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Landscape & Aggregates

Crushed Stone Calculator

This stone calculator estimates crushed stone in yards and tons for bases and drains; our yard drainage guide covers French drains and walls. Crushed stone — angular rock such as ¾ in clean stone (often sold as #57) or dense-graded base — is the backbone of driveways, paver bases, French drains and the drainage zone behind retaining walls. Its angular faces lock together, which is why it is preferred over rounded gravel for structural layers.

Results from this stone calculator are planning estimates; confirm quantities and prices with your supplier or contractor before you order.

Enter your project

ft
in
m
ft
in
m
in
cm
tons/yd³

Varies by stone and size; confirm with your quarry.

%

Extra for compaction, uneven ground and spillage.

$

Results

Your results will appear here

Enter your measurements and press Calculate. Defaults show a typical example.

How to use the stone / crushed stone calculator

  1. Enter the area or trench dimensions.
  2. Enter the compacted depth you need.
  3. Use the density from your quarry's product sheet.

Formula

Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × (1 + waste). Tons = cubic yards × density.

Worked example

A 12 × 20 ft pad base at 6 in: 240 × 0.5 = 120 ft³ + 5% = 126 ft³ = 4.67 yd³ ≈ 6.5 tons.

Tips for using the stone / crushed stone calculator

  • Use clean #57 stone for drainage and dense-graded base for compacted layers under paving.
  • Compact base stone in lifts of about 4 in for a firm, even surface.
  • Confirm the weight per yard with your supplier, since stone density varies by source.
  • Order stone a little before you need it and have it dumped close to where it will be spread; moving tons of stone by wheelbarrow adds hours of labor. Protect lawns and curbs from heavy delivery trucks.
Close-up of stacked rough split stone

Stone / Crushed Stone Calculator FAQs

What is #57 stone?

A standard gradation of clean crushed stone roughly ½–1 in in size, widely used for drainage and as a base. Naming can vary by state.

How much does a yard of crushed stone weigh?

Roughly 1.3–1.5 tons depending on rock type and size. Your quarry will give an exact figure.

Should I compact crushed stone?

Dense-graded base is compacted in lifts; clean drainage stone is placed for flow and lightly consolidated. Follow your plans.

Estimate before you call a contractor

Run the numbers with our free calculators so you can compare bids with confidence.

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