Crusher Run Calculator
Estimate crusher run tons, cubic yards, and delivery loads for compacted base projects.
Base Project
Quick presets
Cars, pickups, and delivery traffic
Ready to calculate
Enter dimensions or switch units to start fresh.
Last updated June 22, 2026 by our expert review team
How Deep Should Your Base Be?
Depth depends on your subgrade, not just the use — the variable most calculators skip.
What will use it?
Subgrade underneath
compacted, built in 2 lifts of ~3.5 in loose each
Set this depth as your compacted depth in the calculator above to get tons and loads. Verify against local specs and soil conditions.
2 compacted lifts of crusher run over average soil
Crusher Run Base Layer Guide
Crusher run belongs in the structural base. Spread it a little deeper than the final grade, compact it in lifts, and use fabric when soft soil could pump into the stone.
Finished compacted layer
6 in
Loose spread depth
6.9 in
Recommended Compacted Depths
3 in
Walkway
Foot traffic over firm soil
4 in
Shed or slab
Flat pad with drainage
6 in
Driveway / pavers
Most residential bases
8+ in
Heavy pad
Trailers, RVs, weak subgrade
Depths are finished compacted thicknesses. Add the compaction allowance when ordering loose material.
Expert Contributors
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
See full profileHawkin
Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileUpdated May 2026
How we verify our calculatorsPro Tips
Order for the loose material you need delivered, not only the compacted volume. Crusher run with fines tightens up under a plate compactor.
Build driveway and paver bases in lifts. Spread 3 to 4 inches loose, mist it damp, compact it, then place the next lift.
Strip topsoil before placing base material. Crusher run cannot bridge soft organic soil, and the finished surface will settle.
For pavers, crusher run is the structural base. Keep the bedding sand separate and hold it to about 1 inch after screeding.
For full driveway builds with surface stone, compare this base estimate with the gravel driveway calculator.
If your supplier quotes recycled concrete instead, use the crushed concrete calculator to compare weight and cost.
How the Calculator Works
The calculator treats crusher run as a compacted base layer. It multiplies area by compacted depth to find the finished volume, converts that volume to tons with the selected density, then adds a compaction and ordering allowance. That final loose amount is the number to discuss with the quarry. Cubic yards are shown because they help with depth and truck planning, but tons are usually the purchase unit.
Formula
Compacted cubic yards = Length x Width x (Depth in inches / 12) / 27
Loose order cubic yards = Compacted cubic yards x (1 + allowance %)
Order tons = Loose order cubic yards x tons per cubic yard
Quick Reference
- Default density
- 1.4 tons/yd³
- Common allowance
- 10 to 20%
- Best lift thickness
- 3 to 4 in loose
- Typical truck
- 10 to 15 tons
- Base shape
- Angular, dense-grade
Frequently Asked Questions About Crusher Run
Is crusher run the same as decorative gravel?
No. Crusher run is a compactable base mix with crushed stone and fines. Decorative gravel is usually washed or rounded, so it does not lock together the same way.
How deep should crusher run be for a driveway?
Use 4 inches compacted for light car traffic on firm soil, 6 inches for normal residential driveways, and 8 inches or more for trailers, RVs, or weak subgrade.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of crusher run?
A practical planning value is 1.35 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard. This calculator defaults to 1.4 tons per cubic yard and lets you change it in advanced options.
Should I order tons or cubic yards?
Most quarries sell crusher run by the ton. Cubic yards help you visualize volume, but the final order is usually tons plus a compaction allowance.
Can crusher run go under pavers?
Yes for a traditional dense-grade paver base. Compact it in lifts, then add a separate 1 inch bedding layer of sand or fine chip before laying pavers.
Why add a compaction allowance?
The loose load settles as fines fill voids between larger stone. If you order only the finished compacted volume, you can come up short before reaching grade.
Crusher Run Estimates for Common Projects
12 x 20 ft driveway section
6 in compacted, 15% allowance
A small delivery may still be priced as a minimum load, so call before ordering about seven tons.
10 x 12 ft shed base
4 in compacted, 12% allowance
Extend the base beyond the shed footprint so roof runoff does not erode the edge.
300 sq ft paver base
6 in compacted, 15% allowance
This is the aggregate base only. Bedding sand and pavers are separate layers.
Crusher Run Mistakes That Cost You Money
Ordering finished volume only
Add 10 to 20% so loose material reaches the planned depth after compaction.
Skipping compaction
Driving over the pile is not enough. Use a plate compactor or roller in thin lifts.
Confusing clean stone with crusher run
Clean #57 drains well but does not bind like dense-grade crusher run with fines.
Ignoring the delivery load
Small orders may trigger minimum fees, and large loads may exceed driveway or street limits.
Placing it on topsoil
Remove soft organic material and compact the subgrade before the base goes down.
Using it as bedding sand
For pavers, keep crusher run below the bedding layer. Screed sand or fine chip on top.
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.