Site Work & Landscaping
Crushed Stone Calculator
Calculate exactly how much crushed stone you need — in cubic yards / m³, short tons / metric tonnes, bags, and dump truck loads. Choose from six stone types including #57 crushed stone, dense-grade aggregate, limestone, granite, pea gravel, and recycled concrete. Supports rectangular, circular, and custom-area shapes in metric and imperial units.
Crushed Stone Calculator
Volume, weight, bags & truck loads for any stone type
Stone Type
Area Shape
Results
Enter dimensions above to calculate
Stone Layer Diagram
Crushed stone is applied in a layer of uniform depth over the prepared subgrade. Volume = Area × Depth.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Volume
Start with the area of your surface — length × width for rectangular, π × radius² for circular — then multiply by the depth (thickness) of stone you need. Add your waste allowance on top: 10% is standard for driveways and pathways; use 15% for irregular shapes or areas where ground is uneven.
2. Weight
Stone density varies by type and gradation. #57 crushed stone (the most common general-purpose aggregate) is about 1,600 kg/m³ loose. Dense-grade aggregate (#21A) used for driveways and compacted subbase is denser at roughly 1,720 kg/m³. Granite is heaviest (~1,760 kg/m³); pea gravel is lightest (~1,520 kg/m³). Always confirm with your supplier's delivery weight ticket.
3. Recommended Depths by Application
Depth depends on subgrade strength and loading. A residential driveway typically needs 150 mm (6 in) of compacted dense-grade aggregate base plus a 50–75 mm (2–3 in) wearing surface of #57 stone. Walkways and patios need 75–100 mm. French drain trenches require 200–300 mm of clean crushed stone around the perforated pipe. Increase depth for clay subgrades or heavy vehicle traffic.
4. Loose vs Compacted Volume
Crushed stone is delivered loose from the truck. After spreading and compacting (with a plate compactor or roller), it settles 15–25% depending on gradation and compaction effort. #57 stone (open-graded, no fines) compacts less than dense-grade aggregate (which contains fines that fill voids). Always order 10–20% more than your calculated compacted volume to avoid a second delivery.
Recommended Depths by Application
| Application | Depth (mm) | Depth (in) | Best Stone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway base | 150–200 | 6–8" | Dense-grade aggregate (#21A) |
| Driveway wearing course | 50–75 | 2–3" | #57 Crushed stone |
| Walkway / patio base | 75–100 | 3–4" | #57 or dense-grade |
| French drain (around pipe) | 200–300 | 8–12" | #57 or #3 clean stone |
| Decorative landscaping | 50–75 | 2–3" | Pea gravel or crushed granite |
| Building pad / subbase | 200–300 | 8–12" | Dense-grade aggregate |
Worked Example
Gravel driveway: 30 ft × 12 ft, 4 inches of #57 crushed stone, 10% waste.
💡 Pro tip
For a gravel driveway, layer your stone: start with 4–6 inches of compacted #21A dense-grade aggregate as the base, then top with 2–3 inches of #57 for the wearing surface. Fabric geotextile between the subgrade and base stone prevents mixing and reduces long-term maintenance. Always crown the centre of the driveway 1–2% for drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much crushed stone do I need for a driveway?
- For a typical residential driveway base, plan for 150 mm (6 inches) of compacted dense-grade aggregate. A 30 ft × 12 ft driveway (360 ft²) at 6" depth requires about 6.7 yd³ (5.1 m³) or roughly 10 short tons. Add 10% waste for a total order of ~7.4 yd³.
- What is the difference between #57 stone and dense-grade aggregate?
- #57 crushed stone is a clean, open-graded aggregate (3/4" to 1" size, no fines) used for drainage, pipe bedding, and wearing surfaces. Dense-grade aggregate (DGA / #21A) contains a blend from 1" down to dust — the fines fill voids and it compacts tightly, making it ideal for driveways, parking pads, and compacted subbase under concrete or asphalt.
- How many tons of crushed stone fit in a dump truck?
- A standard residential dump truck carries 10–14 short tons (9–13 metric tonnes) of crushed stone. A tri-axle dump truck can carry 14–16 tons. Always confirm payload capacity with your supplier before ordering — weight limits vary by truck and permit.
- Does crushed stone compact? How much extra should I order?
- Yes. Crushed stone compacts 15–25% when spread and compacted with a plate compactor or roller. Order at least 10% extra to account for compaction and waste. For #21A dense-grade aggregate, plan for 20% extra since it compacts more aggressively than clean stone.
- What units does the calculator support?
- The calculator supports metric (dimensions in metres, depth in millimetres, results in m³ and metric tonnes) and imperial (dimensions in feet, depth in inches, results in yd³ and short tons). Toggle between systems using the switch at the top.