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Crushed Stone Calculator Guide
Crushed stone is sold by the ton but measured by volume, which is what makes ordering it confusing. This crushed stone calculator converts your area and depth into cubic yards and tons so you order the right amount.
Cubic yards = length × width × depth ÷ 27 (with depth in feet). Multiply by the stone's density to get tons — crushed stone runs about 2,700 lb per cubic yard, or 1.35 tons.
How Much Crushed Stone Do I Need?
A 20 × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep works out to about 2.47 cubic yards, or roughly 3.33 tons of standard crushed stone. Depth matters more than people expect — going from 4 to 6 inches adds 50% to your order and your bill.
How Deep Should It Be?
Garden paths and walkways need 2 to 3 inches. A residential driveway wants 4 inches minimum, often laid in two layers over a compacted base. Heavy vehicles or soft ground call for 6 inches or more, usually with crusher run underneath and a decorative stone on top.
Tons vs Cubic Yards
Suppliers quote by the ton, but you measure your project in volume, so you need the density to convert. Different stone weighs differently: washed river rock is lighter at roughly 2,200 lb per yard, while crusher run packs denser at around 2,800. Picking the right type in the calculator changes the tonnage meaningfully.
Order about 5–10% extra. Stone settles and compacts as it's driven on, and spreading always uses more than the flat calculation suggests.
Related: Gravel Calculator, Sand Calculator, and Cubic Yard Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much crushed stone do I need?
Multiply length by width by depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the stone's density. A 20 by 10 foot area at 4 inches needs about 3.3 tons.
How many tons is a cubic yard of crushed stone?
About 1.35 tons, since crushed stone weighs roughly 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, though this varies by stone type.
How deep should crushed stone be for a driveway?
At least 4 inches for a residential driveway, and 6 inches or more for heavy vehicles or soft ground, usually over a compacted base layer.
Should I order extra crushed stone?
Yes, add about 5 to 10 percent, because stone compacts as it settles and spreading always consumes more than the flat calculation.
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