How much crushed concrete do I need? Enter your project dimensions and get instant tonnage, cubic yards, cost estimates, and delivery load calculations for RCA.
Recommended: 10% for compaction and settling
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Last updated March 31, 2026 by our expert review team
$15/ton
Compacts well, most popular
$12/ton
Larger, good drainage
$10/ton
Drainage, erosion control
$8/ton
Fine material, packs tight
Ehsan Ghazanfari
Licensed Structural Engineer
FISE-certified structural engineer with 11+ years designing bridges, retaining walls, and foundations. MSc from Aalto University.
See full profileCherry Jane Limbago
Licensed Civil Engineer & Master Plumber
Licensed civil engineer and master plumber with 10+ years in structural design, estimation, and project management. Currently Project Engineer at Universal Robina Corporation.
See full profileUpdated March 2026
How we verify our calculatorsRequest a 5-gallon sample before ordering. Look for clean, rebar-free material with less than 5% contaminants.
Compact in 4-inch lifts using a 3,000+ lb force plate compactor to achieve 95%+ Modified Proctor density.
Wet lightly (about 2 gallons per square yard) before compacting. Residual cement activates and self-bonds within 6 to 12 months. The FHWA RCA guide covers self-cementing properties in detail.
Layer 2" of concrete screenings ($8 to $10/ton) on top of 3/4" RCA for a smoother surface that resists tire rutting.
Order from a certified C&D recycling facility to ensure recycled concrete aggregate specifications are met.
Save 30 to 50% over virgin limestone by sourcing RCA from local demolition projects.
Need similar material? Our crusher run calculator covers dense-grade aggregate for driveways and base layers.
Planning to dig out before laying base? Use our excavation calculator to estimate removal costs.
For a poured concrete slab on top, check our concrete bags calculator for material estimates.
The calculator multiplies your project's length, width, and desired depth to determine total cubic yards needed. It then converts cubic yards to tons using the density of your selected size grade. Crushed concrete weighs approximately 1.25-1.40 tons per cubic yard depending on particle size, with 3/4" minus RCA averaging 1.35 tons/yd³ per ASTM C29 loose unit weight testing. We automatically add your selected overage percentage (typically 10%) to account for the 15-20% volume reduction that occurs during compaction, plus minor spreading losses. Note that RCA density varies by source: material from high-strength structural concrete (4,000+ PSI) tends to be denser than material from sidewalks or foundations.
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in ft) ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.35 × (1 + Waste %)
How much per square foot?
At 6" deep, about 25 lbs per sq ft. A 10x20 ft driveway base needs approximately 2.5 tons of 3/4" RCA.
Is RCA as strong as virgin gravel?
Yes. FHWA studies confirm RCA meets AASHTO M-147 specs. Residual cement gives it self-cementing properties, increasing CBR values 10 to 15% over time.
How deep should the base be?
4" for patios, 6" for driveways, 8"+ for parking lots. Add 2" for clay soil with poor drainage.
Does RCA leach chemicals?
RCA has alkaline pH (8.0 to 11.0). EPA considers it safe for most uses, but avoid placing within 50 feet of acid-loving plants.
How long to harden?
Self-cementing starts in 2 to 4 weeks. Full bonding takes 6 to 12 months, after which it becomes harder than traditional gravel.
Good for French drains?
Yes, 2 to 3" clean RCA provides about 40% void space. Wrap the trench in non-woven geotextile to prevent clogging. See our French drain calculator for sizing.
RCA vs RAP?
RCA comes from demolished concrete (gray, self-cementing). RAP comes from old asphalt (black, softens in heat, better for temp surfaces).
Cost savings vs new gravel?
RCA costs $8 to $15/ton vs $25 to $45/ton for virgin limestone. That saves $100 to $300 on a typical 10-ton driveway base.
Total material: 8.9 cubic yards (12 tons). Cost at $15/ton: $180 delivered, compared to $450+ for virgin #57 limestone. Two passes with a plate compactor per 3-inch lift created a rock-solid base for asphalt overlay.
Wrapped in Mirafi 140N geotextile to prevent fines migration. The 40% void space provides excellent drainage capacity of 15+ GPM per linear foot.
Base layer: 1.6 tons ($24), top layer: 0.6 tons ($5). Total $29 versus $80+ for virgin materials. The self-cementing RCA hardened over 3 months into a surface nearly as firm as a poured slab.
Skipping the sample inspection
Always inspect a 5-gallon sample before ordering 10+ tons. Look for less than 5% non-concrete material (rebar, drywall, asphalt).
Dumping full depth without lifts
Compact in 3 to 4" lifts, wetting each lightly. Spreading full depth and compacting once leaves the bottom half loose.
Using RCA on exposed surfaces
RCA is gray and industrial. It is a base material. Cover with decorative stone, pavers, or screenings for visible areas.
Not checking local codes
Some municipalities restrict RCA near waterways due to alkaline leaching. Check before using within 100 feet of wetlands or wells.
Not accounting for compaction loss
RCA compresses 15 to 20%. For 6" of finished base, order enough for 7"+ loose. Clay subgrades may need 15 to 20% overage.
Ordering the wrong size grade
Use 3/4" minus for bases. Clean 2 to 3" RCA lacks fines to fill voids and compacts poorly.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.