Crushed Stone Calculator
Estimate crushed stone (such as 3/4 inch or #57) for driveways, foundation drainage and compacted bases by area and depth.
Crushed Stone calculator
How it's calculated: Length ft × width ft × (depth in ÷ 12) = cubic feet; add 5% waste and divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.45 tons per cubic yard.
How to estimate crushed stone
- Angular crushed stone locks together and compacts better than rounded river gravel for bases and driveways.
- #57 stone drains well and is common for French drains and under slabs.
- Crushed stone weighs roughly 1.4-1.5 tons per cubic yard.
- Order minus stone (with fines) where you want a hard compacted layer, and washed clean stone where you want drainage.
- Ask the driver to tailgate-spread along the run if access allows - it beats moving four tons by wheelbarrow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gravel and crushed stone?
Crushed stone is mechanically broken so it has angular, locking faces; gravel is naturally rounded. Crushed stone compacts harder, which is why it is preferred for bases.
What does #57 stone mean?
It is a standard size grade of washed stone roughly 3/4 to 1 inch. With no fines it drains freely, which is why it shows up in French drains, under slabs and around foundations.
How do I convert area to tons?
Multiply length x width x depth in feet for cubic feet, divide by 27 for yards, then multiply by about 1.45. A 12x24 pad at 3 inches, for example, comes to about 2.8 cubic yards, or roughly 4 tons.
Do I need fabric under crushed stone?
On firm ground, no. On soft, wet or clay-heavy subgrade, geotextile fabric stops the stone from punching down into the mud - it often pays for itself in stone you do not have to re-order.
Can I use crushed stone as a paver or shed base?
Yes - dense-grade crushed stone with fines is the standard base for pavers, sheds and slabs. Compact it in 2-inch lifts and it sets up nearly as hard as the surface above it.