Crushed stone calculator
#57 limestone, crusher run, Item 4, ABC stone — angular crushed rock that compacts and locks. This calculator converts your project's footprint into yards and tons.
Result
Crushed stone needed
Crushed stone vs gravel
“Gravel” is often loose rock dug from a pit; crushed stone is mechanically fractured, so the angular edges interlock and compact — the reason it's the standard for driveways, paver bases and drainage. Common names for the same family of products by region: crusher run, quarry process (QP), Item 4, ABC, road base (with stone dust fines), and #57 (¾-inch clean, no fines).
Formula
ft³ = area × depth ÷ 12 · yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27 · tons ≈ yd³ × 1.35
Example: a 20 ft × 12 ft shed pad at 4 inches of compacted crusher run: 240 × 4/12 = 80 ft³ = 2.96 yd³ loose. Compaction eats 20–30%, so order about 3.7 yd³ ≈ 5 tons.
Choosing the grade
| Product | Best for | Compacts? |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run / QP / Item 4 | Driveway & paver base layers | Excellent (has fines) |
| #57 crushed stone | Drainage, driveway surface, under concrete | Moderate |
| #411 / #610 | Compacted sub-bases | Excellent |
| Rip-rap (#1–#3) | Erosion control, drainage ditches | No (too big) |
Compaction rule: for every 4 inches of compacted crusher run you need, order about 5 inches loose (+25%). The calculator's 10% buffer is a starting point — for structural bases, use the depth switch and add a full 25% manually.
Frequently asked questions
How much crushed stone for a driveway?
A typical residential driveway is 4–6 inches total over clay soil. Use the dedicated driveway calculator which handles both layers at once.
How many tons is 10 yards of crushed stone?
About 13.5 tons at 2,700 lb/yd³. Most full-size dump trucks max out around 15–20 tons.
What's cheaper: crushed stone or pea gravel?
Crushed stone is usually cheaper per ton and lasts longer under load; pea gravel wins only for pure aesthetics and barefoot paths.
Do I need fabric under crushed stone?
Yes on soil — woven geotextile keeps the stone from punching into soft ground and stops mud pumping up. It doubles driveway life.
How much stone under a concrete slab?
4 inches of compacted #57 or crusher run is standard under patios and walks. Compute it here or the concrete calculator page.