Calculate cubic yards, tons, and cost for driveways, patios, walkways, and construction projects — instantly, with no signup required.
Coverage depends on depth. The table below shows how much area 1 ton of standard crushed stone covers at various depths, assuming a density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
| Depth | Coverage per Ton | Coverage per Cubic Yard | Common Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 100–120 sq ft | 162 sq ft | Light decorative layer |
| 3 inches | 65–80 sq ft | 108 sq ft | Walkways, garden paths |
| 4 inches | 50–60 sq ft | 81 sq ft | Driveways (surface layer) |
| 6 inches | 35–40 sq ft | 54 sq ft | Driveways (full depth) |
| 8 inches | 25–30 sq ft | 40 sq ft | Heavy-duty base layer |
Crushed stone is a construction aggregate produced by mechanically breaking quarried rock — most commonly limestone, granite, trap rock, or dolomite — into angular pieces of specific sizes. Unlike naturally rounded gravel, crushed stone has sharp, irregular edges that interlock when compacted, creating a stable, load-bearing surface.
The crushed stone calculator above helps you estimate cubic yards and tons for any project. The key difference between crushed stone and gravel is that crushed stone is manufactured — quarried rock is put through a crusher — while natural gravel has been worn smooth by water. That angularity is what makes crushed stone better for driveways and structural applications.
Common applications for crushed stone include:
Crushed stone: Mechanically fractured rock with angular, jagged edges. Interlocks and compacts firmly. Best for driveways, structural fill, and any area with vehicle traffic.
Natural gravel: Rounded stones smoothed by water. Comfortable underfoot and decorative. Better for garden paths, patios, and areas without heavy traffic.
Crushed stone is graded by size using ASTM standards. The right size depends on your project's load requirements, drainage needs, and whether the stone will be visible. Here are the most common grades you'll encounter at a stone yard or home center.
| Grade / Size | Nominal Size | Best Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| #8 Stone | 3/8 inch | Walkways, decorative landscaping, top dressing | Small chips; comfortable underfoot |
| #57 Stone ★ | 3/4 inch | Driveways, drainage, concrete aggregate, backfill | Most popular Versatile all-purpose grade |
| #2 Stone | 1 1/2–2 inch | Driveway base layer, heavy construction, road sub-base | Used beneath smaller surface stone |
| #411 / Crusher Run | 3/4" + fines | Compactable driveway surface, sub-base, paths | Self-compacting; excellent stability |
| Stone Dust | 0–1/4 inch | Paver bedding, compactable base, pipe bedding | Very dense; highest weight per yard |
| Rip-Rap | 4–8 inch | Erosion control, stream banks, drainage channels | Large irregular chunks; not walkable |
Both crushed stone and gravel are used in similar applications, but they perform differently. Understanding the distinction helps you choose the right material and use the aggregate calculator accurately.
| Feature | Crushed Stone | Natural Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Particle shape | Angular, jagged | Rounded, smooth |
| Stability under traffic | Excellent — interlocks | Poor — scatters |
| Drainage | Good | Good |
| Driveway use | ✅ Ideal | ❌ Not recommended |
| Decorative appeal | Low–moderate | High |
| Cost per ton | $20–$50 | $30–$90+ |
| Compactability | High | Low |
The crushed stone calculator above automates these steps, but understanding the math helps you verify results and plan multi-layer projects. Here is the four-step process for any rectangular area.
Measure length and width in feet. For irregular shapes, divide into rectangles and calculate each separately, then add. Circles: use diameter × 0.785 to get the equivalent rectangular area.
Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Decide on depth based on project type: 2–4 in for light use, 4–6 in for driveways. Convert to feet by dividing inches by 12.
Depth (ft) = Depth (in) ÷ 12 e.g. 4 in → 0.33 ft
Multiply area by depth to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 (there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard).
Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth in ft) ÷ 27
Multiply cubic yards by the material density (1.4 t/yd³ for standard crushed stone). Add 10% for waste, settling, and uneven surfaces.
Tons = Cubic yards × 1.4
Order qty = Tons × 1.10 (+10% waste)
Step 1: Area = 50 × 12 = 600 sq ft
Step 2: Depth = 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
Step 3: Volume = 600 × 0.333 ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards
Step 4: Tons = 7.4 × 1.4 = 10.4 tons → order 11.5 tons (+10% waste)
Use these tools alongside the crushed stone calculator to plan your full project — from quantity to depth to cost.
Use the crushed stone calculator above: measure your area in feet, enter the desired depth (e.g. 4 inches for a driveway), and the tool calculates cubic yards and tons instantly. As a rule of thumb: 1 ton of #57 crushed stone covers approximately 55 square feet at 4 inches deep. Always add 10% for waste and settling.
One cubic yard of standard crushed stone (granite or limestone #57) weighs approximately 1.4 short tons (2,800 lbs). Lighter crushed limestone runs about 1.35 t/yd³; compacted dense-grade aggregate or stone dust can reach 1.6 t/yd³. Use the "Stone Density" selector in the calculator to match your specific material.
A well-built gravel driveway uses two layers: a 4–6 inch base of large #2 stone (1.5–2 inch) covered by a 2–3 inch surface layer of #57 stone (3/4 inch). Total crushed stone depth: 6–9 inches. If you're only doing a surface top-up on an existing driveway, 2–3 inches of #57 is sufficient. See the depth guide for full recommendations by project type.
#57 stone (3/4 inch crushed stone) is the most popular driveway surface material. Its angular particles interlock when compacted, creating a firm, stable surface that handles vehicle traffic well. For the base layer, use #2 stone (1.5–2 inch) or crusher run. Avoid smooth pea gravel on driveways — it displaces under tires and creates ruts.
Crushed stone costs $20–$50 per ton for standard grades like #57 stone or crusher run, depending on material type and your region. Delivery adds $50–$200 for a local residential delivery. Installed driveway crushed stone runs $3–$8 per square foot including labor. See the full gravel cost guide for a complete breakdown by project type.