Crushed Stone Calculator
Calculate how many tons, cubic yards, or bags of crushed stone, gravel, or aggregate you need for any project. Supports 9 stone types and multiple shapes.
Area Dimensions
Depth & Stone Type
Most common, driveways & drainage - density: 1.5 t/yd³
Results
Enter dimensions to see results
Stone Type Comparison
| Stone Type | Density (t/yd3) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Limestone (#57) | 1.50 | Driveways, drainage, general base |
| Crusher Run / Dense Grade | 2.02 | Compacted base layer, driveways |
| Stone Dust / Screenings | 1.65 | Paver base, leveling |
| Pea Gravel | 1.35 | Decorative, playgrounds, paths |
| River Rock | 1.35 | Landscaping, dry creek beds |
| Decomposed Granite | 1.55 | Paths, low-water landscaping |
| Crushed Granite | 1.52 | Driveways, decorative paths |
| Recycled Concrete | 1.43 | Eco-friendly base material |
| Lava Rock | 0.85 | Lightweight mulch alternative |
Crushed Stone Buying Guide
Crushed stone is one of the most versatile and commonly used landscaping and construction materials. It is produced by crushing quarried rock - most commonly limestone, granite, or trap rock - into specific sizes. The resulting material is used in driveways, drainage systems, walkways, French drains, raised beds, patio bases, and countless construction applications.
Choosing the right stone type matters as much as calculating the right quantity. For structural applications like driveway bases, crusher run (dense-grade aggregate) is preferred because the mix of stone particles and stone dust compacts into a solid, stable layer. For drainage applications like French drains or dry wells, you need clean angular stone like #57 crushed limestone where water can flow between the particles.
Depth Guidelines by Application
The depth you use has a dramatic effect on how much material you need. For decorative landscaping beds, 2-3 inches is typical. Standard walking paths need 3-4 inches. Driveway bases require 4-6 inches of compacted material, sometimes more for heavy vehicles. Garden border edging typically uses 2 inches. Always account for settling - crushed stone compacts by 10-20% once driven or walked on, so order 10-15% extra.
For larger projects like driveway renovation or major landscaping, buying in bulk from a local landscape supply company is significantly more economical than bags. Bulk stone is typically delivered in dump trucks carrying 10-15 tons per load. The cost per ton drops dramatically at bulk quantities - often from $50-75/ton for bagged stone down to $15-40/ton for bulk depending on stone type and location.
Measuring Irregularly Shaped Areas
For irregular shapes, break the area into simpler rectangles and circles, calculate each separately, and add them together. Alternatively, use the irregular area mode and enter your measured total area directly. For oddly shaped landscapes, a practical approach is to measure an approximate rectangular boundary and reduce it by an estimated percentage for corners and curves.