Estimate crushed stone — cubic yards and tons — for a base, path, or drainage layer from the area and depth.
yd³ = (L × W × depth) ÷ 27; tons = yd³ × density
Crushed stone is sold by the ton or cubic yard. Multiply volume by density to convert.
Used for driveway bases, French drains, paver bases, and drainage — depth depends on the application.
For a 12 x 16 ft patio needing a 4-inch crushed-stone base: 192 square feet x 0.333 ft = 64 cubic feet, or 2.4 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard that's about 3.3 tons, plus 5% for compaction loss makes about 3.5 tons.
Crushed stone compacts significantly — that 4-inch loose layer becomes thinner once tamped, so many installers order based on the compacted target and add 10-15% rather than 5%. Ask your supplier whether their tonnage assumes loose or compacted volume.
Density varies by stone size and type, around 1.4 tons/yd³ for typical crushed stone. Verify with your quarry.
Crushed stone is graded by size number — the higher the number, the smaller the stone. Common picks are #57 (about ¾ in, excellent for drainage and slab base), crusher run or #411 (a mix of stone and fines that compacts hard for driveways and bases), #8 (pea-size, for decorative use and paver joints), and riprap (large, for erosion control). Choose by function: clean uniform stone for drainage, graded material with fines for a hard compacted surface.
Estimate as a volume — area times depth in feet, divided by 27 for cubic yards — then convert to tons at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for most crushed stone, or 1.5 for dense crusher run. For a base course, add 10–15% for compaction so the rolled depth meets target.
About 1.4 tons, varying with stone size and moisture.
Use #57 (about ¾ inch) for drainage and slab base, crusher run for a hard compacted driveway surface, #8 pea-size for decorative use and paver joints, and riprap for erosion control.
Calculate the volume in cubic yards (area times depth in feet, divided by 27), then multiply by about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, or 1.5 for dense crusher run.
Crusher run is a mix of crushed stone and fine particles that compacts into a hard, stable surface, making it the common choice for driveway and paver bases.