Crushed Stone
Estimate crushed stone volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and total cost for landscaping and construction projects. Free online calculator for contractors and DIYers.
About This Calculator
This free crushed stone calculator helps contractors, landscapers, and DIY homeowners estimate the exact amount of crushed stone needed for any project — whether you're building a driveway, laying a patio base, installing a French drain, or creating a garden pathway. Simply enter the length and width in feet, depth in inches, and waste factor percentage to get instant results for volume, weight, area coverage, and total material cost.
The calculator uses the standard formula: Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12. It converts to cubic yards by dividing by 27, then estimates weight using the typical crushed stone density of 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Total cost is calculated based on the cost per ton in your region. A configurable waste factor (default 10%) accounts for compaction, spillage, and uneven surfaces.
For rectangular areas, the formula is: S = (L × W × D) / 27, where S is cubic yards, L is length in feet, W is width in feet, and D is depth in feet (inches ÷ 12). The waste-adjusted total is ST = S × (1 + waste%/100). Weight in tons = S × 1.5.
Regional Notes
United States: Crushed stone is sold by the ton or cubic yard. Average cost is $30-50 per ton ($40-70 per cubic yard) delivered, depending on stone type and distance from quarry. Common types include limestone, granite, traprock, and slag. A standard dump truck carries 10-20 tons.
India: Crushed stone (metal/gitti) is sold by the cubic foot or brass (100 cubic feet). 20mm and 40mm graded stone costs ₹800-1,500 per ton depending on location and quality. Crushed stone is widely used as aggregate in concrete, road base, and railway ballast. A truckload typically carries 10-20 tons.
UK: Crushed stone (hardcore/mot) is sold by the tonne. Prices range from £25-50 per tonne delivered. MOT Type 1 is the standard for driveway and road bases. Sub-base materials are typically specified in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) standards.
Always add a waste factor of 5-15% to your order and compact the stone in layers of 4-6 inches for best results. For large projects, consult a local supplier about bulk pricing and delivery options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much crushed stone do I need for my project?
The volume of crushed stone needed equals (length × width × depth in feet) ÷ 27. For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep requires approximately 1.23 cubic yards before adding a waste factor. Our calculator handles all the conversions automatically and includes a waste factor to ensure you order enough material.
How much does a cubic yard of crushed stone weigh?
One cubic yard of crushed stone weighs approximately 1.5 tons (3,000 pounds). The weight varies slightly depending on the stone type — granite weighs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard, while limestone is slightly lighter at around 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Our calculator uses the standard 1.5 tons per cubic yard for estimates.
What depth of crushed stone do I need for a driveway?
For a crushed stone driveway, a depth of 4-6 inches of compacted stone is recommended. A 4-inch layer works well for residential driveways with regular passenger vehicles, while 6-8 inches is better for heavier vehicles or commercial use. Start with a 6-8 inch base of larger crushed stone, then top with 2-3 inches of smaller stone for the driving surface.
What is the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone is manufactured by crushing larger rocks in a crusher, resulting in angular, jagged edges that lock together when compacted. Gravel is naturally rounded by water erosion and has smooth surfaces. Crushed stone is preferred for driveways, base layers, and construction because its angular shape provides better stability and compaction than rounded gravel.
How much crushed stone do I need for a 10×20 patio at 3 inches deep?
A 10 ft × 20 ft patio at 3 inches deep requires approximately 1.85 cubic yards of crushed stone (10 × 20 × 0.25 ft ÷ 27). With a 10% waste factor, order about 2.04 cubic yards, which weighs roughly 3.1 tons. Always order slightly more than the calculated amount to account for compaction and settling.
Should I add a waste factor when ordering crushed stone?
Yes, contractors recommend adding 5-15% extra crushed stone to account for compaction, spillage, uneven ground, and depth variations. For DIY projects, 10% is the standard waste factor. For large commercial projects with experienced crews, 5-8% may be sufficient. Our calculator includes a configurable waste factor so you can adjust based on your project's needs.
How do I convert cubic yards of crushed stone to tons?
To convert cubic yards of crushed stone to tons, multiply the volume in cubic yards by 1.5. For example, 2 cubic yards × 1.5 = 3 tons. This conversion factor is based on the average density of crushed stone. Different stone types may have slightly different densities — granite is about 1.5 tons/cu yd while limestone is about 1.4 tons/cu yd.
What size crushed stone should I use for different projects?
Crushed stone sizes vary by use: Stone dust (fine) for paver base and horse stalls; 1/4 inch for walkways and tennis courts; 1/2 inch for asphalt and concrete mixes; 3/4 inch for driveways, drainage, and French drains; 1-1.5 inches for road bases and heavy-duty paths; and 2-4 inches for drainage fields, septic systems, and railroad ballast. Choose the size that matches your project requirements.