Crushed Stone Calculator
Calculate how much crushed stone or gravel you need in cubic yards and tons, including compaction factor and delivery estimates. See also our Gravel Calculator, Sand Calculator, and Cubic Yard Calculator.
Project Area
How to Use the Crushed Stone Calculator
Enter the project area dimensions (length and width in feet) and desired depth in inches. Select the stone type to apply the correct density and compaction factor. The calculator accounts for compaction — crushed stone settles 20-30% after placement and compaction, so you need to order more loose material than the finished volume. Results include cubic yards (for ordering), tons (for weight-based pricing), and estimated truck loads (based on 12-ton standard dump truck capacity).
Formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × (Depth / 12)
Cubic Yards = Volume / 27
Adjusted Volume = Cubic Yards × Compaction Factor
Tons = Adjusted Volume × Density (tons/cu yd)
Truck Loads = Tons / 12 (standard dump truck)
Example Calculation
Driveway: 20 ft × 12 ft × 4" deep, Crushed Limestone
Volume = 20 × 12 × (4/12) = 80 cu ft
Cubic Yards = 80 / 27 = 2.96 cu yd
With Compaction (×1.25) = 3.70 cu yd
Tons = 3.70 × 1.5 = 5.56 tons
Truck Loads = 1 (standard dump truck)
Cost @ $45/ton = $250.20
Reference Table — Stone Types and Properties
| Stone Type | Density (tons/yd³) | Compaction Factor | Price Range ($/ton) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Limestone | 1.50 | 1.25 | $30-$55 | Driveways, base courses |
| Pea Gravel | 1.35 | 1.10 | $35-$60 | Walkways, drainage |
| River Rock | 1.30 | 1.05 | $40-$75 | Landscaping, dry beds |
| Crushed Granite | 1.55 | 1.25 | $40-$65 | Driveways, decorative |
| Recycled Concrete | 1.45 | 1.20 | $15-$30 | Base material, fill |
| Trap Rock | 1.60 | 1.25 | $35-$55 | Railroad ballast, heavy-duty |
| Quarry Process | 1.50 | 1.30 | $25-$40 | Sub-base, compacted fill |
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should crushed stone be for a driveway?
A crushed stone driveway should be 4-6 inches deep after compaction. Install in two layers: 3-4 inches of larger stone (3/4" minus) as a base, topped with 2 inches of finer material (1/4" minus or quarry dust) for a smooth driving surface. Each layer should be compacted separately.
What is the compaction factor for crushed stone?
Crushed stone typically compacts 20-30% from loose to compacted state. This means you need to order 1.2-1.3 times the finished volume. Angular crushed stone compacts more than rounded gravel. Quarry process (crusher run) compacts the most at 25-30% due to its mix of sizes.
How many tons fit in a dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck holds 10-12 tons of crushed stone. A tandem-axle truck holds 14-18 tons. A tri-axle truck holds 20-25 tons. Smaller pickup trucks with dump beds hold about 1 ton. Always confirm capacity with your supplier before ordering.
What size crushed stone should I use?
For driveway base: use 3/4" to 1-1/2" crushed stone. For surface layer: use 3/8" to 1/4" minus. For drainage: use 1-1/2" to 3" clean stone. For walkways: use 3/8" pea gravel or 1/4" crushed stone. Larger stones provide better drainage; smaller stones compact better.
Is crushed limestone good for driveways?
Yes, crushed limestone is one of the best driveway materials. It compacts well, provides good drainage, is relatively affordable, and creates a stable surface. The angular edges lock together when compacted, creating a solid base that resists rutting. It's also available in attractive light gray and tan colors.
How much does crushed stone cost delivered?
Crushed stone costs $30-$65 per ton for material plus $50-$150 for delivery depending on distance. A typical driveway project (20×12 ft, 4" deep) costs $250-$400 for material. Recycled concrete is the most affordable option at $15-$30/ton. Decorative stone costs $40-$75/ton.