Stone Calculator

Crushed stone and aggregate are essential for driveways, drainage systems, and landscape features. Use this calculator to find out exactly how much stone you need in cubic yards, tons, or bags.

Units:
ft
ft
in
Recommended: 26 inches
%
$/yd
$/bag
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Worked Example

A homeowner is resurfacing a 30 × 10 ft driveway section with 4 inches of crushed limestone.

  1. 1 Driveway area: 30 × 10 = 300 sq ft
  2. 2 Volume: 300 × (4/12) = 100 cu ft = 3.7 cu yd
  3. 3 Add 10% waste: 3.7 × 1.10 = 4.1 cu yd
  4. 4 Weight: 4.1 × 1.28 = 5.2 tons
  5. 5 50-lb bags: (5.2 × 2000) / 50 = 208 bags
Order 4.1 cubic yards bulk, or 208 fifty-pound bags. At $45/cu yd bulk, that's approximately $185.

How Stone Is Calculated

The calculation follows a simple pipeline: measure the area, multiply by depth to get volume, then convert to the units your supplier sells.

Area × Depth = Volume (cu ft) → divide by 27 for cubic yards → multiply by material density for tons → divide by bag size for bag count. All quantities include your waste factor so you always have enough.

Densities are based on dry, loose material. Wet stone can weigh 10–20% more. All bag counts are rounded up — you can't buy half a bag.

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Stone Type Selection Guide

Stone Type Best For Notes
Crushed LimestoneDriveways & basesCompacts well, affordable, general purpose
FieldstoneWalls & landscape featuresNatural look, ideal for stacking and borders
Drainage StoneFrench drains & trenchesLarge voids allow water flow, wrap pipe in fabric

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between gravel and stone? +
Gravel is naturally weathered, rounded rock, while crushed stone is mechanically broken with angular edges that lock together. Crushed stone compacts better and is preferred for driveways and structural bases, whereas gravel is often used for decorative landscaping.
How deep should stone be for a driveway? +
A residential driveway typically needs 4–6 inches of crushed stone. For heavy traffic or soft soil, go with 6 inches. Many contractors use a two-layer approach: 4 inches of coarse base stone topped with 2 inches of finer stone for a smooth surface.
Does crushed stone compact? +
Yes. Angular crushed stone compacts very well — expect 10–15% compaction. Crusher run (a mix of stone and fines) compacts the most and is ideal for bases. Round stone like river rock does not compact effectively.
How much does a cubic yard of stone weigh? +
Most crushed stone weighs between 2,500–2,800 lbs (1.25–1.4 tons) per cubic yard. Crushed limestone averages about 1.28 tons per cubic yard, while denser stones like fieldstone can reach 1.42 tons per cubic yard.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements depend on site conditions, compaction, grading, and local building codes. Always verify measurements on-site and consult with your material supplier before purchasing.
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