.75 inch	Small stone	Fine surface, utility fill
#8	0.25–0.5 inch (3/8 in nom.)	Chip stone	Fine surface, concrete fine aggregate
#10 / Stone dust	0–0.25 inch	Stone screenings	Paver leveling, joint fill
#411 / Crusher run	1.5 in to dust	Road base / DGA	Driveway base, road construction

The number system is not intuitive. Smaller numbers mean larger stones. #3 is 1 to 2 inches while #57 is 3/4 inch. When calling a supplier, always confirm the actual particle size range rather than relying on the number alone. Regional naming conventions vary and the same number may describe slightly different sizes from different quarries.

Depth Guide by Application

Application	Stone type	Depth	Compaction factor
Driveway base — passenger cars	Crusher run	4–6 in	30%
Driveway base — heavy vehicles	Crusher run	6–8 in	30–35%
Driveway surface layer	#57 stone	2–3 in	15%
Patio base	#57 stone	2–3 in	17%
Concrete slab sub-base	#57 stone	4 in	17%
French drain trench fill	#57 stone (clean)	8–10 in total	10%
Retaining wall backfill	#57 stone	12 in behind face	10%
Walkway / path	#57 or #8	2–3 in	12%
Pipe bedding	#57 stone	4–6 in around pipe	10%
Decorative landscape	#8 or decorative	2–3 in	10%

Compaction Factors by Stone Type

Crushed stone arrives loose with air gaps between particles. Mechanical compaction, using a plate compactor or roller, reduces volume by forcing particles together. The compaction factor is the ratio of delivered volume to compacted volume. Order the delivered volume, not the compacted volume.

Stone type	Typical compaction	Order factor	Example: 10 yd³ design volume needs
Crusher run / DGA	25–35%	×1.30	13.0 yd³
#3 stone	20–25%	×1.22	12.2 yd³
#57 stone — base use	15–20%	×1.17	11.7 yd³
#57 stone — surface use	10–15%	×1.12	11.2 yd³
#8 stone	10–15%	×1.12	11.2 yd³
Stone dust	5–10%	×1.07	10.7 yd³
Decorative / surface only	10%	×1.10	11.0 yd³

Pre-Calculated Quantities — Common Projects

All figures use the standard depth and compaction factor for each application. Crusher run at 1.45 t/yd³ for base layers. #57 stone at 1.40 t/yd³ for surface and drainage.

Project	Size	Cubic yards	Tons
Patio base (#57, 3 in, 17% factor)	12 × 16 ft	2.29 yd³	3.21 t
Patio base (#57, 3 in, 17% factor)	20 × 20 ft	4.77 yd³	6.68 t
Driveway base (crusher run, 6 in, 30%)	10 × 40 ft	9.63 yd³	13.96 t
Driveway base (crusher run, 6 in, 30%)	12 × 40 ft	11.56 yd³	16.76 t
Driveway base (crusher run, 6 in, 30%)	20 × 40 ft	19.26 yd³	27.92 t
Driveway surface (#57, 2 in, 15%)	12 × 40 ft	3.41 yd³	4.77 t
French drain (#57, 50 ft trench)	50 lin ft	15.0 yd³	21.0 t
Concrete sub-base (#57, 4 in, 17%)	20 × 20 ft	6.36 yd³	8.90 t
Pathway (#57, 3 in, 12%)	3 × 50 ft	1.57 yd³	2.20 t

Truck Load Planning

Ordering in the wrong number of truck loads is one of the most common and costly mistakes in crushed stone projects. Too few loads means a second delivery at full delivery cost. Too many means paying for material and having it dumped where you do not need it.

Truck type	Typical capacity (tons)	Typical capacity (yd³ of #57)	When to use
Pickup truck	0.5–1.0	0.35–0.70	Very small projects — under 1 yd³
Single-axle dump	5–8	3.5–5.7	Small residential projects — 3–6 yd³
Tandem-axle dump	12–18	8.5–12.8	Standard residential driveways
Tri-axle dump	16–22	11.4–15.7	Large driveways, commercial projects
Tractor-trailer (super dump)	20–26	14.2–18.5	Road construction, very large projects

To calculate truck loads: total tons ÷ 16 = approximate tandem truck loads. Round up. Never order a partial load thinking you can add more later. A second delivery costs a full delivery fee. For large projects needing multiple loads, ask the supplier whether all loads can be delivered in one trip sequence to reduce per-load fees.

Crushed Stone Cost 2026

Stone type	Per ton (bulk)	Per cubic yard	50-lb bag (retail)
Crusher run / road base	$15–$30	$22–$44	$4–$7
#3 crushed stone	$25–$45	$34–$61	$5–$8
#57 crushed stone	$28–$45	$39–$63	$5–$9
#8 stone	$30–$50	$42–$70	$6–$10
Stone dust	$10–$25	$15–$38	$3–$6
Crushed limestone	$20–$40	$29–$58	$5–$9
Delivery fee	$50–$150 per load regardless of quantity

Crusher run costs less than clean crushed stone because it is a direct byproduct of the crushing process. The unsorted output of the crusher. Clean sized stone like #57 requires additional screening to separate particles into consistent size grades. The price difference makes crusher run the clear choice for base layers where drainage is not required. For applications needing drainage, French drains, retaining wall backfill, permeable paving sub-bases, clean stone like #57 is necessary regardless of the price premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate crushed stone?

Three steps: 1) Length × Width × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = raw cubic yards. 2) Multiply by compaction factor (1.10 to 1.35 depending on stone type). 3) Multiply by density for tons. Crusher run: 1.45 t/yd³. #57 stone: 1.40 t/yd³.

How many tons of crushed stone per cubic yard?

#57 stone: 1.40 t/yd³. Crusher run: 1.45 t/yd³. #3 stone: 1.35 t/yd³. Stone dust: 1.50 t/yd³. Crushed granite: 1.50 t/yd³. Using a single value of 1.5 for all types overestimates weight for clean angular stone.

What is #57 crushed stone used for?

Driveway surface, French drains, drainage systems, concrete aggregate, patio base, pipe bedding. It drains freely due to clean angular particles with significant void space. 3/4-inch nominal size. Do not use as primary driveway base — use crusher run for structural base layers.

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

#57 is clean 3/4-inch angular stone — drains freely, moderate compaction. Crusher run is mixed 1.5-inch to dust — compacts into near-solid structural layer, minimal drainage. Use #57 for drainage and surfaces. Use crusher run for driveway and structural base layers.

How much crushed stone for a driveway?

12×40 ft: base layer at 6 in of crusher run = 11.56 yd³ / 16.76 tons. Surface at 2 in of #57 = 3.41 yd³ / 4.77 tons. Total: ~15 yd³ / 21.5 tons. Calculate base and surface separately — different materials at different densities and compaction rates.

How many cubic yards of crushed stone per ton?

1 ton of #57 stone = 0.71 yd³. 1 ton of crusher run = 0.69 yd³. 1 ton of #3 stone = 0.74 yd³. Convert from volume to weight — not reverse — because you measure in cubic yards and suppliers charge by the ton.

How much crushed stone for a French drain?

Approximately 0.3 cubic yards per linear foot at 12-inch trench width. 50-foot drain: 15 yd³ / 21 tons. Use clean #57 stone only — not crusher run which blocks drainage voids. Wrap all stone in landscape fabric before backfilling.

What is the best crushed stone for a driveway base?

Crusher run (dense-grade aggregate). Mixed particle sizes from 1.5 inches to dust compact into a near-solid structural layer. #3 crushed stone is the second choice. Never use clean #57 as the primary base — large void spaces do not compact into a stable structural platform under vehicle loads.

How much does crushed stone cost per ton in 2026?

Crusher run: $15–$30/ton. #57 stone: $28–$45/ton. #3 stone: $25–$45/ton. Stone dust: $10–$25/ton. Delivery: $50–$150 per load. Southeast is cheapest; Pacific Coast and Northeast 20–40% higher. Always get local quotes.

What is the compaction factor for crushed stone?

Crusher run: 25–35% (order 1.30× calculated volume). #3 stone: 20–25% (1.22×). #57 base use: 15–20% (1.17×). #57 surface: 10–15% (1.12×). Stone dust: 5–10% (1.07×). Always apply for structural base layers — skip it and the finished depth will be 20–35% shallower than designed.

How many cubic yards of crushed stone in a dump truck?

Tandem-axle: 14–18 tons / 10–13 yd³. Tri-axle: 16–22 tons / 11–15 yd³. Pickup truck: 0.5–1 yd³. To estimate loads: total tons ÷ 16 = tandem truck loads. Round up and order the full load — second delivery fees exceed the cost of over-ordering slightly.

What are the ASTM crushed stone size numbers?

ASTM D448: #1 (2–4 in), #2 (1.5–2.5 in), #3 (1–2 in), #57 (3/4 in nominal), #67 (0.5–0.75 in), #8 (3/8 in nominal), #10/stone dust (0–1/4 in), #411/crusher run (1.5 in to dust). Smaller numbers = larger stones. Always confirm particle size with supplier as regional naming varies.

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Sources & Methodology

ASTM D448 — Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction (crushed stone size number definitions)
USGS — Natural Aggregates Statistics — bulk density reference data for crushed stone types

Density values: Crusher run 1.45 t/yd³. #57 stone 1.40 t/yd³. #3 stone 1.35 t/yd³. Stone dust 1.50 t/yd³. Crushed granite 1.50 t/yd³. Values represent typical dry bulk density. Actual delivered weight varies with moisture content and quarry source. Compaction factors represent typical field results with mechanical plate compactor. Full methodology

Last reviewed: June 2026