How much crushed stone do I need? Calculate tons, cubic yards, and costs for driveways, patios, walkways, and drainage. Enter your dimensions and stone type for an instant estimate.
Project Details
Length (ft)
Width (ft)
Depth (inches)
Stone Type
10% for rectangular areas, 15% for irregular shapes
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Last updated March 2026 by our expert review team
Material prices only. Add $50 to $100 per truckload for delivery.
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
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Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
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How we verify our calculators#57 stone is the most versatile crushed stone for both drainage and base applications. It drains well, compacts reasonably, and works for driveways, patios, and French drains.
Compact each lift (layer) separately. For depths over 4 inches, spread and compact in 2-inch lifts. A plate compactor works for most crushed stone projects.
Always install landscape fabric or geotextile barrier underneath crushed stone. Without it, stone sinks into the soil within a year or two and you lose depth.
Need crusher run instead? Our crusher run calculator handles the graded aggregate mix with fines that compacts into a solid base.
Planning a drainage project with smaller stone? Our pea gravel calculator covers round stone for decorative drainage and walkways.
Order in tons, not cubic yards. Suppliers price and load crushed stone by weight. Cubic yard estimates vary because density changes with stone size and moisture content.
For driveways, use a 3-layer system: 4 inches of #2 stone base, 2 inches of #57 stone middle layer, and 2 inches of #411 or crusher run top layer for the tightest surface.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your project area.
Select your stone type and adjust the waste factor for your project shape.
Get tons, cubic yards, material cost, and delivery estimate.
Formulas
Volume = Length x Width x Depth x (1 + Waste%)
Cubic Yards = Volume (cu ft) / 27
Tons = Cubic Yards x Stone Density
What do the stone numbers mean?
Stone numbers refer to ASTM gradation sizes. Lower numbers mean larger stone. #2 stone is 2 to 3 inches, #57 stone is 3/4 to 1 inch, and #411 includes fines mixed with 3/4-inch stone. The numbering system is standardized across quarries.
How many tons per cubic yard of crushed stone?
It depends on the stone size. #57 stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Stone dust is heavier at 1.6 tons per cubic yard because the fine particles pack tighter. Riprap is lighter at 1.25 tons because of the air gaps between large pieces.
How deep should crushed stone be?
Driveways need 6 to 8 inches total (multiple layers). Patios and walkways need 4 inches of base. French drains need 6 to 12 inches depending on drainage volume. Decorative ground cover needs 2 to 3 inches minimum.
What is the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?
Crusher run includes fines (dust and small particles) that compact into a solid, nearly impermeable surface. #57 stone is clean, uniform 3/4-inch pieces that drain freely. Use crusher run for driving surfaces and #57 for drainage applications.
Which crushed stone is best for drainage?
#57 stone is the standard for drainage. The uniform 3/4-inch size creates consistent void spaces for water to flow through. Avoid stone dust and crusher run for drainage since the fines fill the gaps and block water.
Does crushed stone need to be compacted?
Yes, for any load-bearing application. #411 and crusher run compact best because the fines lock the larger pieces together. Clean #57 stone compacts less but still benefits from a plate compactor. Always compact in 2-inch lifts.
What is the minimum delivery order?
Most quarries and landscape suppliers require a minimum order of 1 to 3 tons for delivery. Orders under the minimum may face a surcharge. For small projects under 1 ton, picking up material yourself is usually cheaper.
How much does crushed stone cost per ton?
Prices range from $15 to $65 per ton depending on stone type. Stone dust is cheapest ($15 to $35/ton), #57 stone runs $25 to $50/ton, and riprap is the most expensive at $30 to $65/ton. Delivery adds $50 to $100 per truckload.
A narrow garden walkway with #57 stone over landscape fabric. Small enough to pick up yourself and skip the delivery fee.
A standard patio base using #411 stone with fines for a tight, compactable surface. One delivery load covers it with room to spare.
Bottom layer of a 3-layer driveway system using large #2 stone for stability. This is the structural base that supports vehicle weight.
A 50-foot French drain trench filled with clean #57 stone around a perforated pipe. The uniform stone size keeps water flowing freely.
Using the wrong stone size for the application
Clean #57 stone won't compact into a solid driveway surface. Crusher run or #411 with fines compacts tight. And fine stone dust will clog a French drain. Match stone size to the job.
Skipping the fabric barrier
Without geotextile fabric underneath, crushed stone migrates into the soil within 1 to 2 years. You lose depth and have to add more material. The fabric costs a fraction of replacing stone.
Not going deep enough
A 2-inch layer of stone on a driveway will rut and scatter within months. Driveways need 6 to 8 inches minimum. Patios need 4 inches. Skimping on depth means redoing the project sooner.
Skipping compaction
Uncompacted stone shifts under load and creates uneven surfaces. Use a plate compactor on every 2-inch lift. This is especially important for #411 and crusher run where fines lock everything together.
Ordering cubic yards instead of tons
Suppliers sell and deliver by the ton. A cubic yard of #57 stone weighs about 1.4 tons, but a cubic yard of stone dust weighs 1.6 tons. Always convert to tons before ordering to get the right amount.
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.