Crushed Stone Calculator: Volume, Weight, Cost and Bags
Enter the dimensions of your project area, choose a stone type, set the depth, and this calculator returns the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, the weight in tons, the estimated cost, and the number of bags required. A waste factor is included so you order enough the first time. Switch between imperial and metric units; results update as you type.
How to estimate crushed stone for any project
The basic formula is: volume (cubic feet) = area (square feet) x depth (feet). Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards (the unit quarries and suppliers quote), then multiply by the stone density to get the weight in US tons. Add a 10% waste buffer for a rectangle or 15% for irregular shapes to account for compaction, spillage, and uneven sub-base. For a driveway 20 ft wide and 40 ft long with a 4-inch base of limestone: area = 800 ft², depth = 0.333 ft, net volume = 800 x 0.333 / 27 = 9.88 yd³, plus 10% = 10.87 yd³, weight = 10.87 x 1.50 = 16.3 US tons.
Choosing the right depth
Depth depends on application. A 2-3 inch layer suits decorative paths and garden beds. A 4-inch base is the minimum for light residential driveways. A 6-inch compacted base handles regular vehicle traffic well. Drainage French drains and heavy-duty road bases typically need 8-12 inches of graded material. If you are topping up an existing base, measure the gap between the existing surface and your target grade - that is your required depth.
Stone types and their differences
Limestone is the most widely available crushed stone in the US and handles most residential jobs well. Granite and basalt are harder and denser, making them better choices for high-traffic driveways and road bases. Sandstone is lighter and commonly used for decorative paths or loose fill. Crushed gravel has a rounded edge that drains well and compacts less, which is preferred for French drains. Slag (a by-product of steel production) is lighter still and is used in road base and drainage applications. For any structural application, confirm the gradation (stone size) with your supplier. Number 57 stone (3/4 inch) is the most common choice for driveways.
Buying in bulk vs pre-packaged bags
Suppliers sell crushed stone by the ton for bulk delivery or in pre-packaged 40-80 lb bags from home improvement stores. Bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per ton and is the practical choice for any job over 1-2 cubic yards. Bags are convenient for small patch repairs or tight-access spots where a delivery truck cannot reach. This calculator gives you both: the total tons for a bulk quote, and the number of bags if you prefer that route. Compare the per-ton price from your supplier against the per-bag cost (bag weight / 2000 x price per ton) to decide.
Crushed stone density and typical uses
| Stone type | Density (t/yd³) | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Limestone | 1.50 | Driveways, road base, drainage |
| Granite | 1.55 | Driveways, decorative, structural fill |
| Basalt | 1.60 | Road base, heavy-duty fill |
| Traprock | 1.55 | Road aggregate, concrete mix |
| Sandstone | 1.40 | Paths, landscaping, fill |
| Marble | 1.50 | Decorative paths, garden beds |
| Crushed gravel | 1.42 | Driveways, drainage, walkways |
| Slag | 1.35 | Road base, fill, drainage layer |
Bulk density values are typical figures for dry, loose-graded stone. Your supplier may quote slightly different values based on gradation and moisture.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of crushed stone do I need for a standard driveway?
A typical residential driveway 12 ft wide, 40 ft long, and 4 inches deep needs about 7.4 cubic yards (net) or around 8.1 cubic yards including a 10% waste buffer. At a limestone density of 1.50 t/yd³, that is roughly 12.2 US tons. Wider or longer driveways scale proportionally: double the width doubles the material.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of crushed stone?
It depends on the stone type. Limestone runs about 1.50 short tons per cubic yard, granite about 1.55, and basalt about 1.60. A commonly used rule of thumb is 1.5 tons per cubic yard for general planning when you do not know the exact material.
How deep should crushed stone be for a driveway?
For a residential driveway that handles passenger cars and light trucks, 4 inches of compacted crushed stone is generally the minimum. 6 inches is recommended for heavier vehicles or clay sub-bases that drain poorly. A 2-inch decorative top layer is sometimes added over a compacted 4-inch base for appearance.
Why do I need a waste factor?
Crushed stone compacts when loaded and spread, irregular sub-base surfaces use more material than flat calculations suggest, and some material is always lost to spillage at the edges. A 10% waste factor is standard for rectangular areas. Use 15-20% for complex shapes, slopes, or jobs where the sub-base is notably uneven.
How much does a ton of crushed stone cost?
Retail prices typically range from about $25 to $75 per US ton for common materials like limestone or gravel. Granite and basalt can run higher. Prices vary significantly by region, haul distance, and order size. Delivery fees are often charged separately. Call two or three local quarries or suppliers for competing quotes before ordering.
What is the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone is quarried rock that is mechanically crushed to a specific size, giving it angular edges that lock together when compacted - ideal for bases and driveways. Gravel is naturally rounded by water and has smoother edges, which means it drains better but compacts less, making it better for drainage trenches and loose paths. This calculator covers both; simply select the material closest to what you are ordering.