Construction Aggregate Calculator
Crusher Run Calculator
Calculate how much crusher run gravel you need for driveways, foundations, and construction projects. Estimate tons, cubic yards, coverage, and cost instantly.
How Much Crusher Run Do I Need?
Coverage estimates for crusher run at your selected depth:
What Is Crusher Run Gravel?
Crusher run gravel (also called quarry process, QP, dense grade aggregate, or road base) is a versatile construction material made from mechanically crushed stone combined with stone dust and fine particles. Unlike clean, washed aggregates, crusher run contains a carefully graded blend of angular stone (up to 3/4 inch) and stone screenings — the dust and fines created during the crushing process.
Crushed Stone + Stone Dust
Crusher run is a mix of angular crushed stone (typically up to 3/4 inch) and stone dust/fines created during crushing. This combination fills voids for maximum compaction.
Compactable Aggregate
The stone dust binds the angular stones together when compacted, creating an extremely dense, hard surface. Crusher run achieves near-concrete hardness when properly compacted.
Structural Base Material
As the go-to material for structural bases, crusher run supports vehicle and building loads. It's the standard sub-base for driveways, roads, foundations, and patios.
Multiple Names, Same Material
Known regionally as quarry process (Northeast), crusher run (Southeast/Midwest), dense grade aggregate/DGA (engineering), or road base (West Coast). All refer to the same stone-fines blend.
Whether you're building a driveway, preparing a shed foundation, laying a patio base, or constructing a gravel road, the crusher run calculator above helps you estimate exactly how much material your project needs. Our crusher run gravel calculator uses standard construction formulas to convert your project dimensions into tons, cubic yards, and cost — no guesswork required.
How Much Area Does One Ton of Crusher Run Cover?
Coverage depends on depth. Use this reference chart to estimate how many tons of crusher run you'll need for your project:
| Depth | Coverage per Ton (sq ft) | Coverage per Cubic Yard (sq ft) | Typical Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 100 – 120 sq ft | 150 – 180 sq ft | Light landscaping, leveling layer |
| 3 inches | 65 – 80 sq ft | 100 – 120 sq ft | Walkway, garden path surface |
| 4 inches | 50 – 60 sq ft | 75 – 90 sq ft | Shed foundation, patio base |
| 6 inches | 35 – 40 sq ft | 50 – 60 sq ft | Driveway base, parking area |
| 8 inches | 25 – 30 sq ft | 38 – 45 sq ft | Heavy-duty driveway, road base |
| 12 inches | 17 – 20 sq ft | 25 – 30 sq ft | Road sub-base, heavy construction |
Crusher Run Depth Guide — By Project Type
Different projects require different depths of crusher run. Here are the industry-standard recommendations based on decades of construction experience:
| Project | Recommended Depth | Lift Installation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 6 – 8 inches | 2 lifts of 3-4" each | Compact each lift. Top with surface gravel for smoother finish. |
| Walkway | 4 – 6 inches | 1-2 lifts | 4" for foot traffic; 6" if expecting occasional vehicle use. |
| Shed Base | 4 – 6 inches | 1 lift | Level and compact thoroughly. Extend 6-12" beyond shed footprint. |
| Road Base | 8 – 12 inches | 2-3 lifts | Heaviest application. Each lift ≤ 4" before compaction. Use geotextile fabric underneath for soft soils. |
| Patio Base | 4 – 6 inches | 1 lift | Compact and screed level. Add 1" sand setting bed on top for pavers. |
Why Use Crusher Run For Driveways?
Crusher run is the top choice for driveway construction — here's why contractors have used it for decades:
Creates a Strong Foundation
The combination of angular stone and stone dust creates a dense, load-bearing surface capable of supporting vehicle weight without rutting or sinking. When properly compacted, crusher run approaches the strength of a poured concrete slab at a fraction of the cost.
Locks Together When Compacted
Unlike clean gravel where stones remain loose, crusher run's stone dust and fines fill the voids between larger stones, binding them into an interlocking matrix. This self-locking property prevents the surface from shifting or spreading over time, even under repeated vehicle traffic.
Reduces Shifting and Erosion
Once compacted, crusher run resists erosion from rain and runoff much better than clean stone. The tightly packed surface doesn't wash away in heavy rain and provides a stable driving surface year-round. Adding a crowned profile (center 2-3" higher than edges) further improves drainage and prevents washboarding.
Supports Heavy Vehicle Weight
Crusher run distributed load-bearing capacity makes it suitable for everything from passenger cars to delivery trucks and construction equipment. The dense, compacted base transfers vehicle weight across the subgrade, preventing concentrated pressure points that cause potholes and rutting.
Affordable and Readily Available
At $20-50 per ton, crusher run is one of the most cost-effective driveway materials available. It's produced at virtually every quarry nationwide, meaning short delivery distances and competitive pricing. A typical 20'×20' driveway costs $220-550 in materials — significantly less than asphalt ($1,200-2,500) or concrete ($2,000-5,000).
Crusher Run vs Other Gravel Types — Full Comparison
How does crusher run stack up against other common aggregates? Here's a comprehensive side-by-side comparison covering compaction, drainage, and best uses:
| Material | Best Use | Compaction | Drainage | Density (tons/cu yd) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher Run | Driveway base, road base, foundations | Excellent | Good | 1.50 |
| #57 Stone | Drainage, French drains | Medium | Excellent | 1.50 |
| Pea Gravel | Decorative landscaping, paths | Poor | Excellent | 1.30 |
| River Rock | Landscaping, dry creek beds | Poor | Good | 1.40 |
| #89 Stone | Driveway surface, concrete mix | Medium | Very Good | 1.50 |
How To Calculate Crusher Run Needed — Step by Step
Our calculator handles everything automatically, but here's the manual process so you understand the math behind your estimate:
Measure Your Project Area
For rectangular areas: measure length × width in feet. For circular areas: measure the diameter. For irregular shapes, break the area into smaller rectangles, calculate each, then add them together. A typical two-car driveway is about 20 ft × 20 ft = 400 sq ft. Remember to measure the total area you'll cover with crusher run, including any overflow beyond structures.
Choose the Right Depth
Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12. Recommended depths: driveway = 6-8" (0.5-0.67 ft), shed base = 4-6" (0.33-0.5 ft), road base = 8-12" (0.67-1 ft), patio base = 4-6" (0.33-0.5 ft). Example: 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet. For deep applications (8"+), plan for installation in multiple lifts for proper compaction.
Calculate Volume in Cubic Yards
Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards. Example: 400 sq ft × 0.5 ft ÷ 27 = 7.41 cubic yards. This is the loose volume of crusher run needed. Crusher run compacts 15-20% when mechanically compacted, so always order 10-15% extra to account for this volume reduction.
Convert to Tons
Cubic Yards × 1.5 = Tons. Example: 7.41 cu yd × 1.5 = 11.1 tons of crusher run. Add 10-15% extra (bring total to ~12-13 tons) to account for compaction, settling, and grade variations. For large projects, round up to the nearest half-ton or full ton for delivery purposes. Most suppliers deliver in 1-ton increments.
Density: Crusher run = 1.5 tons/cubic yard (standard) | 1.35-1.60 tons/cubic yard (actual range)
Compaction factor: Loose crusher run compacts approximately 15-20%. Order accordingly.
Quick Calculation Examples
| Project | Dimensions | Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons (Crusher Run) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 20' × 20' | 6" | 7.4 | 11.1 |
| Shed Base | 10' × 12' | 5" | 1.85 | 2.8 |
| Road Base | 30' × 10' | 8" | 7.4 | 11.1 |
| Patio Base | 15' × 20' | 5" | 4.6 | 6.9 |
| Parking Pad | 12' × 25' | 6" | 5.6 | 8.3 |
Crusher Run Cost Guide
Understanding crusher run pricing helps you budget accurately. Here's what to expect based on quantity and supplier type:
| Quantity | Price per Ton | Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagged (50 lb bags) | $160 – $280 | $4 – $7 per bag | Retail pricing. Only cost-effective for projects under 0.5 ton |
| Small Load (1-5 tons) | $30 – $50 | $30 – $250 | Minimum delivery fees usually apply |
| Medium Load (5-15 tons) | $25 – $40 | $125 – $600 | Typical for a driveway or shed foundation |
| Bulk Load (15+ tons) | $20 – $35 | $300 – $700+ | Best value. Direct from quarry pricing |
📋 Factors Affecting Crusher Run Price
- Location: Prices vary significantly by region. Properties near active quarries pay substantially less due to reduced transportation costs.
- Supplier Type: Direct-from-quarry pricing is the lowest. Landscape supply yards add 15-30% markup. Big-box retail (bagged) costs 5-8x more per ton.
- Delivery Distance: $50-$150 per load depending on mileage from the quarry or supplier yard. Full truckloads (20-22 tons) optimize per-ton delivery costs.
- Quantity Ordered: Bulk discounts start at 10+ tons. Full truckloads get the best per-ton rate. Split loads (combining orders with neighbors) can save significantly.
- Source Rock: Limestone-based crusher run is most common and affordable. Granite or trap rock crusher run costs $5-10/ton more but offers higher strength.
💰 Complete 20' × 20' Driveway Cost Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions About Crusher Run
Crusher run gravel (also called quarry process, QP, dense grade aggregate, or road base) is a blend of mechanically crushed stone and stone dust/fines. It contains angular stone pieces up to 3/4 inch mixed with stone screenings — the fine particles created during the crushing process. Unlike clean, washed stone, crusher run's stone dust fills the voids between larger stones, allowing it to compact into an extremely dense, hard surface that approaches the strength of concrete when properly installed. It weighs approximately 1.5 tons per cubic yard and is the most widely used material for structural bases in construction, from driveways and roads to building foundations and patio sub-bases.
Use the formula: (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27 × 1.5 = Tons of crusher run. For a typical 20' × 20' driveway at 6 inches deep: 400 sq ft × 0.5 ft ÷ 27 = 7.41 cubic yards × 1.5 = 11.1 tons. For a 12' × 50' driveway at 6 inches: 600 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = 11.1 cubic yards × 1.5 = 16.7 tons. Always add 10-15% extra for compaction and grading. Apply crusher run in two 3-4 inch lifts, compacting between lifts with a plate compactor for best results. Top with 2-3 inches of surface gravel for a smoother driving finish. Use the free crusher run calculator above for exact project dimensions.
One cubic yard of crusher run weighs approximately 2,700 to 3,000 pounds (1.35 to 1.5 tons). Because crusher run contains both crushed stone and stone dust/fines, it is slightly denser than clean stone — typically 1.5 tons per cubic yard for calculation purposes. The exact weight varies by source rock: limestone-based crusher run weighs about 2,700 lbs/cu yd (1.35 tons), while granite-based crusher run weighs closer to 3,000 lbs/cu yd (1.5 tons). Moisture content also affects weight — wet crusher run can weigh 5-10% more than dry material. For most construction and landscaping calculations, use 1.5 tons per cubic yard as a conservative estimate.
Recommended crusher run depths vary by project: Driveways = 6-8 inches, Road base = 8-12 inches, Shed foundation = 4-6 inches, Patio base = 4-6 inches, Walkways = 4-6 inches. Crusher run should always be installed in lifts (layers) — never place more than 4 inches of loose material before compacting. For a 6-inch driveway base, install two 3-inch lifts, compacting thoroughly between each. For 8-12 inch road bases, use 2-3 lifts. Each lift should be compacted with a plate compactor or roller to achieve at least 95% Standard Proctor density. Adding water during compaction (moisture conditioning) significantly improves compaction results.
It depends entirely on your project. Crusher run is better for applications requiring compaction, load-bearing strength, and a hard, stable surface — such as driveway bases, road foundations, shed bases, and patio sub-bases. Its stone dust/fines bind the aggregate into a near-solid mass when compacted. Clean gravel (like #57 stone) is better for drainage applications where water must flow freely — such as French drains, retaining wall backfill, and dry wells. For the best driveway, use both: a crusher run base (6-8 inches compacted) for strength, topped with 2-3 inches of clean surface gravel (#57 or #89 stone) for a smoother driving surface that drains well. This two-layer approach combines crusher run's structural benefits with clean gravel's drainage and aesthetic advantages.
Crusher run costs $20 to $50 per ton for bulk delivery, depending on location, quantity, and supplier. Small loads (1-5 tons) cost $30-50/ton. Medium loads (5-15 tons) cost $25-40/ton. Bulk orders (15+ tons) can drop to $20-35/ton. Delivery fees add $50-150 per load depending on distance from the quarry. Bagged crusher run at home improvement stores costs significantly more at $4-7 per 50 lb bag ($160-280 per ton), making bulk delivery dramatically more cost-effective. A typical 20'×20' driveway requiring 11 tons costs about $220-550 for materials (bulk delivery) or $1,760-3,080 if buying bags. Always call multiple local quarries for quotes — crusher run is a commodity and prices can vary $10-15/ton between nearby suppliers.