Landscape & Groundwork
Crushed Stone Calculator
Find the cubic yards, tons and material cost for your crushed stone base.
Enter your measurements
Results update as you type.
About this calculator
Crushed stone is angular aggregate used for driveways, base layers and drainage. Enter dimensions, area with depth or a known volume, then add an order allowance and the supplier's bulk density to estimate weight.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the area and layer depth for the geometric volume you want to estimate.
- Match the volume basis to the bulk density supplied for your aggregate. The dry-rock supplier example is editable.
- If your plan specifies finished compacted depth, obtain a suitable loose-to-compacted conversion separately before ordering; this calculator does not derive it.
- Add any extra order allowance once, then confirm the grade, quantity basis and delivery minimum with the supplier.
Formula
Net volume = length × width × depth (or area × depth, or entered volume)
Order volume = net volume × (1 + allowance ÷ 100)
Weight = order volume × supplier density — only when density is supplied
Assumptions
- Compaction reduces placed thickness; the allowance is extra order volume, not a compaction model.
- Bulk density depends on stone grade and moisture — the default is editable.
- Volume is geometric and independent of the aggregate grade.
- The editable density is a named supplier example. Grading, moisture and compaction can change the weight.
Volume for a 10 × 20 ft base
| Final measured depth | Geometric volume |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 1.235 yd³ |
| 4 in | 2.469 yd³ |
| 6 in | 3.704 yd³ |
No loose-to-compacted conversion is included. Use the project’s specified depth.
Common mistakes
- Mixing depth in inches with area in square feet before converting units.
- Using a loose or dry supplier density for a different compacted or wet material.
- Applying extra order volume twice, or treating it as a compaction model.
Worked example
Try it: press “Load example” above the form.
12 ft × 9 ft × 3 in is exactly 1 yd³. At the illustrative density of 1.4 US short ton/yd³, weight is 1.4 US short tons before any allowance.
Limitations
Quantities are geometric planning estimates. Confirm the material, dry/loose or compacted basis, delivery minimum and density with your own supplier. The allowance is extra volume, not a compaction model.
Frequently asked questions
Does the result include compacted base thickness?
The result follows the depth you enter. An order allowance is not a compaction factor. Ask for a loose-to-compacted conversion appropriate to your specified aggregate and installation.
Are crushed stone and rounded gravel interchangeable?
Their shape and grading can change interlock, drainage and bulk density. The calculation does not establish suitability; use the material and depth in the project specification.
What does the worked example show?
12 ft × 9 ft × 3 in is exactly 1 yd³. At the illustrative density of 1.4 US short ton/yd³, weight is 1.4 US short tons before any allowance.
Which assumptions should I check before using the result?
Quantities are geometric planning estimates. Confirm the material, dry/loose or compacted basis, delivery minimum and density with your own supplier. The allowance is extra volume, not a compaction model.
Sources
Sources explain the methods and any named product presets. Check your product label where coverage, yield or density differs.
- Inch Calculator: Gravel
- NIST: Revised Unit Conversion Factors
- Triangle Landscape Supplies: dry bulk weights
Named supplier examples: rock 2,800 lb/yd³, sand 2,500 lb/yd³, soil 2,000–2,600 lb/yd³. These do not specify every material. Checked 8 November 2026.
Calculation documentation · Updated 2026-11-11 · Version 1.6.4. Estimates are planning aids. Confirm quantities, coverage and prices with your supplier before purchasing. Found an error? Report it.
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