Quick answer
Crushed Stone Calculator: direct answer
Crushed Stone Calculator helps you estimate crushed stone cubic yards, tons, and cost for bases, paths, patios, drainage, and compacted layers. It is best for compacted bases, paths, patios, drainage, and angular stone layers and returns cubic feet, cubic yards, estimated tons for material planning.
Use this calculator when you know project length and width or total area, gravel depth, material type or density. The estimate uses this rule: cubic yards = area x depth in feet / 27; tons = cubic yards x density.
Inputs
- Project length and width or total area
- Gravel depth
- Material type or density
- Waste percentage
- Cost per ton
Outputs
- Cubic feet
- Cubic yards
- Estimated tons
- Estimated material cost
Formula
How this estimate works
cubic yards = area x depth in feet / 27; tons = cubic yards x density
In plain terms, multiply area by gravel depth, convert volume into cubic yards, then use material density to estimate tons and cost.
A 300 sq ft crushed stone layer at 4 in deep with 10% waste needs about 4.07 cubic yards.
Crushed stone estimate
Crushed stone estimates start with area and depth. The calculator converts volume to cubic yards and tons using a planning density for crushed stone.
Compacted base layers
For patios, walkways, and driveways, compacted base depth can matter more than loose spread depth. Confirm layer requirements before ordering.
Assumptions used
- Crushed stone density is estimated at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
- Compaction and gradation can change finished depth.
- Waste is applied before tonnage and cost are calculated.
Before you order materials
- Confirm whether the depth is loose or compacted depth.
- Use angular stone where compaction and stability matter.
- Account for base preparation and edge restraint separately.
Frequently asked questions
How much crushed stone do I need?
Enter the area and planned depth to estimate cubic yards and tons. Use the supplier density for the most accurate tonnage.
Is crushed stone the same as gravel?
Crushed stone is angular and often used for compacted bases, while rounded gravel may behave differently under load.
Should I add waste for crushed stone?
Yes. A 5% to 10% buffer is useful for compaction, uneven subgrade, and spreading loss.