Free US Crushed Stone Calculator

Crushed Stone Calculator — #57, #3, Crusher Run, Stone Dust & More

Q: How many tons of crushed stone per cubic yard?

#57 and #3 stone: ~1.43 tons/yd³. #8 stone: ~1.40 tons. Crusher run: ~1.50 tons. Stone dust: ~1.60 tons. Crushed limestone: ~1.54 tons. A common planning estimate is 1.5 tons per cubic yard for most mid-density crushed stone.

Q: What is the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?

#57 stone is clean, washed, angular aggregate with no fines — it does not compact but drains freely. Crusher run contains stone dust and fines — it compacts 20-25% under mechanical pressure to form a dense stable surface but does not drain freely. Use #57 for French drains; use crusher run for driveway surfaces and paver bases.

Q: How many square feet does 1 ton of #57 stone cover?

At 2 inches: ~126 sq ft. At 3 inches: ~84 sq ft. At 4 inches: ~63 sq ft. At 6 inches: ~42 sq ft. Based on #57 stone at 1.43 tons per cubic yard.

Calculate tons and cubic yards for any ASTM crushed stone grade. Features 6 stone types with accurate densities, use-case presets that auto-set the right stone and depth, compaction flag, coverage rate per ton, landscape fabric estimate, ton vs yd³ comparison, and PDF report.

Enter Your Project Details

Step 1 — Project Type

Step 2 — Stone Type (ASTM Grade)

#57 Stone (¾”) — washed, angular, free-draining. Best for French drains, drainage beds, concrete slab base, and driveway middle layer. Does not compact

Step 3 — Depth & Waste Factor

Depth

inches

Waste / Compaction Factor

10%

Estimate landscape fabric / geotextile (recommended under decorative stone)

Step 4 — Area Dimensions

1 Area 1

Shape

Rectangle / Square Circle Triangle

Width (ft)

Length (ft)

Step 5 — Pricing

Price Per Ton

Price Per yd³

Your Results

Select your project type and stone grade, enter area dimensions, and click Calculate Crushed Stone to see tons, yards, coverage, and cost comparison.

The ASTM Crushed Stone Number System Explained — What #57, #3, #8, and Crusher Run Actually Mean

If you have ever called a quarry and been asked “what number stone do you need?” without having any idea what that means, you are not alone. The ASTM crushed stone numbering system is an industry-standard gradation system that tells suppliers the particle size range of crushed aggregate — but it is completely opaque to the average homeowner or contractor calling in their first order. Here is what you actually need to know to make the right call:

ASTM #57 Stone (¾”) — The Most Versatile Crushed Stone in the US

ASTM No. 57 stone is the single most widely used crushed aggregate in American construction and landscaping. The “57” refers to the ASTM sieve designations that define the gradation: particles ranging from approximately ⅜ inch to 1 inch in diameter, with most pieces falling around ¾ inch. Density: approximately 1.43 tons per cubic yard.

#57 is angular, washed, and free of fines (dust and small particles). That last characteristic is critical — the absence of fines creates a high void ratio (approximately 30–40% air space between stones) that allows water to move through freely. This makes #57 the standard specification for: French drains and drainage beds, concrete slab sub-base (AASHTO requires 4 inches of compacted granular base under most residential slabs), driveway middle layer, around septic drain field pipes, and drainage aggregate around foundation walls. It does not compact — the angular stones interlock loosely but the large void spaces cannot be closed under normal compaction equipment.

ASTM #3 Stone (1½”) — Heavy-Duty Drainage and Driveway Base

ASTM No. 3 stone is the larger sibling of #57 — particles ranging from 1 inch to 2½ inches. Same angular, washed, fines-free characteristics as #57, but the larger particle size creates even more drainage capacity and structural interlocking for heavy loads. Density: approximately 1.43 tons per cubic yard. The primary US applications are: first (deepest) layer of a 3-layer driveway build, drainage channels where volume of water flow is high, larger French drain systems handling significant stormwater, and erosion control on steep slopes. The large particle size means you need more total depth to create a flat, workable surface — never use #3 stone as a driveway surface layer.

ASTM #8 Stone (⅜”) — Fine Surface Layer and Walkways

ASTM No. 8 stone is smaller than #57 — particles from ⅛ to ½ inch in diameter. This smaller size creates a tighter, more comfortable walking surface while still providing good drainage. Density: approximately 1.40 tons per cubic yard. It is used for driveway surface topping, walking paths, between stepping stones, around pool decks, and anywhere a smoother stone surface is desired without going to stone dust. Unlike crusher run, #8 stays washed and clean, making it more comfortable to walk on barefoot.

Crusher Run / CR-6 / #411 — The Compactable Base Champion

Crusher run is fundamentally different from all the ASTM “clean” stone grades — it contains a full blend of crushed stone plus fines (stone dust and small particles). When compacted with a plate compactor or roller, the fine particles fill the voids between larger stones and the material locks together into a dense, stable mass. Density: approximately 1.50 tons per cubic yard, and it compacts approximately 20–25% in volume.

This compaction characteristic is why crusher run is the standard surface material for residential gravel driveways, the compacted base under paver patios, and road base applications. A plate-compacted layer of crusher run resists vehicle ruts far better than any clean washed stone. The trade-off: it generates dust in dry weather and tracks into garages.

Stone Dust / Screenings — Paver Bedding and Final Leveling

Stone dust (also called crusher screenings or quarry dust) is the fine material — ¼ inch and smaller — that passes through the finest screen at a quarry during the crushing process. Density: approximately 1.60 tons per cubic yard — the heaviest per yard of any stone product because it packs very tightly. Stone dust is used almost exclusively for the thin (1 inch) bedding layer under concrete pavers and natural stone patio materials. It is the industry standard because it sets firmly under the weight of the pavers while still allowing minor adjustment during installation. Never use stone dust in a French drain — it clogs drainage completely.

The compaction rule that saves driveway budgets: Add compaction factor to crusher run and stone dust orders only — #57, #3, and #8 clean stone do not compact meaningfully and need only a 5–10% waste allowance. Our calculator automatically applies the correct waste vs. compaction factor based on which stone type you select, so you are never over-ordering washed stone or under-ordering crusher run.

ASTM Grade	Size Range	Density (tons/yd³)	Compacts?	Best Application
#57 Stone	⅜”–1″ (nom. ¾”)	~1.43	No — free-draining	French drains, concrete base, drainage
#3 Stone	1″–2½” (nom. 1½”)	~1.43	No — free-draining	Driveway base, heavy drainage, erosion
#8 Stone	⅛”–½” (nom. ⅜”)	~1.40	Slightly	Driveway surface, walkways, paths
Crusher Run (CR-6)	0″–1½” (mixed)	~1.50	Yes — 20–25%	Driveway surface, paver base, road base
Stone Dust	0″–¼” (fines)	~1.60	Yes — firm set	Paver bedding layer (1″ only)
Crushed Limestone	varies	~1.54	Yes (with fines)	Driveways, base layers (common in South/Midwest)

Three Real US Crushed Stone Projects, Calculated

Example 1: Louisville, Kentucky — 80 ft French Drain with #57 Stone

Midwest clay soil, foundation drainage, #57 washed stone

David has chronic water intrusion along the back of his foundation in Prospect. A drainage contractor has specified an 80-foot French drain trench, 18 inches deep × 12 inches wide, filled with #57 washed stone around a 4-inch perforated pipe. Local quarry price: $42/ton. No compaction factor needed for #57.

Input	Value
Trench area (80 × 1 ft wide)	80 sq ft
Stone depth	18 inches (full trench)
Raw volume	80 × 18 ÷ 324 = 4.44 yd³
With 10% waste	4.89 yd³
Weight (1.43 tons/yd³)	6.99 tons
Cost (6.99 × $42)	$293.58
Coverage rate at 18 in	1 ton covers 18 sq ft of trench

✅ David orders 7.5 tons of #57 stone (slight buffer). At $42/ton, material cost is ~$315. He uses filter fabric sleeve on the perforated pipe before placing stone — #57 stays clean because it has no fines. No compaction needed or wanted — the void spaces ARE the drainage function.

Example 2: Dallas, Texas — 20×24 ft Patio Paver Base with Crusher Run

Texas clay soil, new paver patio, 4″ compacted crusher run base

Jennifer is installing a 20 × 24 ft concrete paver patio in her Plano backyard. Her contractor specifies 4 inches of CR-6 crusher run base, plate-compacted, before the 1-inch stone dust bedding layer and pavers. Local crusher run: $38/ton. Compaction factor: 22%.

Input	Value
Patio area	20 × 24 = 480 sq ft
Crusher run depth	4 inches
Raw volume	480 × 4 ÷ 324 = 5.93 yd³
With 22% compaction	7.23 yd³ (order 7.5 yards)
Weight (1.50 tons/yd³)	10.85 tons
Cost (10.85 × $38)	$412.30
Stone dust (1″ bedding)	480 sq ft × 1 in = 1.48 yd³ → ~2.4 tons

✅ Jennifer orders 11 tons of crusher run ($418) + 2.5 tons of stone dust ($95) = $513 total base material. The compaction factor is critical — without it she would order only 5.93 yards, compact it, and be 1.3 yards short before she even started laying bedding sand. This is the most common paver base ordering mistake.

Example 3: Charlotte, North Carolina — 12×150 ft Driveway Base Layer (#3 Stone)

Piedmont clay, new gravel driveway, 6-inch #3 stone base layer

Mark is building a new 150-foot gravel driveway in his rural Waxhaw property. First layer: 6 inches of #3 crushed stone base. Second layer (separate order): 3 inches of #57. Surface (later): 2 inches of crusher run. This calculation is for the #3 base layer only. Quarry price: $40/ton.

Input	Value
Driveway area (12 × 150)	1,800 sq ft
#3 stone depth	6 inches
Raw volume	1,800 × 6 ÷ 324 = 33.33 yd³
With 10% waste (no compaction)	36.67 yd³
Weight (1.43 tons/yd³)	52.44 tons
Cost (52.44 × $40)	$2,097.60
Truck loads (15-ton tandem)	4 loads

✅ Mark orders 37 yards / ~53 tons of #3 stone — 4 tandem loads. At $40/ton that is $2,120 for just the base layer. The full 3-layer driveway (base + mid + surface) will total roughly 75–80 tons and 5–6 truck deliveries. Use the Gravel Calculator’s 3-layer driveway mode for a full combined estimate.

Three Expert Tips for Ordering Crushed Stone

Always Ask Your Local Quarry What They Call It

Stone names vary significantly by region. What Louisville calls “#57 stone” is what Nashville calls “¾-inch washed stone” and what Pittsburgh calls “2B aggregate.” In the Southeast, “CR-6” is crusher run; in New England, it is sometimes called “processed gravel.” When you call a quarry, describe what you need by size and characteristics — not by ASTM number — unless you are certain your local quarry uses ASTM terminology. Say: “I need angular washed stone around ¾ inch for a French drain” and let them confirm the right product for your area.

Never Mix Compactable and Non-Compactable Stone in One Layer

Crusher run compacts into a dense, interlocked mass. Clean #57 does not — it stays loose and fluid. Mixing the two — either buying a mixed load or spreading #57 over a partial crusher run base — gives you the worst of both worlds: a base that neither drains like clean stone nor compacts like crusher run. Keep each layer pure to its specification. For a French drain, use only clean, washed #57 or #3. For a driveway surface, use only crusher run or a dense-grade aggregate. Never substitute one for the other based on price alone.

Use Geotextile Fabric Beneath ALL Crushed Stone Applications

Without a geotextile separation fabric between native soil and crushed stone, the two materials intermix over time through freeze-thaw cycles, water movement, and traffic vibration. This “migration” is how a perfectly graded driveway base or French drain becomes clogged and ineffective within 5–10 years. A heavy-duty woven geotextile (4-oz non-woven or 2.5-oz woven minimum for driveways) lines the trench, channel, or sub-base before stone goes in. Drainage applications use a non-woven needle-punched fabric that filters water while blocking soil particles. The fabric costs $0.05–$0.15 per square foot and doubles or triples the effective life of any crushed stone installation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crushed Stone

How many tons of crushed stone per cubic yard?+

#57 and #3 stone: ~1.43 tons per cubic yard. #8 stone: ~1.40 tons. Crusher run (CR-6): ~1.50 tons. Stone dust / screenings: ~1.60 tons. Crushed limestone: ~1.54 tons. A common quick-reference is 1.5 tons per yard for most mid-density crushed stone — this works as a planning estimate when you do not know the specific stone type. Our calculator uses type-specific densities for more accurate results.

How many square feet does 1 ton of #57 stone cover?+

At 2 inches deep: 1 ton covers ~126 sq ft. At 3 inches: ~84 sq ft. At 4 inches: ~63 sq ft. At 6 inches: ~42 sq ft. These numbers are for #57 stone at 1.43 tons/yd³. For crusher run (1.50 tons/yd³), coverage is slightly less per ton because it is denser. Our calculator shows your specific coverage rate per ton on the results screen so you can cross-check supplier quotes.

What is the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?+

#57 stone is clean, washed, angular aggregate (¾” nominal) with no fines — it does not compact but drains freely. Crusher run is a blend of crushed stone plus stone dust and fines — it compacts under mechanical pressure to form a dense, stable surface but does not drain freely. Use #57 for drainage applications (French drains, drainage beds, concrete sub-base). Use crusher run for driveway surfaces and paver bases where stability and compaction matter more than drainage.

How deep should crushed stone be for a driveway?+

A properly built residential gravel driveway uses 9–12 total inches of material in layers: 4–6 inches of #3 stone base layer (compacted), 3 inches of #57 middle layer, and 2–3 inches of crusher run surface layer. For a single-layer budget driveway, 4–6 inches of compacted crusher run is the minimum for light vehicle traffic. Any less than 4 inches of compacted material will rut under repeated vehicle use. For high-traffic or heavy vehicle driveways, use the full 3-layer specification.

How many cubic yards of crushed stone per 100 square feet?+

At 2 inches: 100 × 2 ÷ 324 = 0.62 yd³. At 4 inches: 1.23 yd³. At 6 inches: 1.85 yd³. For crusher run, add 20–22% for compaction factor. At 4 inches with 20% compaction: order 1.48 yd³ per 100 sq ft. For #57 (no compaction needed), add 10% waste only: 1.35 yd³ per 100 sq ft at 4 inches.

What is #57 stone used for?+

ASTM #57 stone (¾” nominal washed crushed stone) is used for: French drains and foundation drainage, drainage beds around utility pipes, 4-inch granular base under concrete slabs (per AASHTO and ACI requirements), driveway middle layer, septic system drain field aggregate, around sump pump discharge trenches, and general drainage fill anywhere water needs to move freely through the stone. Its defining characteristic is free drainage — the angular particles with no fines create 30–40% void space that water moves through readily.

Does crushed stone compact?+

It depends on the type. Clean washed stone (#57, #3, #8) does NOT compact meaningfully — the absence of fines means there is nothing to fill the void spaces under compaction pressure. Only add 5–10% waste for these materials. Crusher run and dense-grade aggregates DO compact — by 20–25% in volume when mechanically compacted with a plate compactor. Stone dust compacts even more. Always add compaction factor to crusher run orders; never add it to clean washed stone orders.

How much crushed stone do I need for a French drain?+

Calculate the trench dimensions (length × width × depth). A standard residential French drain is typically 12 inches wide and 12–18 inches deep, using #57 washed stone throughout. For a 50-foot trench at 12″ × 12″: area = 50 sq ft, depth = 12 inches. Volume = 50 × 12 ÷ 324 = 1.85 yd³. With 10% waste: 2.03 yd³ = 2.90 tons. Add pipe sock fabric around the perforated pipe before placing stone. Never use crusher run or stone dust in a French drain — fines clog the drainage voids.

What is stone dust used for?+

Stone dust (crusher screenings) is used almost exclusively as the 1-inch bedding layer directly under concrete pavers, natural stone, and flagstone. It is the industry standard for this application because it sets firmly under the weight of pavers while still allowing minor adjustment during installation. Never use stone dust for drainage — its fine particles clog all void spaces and block water movement completely. Also avoid using it for walkways or paths where foot traffic will cause it to become muddy when wet.

How much crushed stone do I need under a concrete slab?+

Most US building codes and ACI (American Concrete Institute) standards specify 4 inches of compacted granular base (#57 or #4 stone) under residential concrete slabs. For a 20 × 20 ft slab: 400 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 324 = 4.94 yd³ raw. #57 does not compact (no compaction factor): add 10% waste = 5.43 yd³ = 7.77 tons. Some codes allow 4 inches of well-compacted crusher run as the base — confirm with your local building department before ordering material.

How do I calculate crushed stone for a circular area?+

For circular areas: Area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)². Example: a circular drainage bed 15 feet across has radius = 7.5 ft; Area = 3.14159 × 56.25 = 176.7 sq ft. At 6 inches of #57 with 10% waste: 176.7 × 6 ÷ 324 × 1.10 = 3.60 yd³ = 5.15 tons. Our calculator handles circle geometry automatically — select the Circle shape and enter the diameter to get the result instantly.

What is crusher run and when should I use it?+

Crusher run (also called CR-6, #411, road base, or dense-grade aggregate depending on region) is a blend of crushed stone in various sizes plus stone dust and fines. Unlike washed clean stone, crusher run contains fines that fill voids under compaction, creating a dense, interlocked, stable surface. Use crusher run when you need material that will compact and stay in place under vehicle traffic: driveway surface layer, the compacted base under paver patios, base layer for shed pads, and rural road base. Always compact it with a plate compactor in 3-inch maximum lifts.

How much crushed stone for a 12×12 patio base?+

A 12 × 12 ft patio = 144 sq ft. For 4 inches of crusher run base with 22% compaction: 144 × 4 ÷ 324 × 1.22 = 2.17 yd³ = 3.25 tons. For 6 inches: 144 × 6 ÷ 324 × 1.22 = 3.25 yd³ = 4.88 tons. Plus 1 inch of stone dust bedding (no significant compaction needed): 144 × 1 ÷ 324 × 1.05 = 0.47 yd³ = 0.75 tons. A 12 × 12 patio base is a small project — one partial dump truck load handles both the crusher run and stone dust.

Is crushed limestone the same as crushed stone?+

Crushed limestone is one type of crushed stone — the most commonly available in the southern and midwestern US where limestone bedrock is abundant. Other crushed stone types include granite (common in New England and mid-Atlantic), trap rock (northeastern US), and basalt (western US). Limestone tends to be slightly denser than granite at the same gradation, and it has a lighter tan-to-gray color. For most landscaping and construction applications, the material specification (clean washed #57, crusher run, etc.) matters more than whether the source rock is limestone or granite.

Can I use crushed stone instead of gravel?+

Yes — and for most structural applications, crushed stone is actually preferable to natural rounded gravel. Crushed stone has angular edges that interlock under load, providing more stable compaction than smooth rounded pea gravel or river rock. Natural rounded gravel is better for decorative applications (patios, garden beds) where comfort underfoot and aesthetics matter. For driveways, drainage, paver bases, and concrete sub-base: use angular crushed stone. For decorative pathways and garden borders where walking barefoot is common: use smooth rounded gravel or pea gravel.

Do I need landscape fabric under crushed stone?+

Yes, in most applications. Without geotextile fabric between the subgrade and crushed stone, soil and stone intermix over time through water action and freeze-thaw cycles, degrading drainage performance and causing settling. For decorative stone beds: use a non-woven geotextile (3-oz minimum) under the stone to prevent weeds and soil migration. For drainage applications: use a non-woven needle-punched fabric that filters water while blocking soil particles — wrap it around the trench walls and fold over the top of the stone before backfilling. For driveway base and paver base: use a heavy-duty woven geotextile (2.5-oz or heavier) that can handle vehicle loads without tearing.

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Legal Disclaimer & Editorial Transparency

The Crushed Stone Calculator on USCalculators.com is provided free of charge for planning and estimation purposes only. Volume, weight, and cost figures are mathematical estimates based on the dimensions and prices you enter. Actual material requirements will vary based on stone type density variation by quarry source, moisture content at delivery, compaction achieved, subgrade conditions, and area geometry.

Stone density values represent US industry-standard averages per ASTM stone grade. Actual quarry material density may differ — particularly for heavier stone types like trap rock and basalt. ASTM stone designations and local stone names vary by region; confirm the correct product with your local quarry before ordering. Compaction factor recommendations are general guidelines; actual compaction varies by equipment type and lift thickness. Always confirm product specifications, pricing, and coverage with your local stone supplier or quarry before placing an order. Stone density data referenced from ASTM International standard aggregate gradation specifications. USCalculators.com is not affiliated with any stone supplier, quarry, or government agency.