DIY CalculatorAngular stone locks together when compacted, so a base loses some height — the default 5% extra covers normal compaction on a thin layer.
How much crushed stone do you need?
- Shed or patio base: 4 inches, compacted.
- Driveway base: 6–8 inches, laid and compacted in layers.
- French drains: fill the trench around the pipe.
- Top a driveway base with 2–3 inches of finer gravel.
How much crushed stone for common areas (cubic yards / tons, no extra added)
| Area | 3 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep | 8 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.93 yd³ / 1.25 t | 1.23 yd³ / 1.67 t | 1.85 yd³ / 2.5 t | 2.47 yd³ / 3.33 t |
| 200 sq ft | 1.85 yd³ / 2.5 t | 2.47 yd³ / 3.33 t | 3.7 yd³ / 5 t | 4.94 yd³ / 6.67 t |
| 500 sq ft | 4.63 yd³ / 6.25 t | 6.17 yd³ / 8.33 t | 9.26 yd³ / 12.5 t | 12.35 yd³ / 16.67 t |
| 1,000 sq ft | 9.26 yd³ / 12.5 t | 12.35 yd³ / 16.67 t | 18.52 yd³ / 25 t | 24.69 yd³ / 33.33 t |
Tons assume 2,700 lb per cubic yard. Add extra for waste and settling when you order.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width (or the diameter of a round area). Use any unit — feet, inches, yards or meters.
- Split odd shapes into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each one with “Add another area”.
- Enter the depth. Results update as you type: cubic yards, tons and bags.
- Optionally enter a price to estimate the cost.
Add this calculator to your website
Run a landscaping supply, garden center or DIY blog? Paste this code into your page to let visitors use the crushed stone calculator right there. It is free, has no ads, and resizes itself to fit.
More calculators
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of crushed stone are in a yard?
About 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) for #57 stone. Fine crusher run with dust packs tighter and can be closer to 1.5 tons.
What is #57 stone?
A washed crushed stone about 3/4 to 1 inch in size, used for drainage, driveway top layers and concrete aggregate.
Is it cheaper to buy bags or bulk?
For anything over about 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper per cubic yard than bags, though you pay a delivery fee. Bags make sense for small jobs, top-ups and places a truck can’t reach.