Every stone order starts with the same question: how many tons? Order too little and the truck comes back. Order too much and you pay for material you do not need. The math is straightforward once you know the formula.
This guide covers the tonnage calculation from start to finish. Measurement, cubic yard conversion, material weight factors, depth requirements by application, and worked examples you can plug your numbers into right now.
The Basic Formula
Three measurements. One formula. That is all you need.
Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft) / 27 = Cubic Yards
Divide by 27 because there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. Measure length and width in feet. Convert depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12.
Example: A driveway that is 60 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 4 inches deep.
60 x 12 x 0.333 / 27 = 8.88 cubic yards
Round up to 9 cubic yards. Then multiply by the material weight to get tons.
Cubic Yards to Tons: Conversion by Material Type
Not all aggregate weighs the same. Crushed stone is heavier than topsoil. Sand is heavier than gravel. Use the correct weight factor for your material or you will be off by 20% or more.
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard (lbs) | Tons per Cubic Yard | Cubic Yards per Ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone (limestone) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 0.74 |
| Crushed granite | 2,600 | 1.30 | 0.77 |
| Gravel (natural, washed) | 2,800 | 1.40 | 0.71 |
| Crusher run (dense-graded) | 2,500 | 1.25 | 0.80 |
| Stone dust / screenings | 2,700 | 1.35 | 0.74 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 0.74 |
| Sand (wet) | 3,100 | 1.55 | 0.65 |
| Topsoil (dry) | 2,000 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Recycled concrete aggregate | 2,400 | 1.20 | 0.83 |
| Riprap (large stone) | 2,800 | 1.40 | 0.71 |
The quick rule: most crushed stone weighs about 1.3 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Use 1.35 tons per cubic yard as a general estimate for crushed limestone. If you are ordering crusher run, use 1.25 because the smaller particles pack tighter with less air space.
Back to the driveway example: 9 cubic yards x 1.35 tons per cubic yard = 12.15 tons. Order 13 tons to account for waste and compaction.
Recommended Depth by Application
Stone depth depends on what it is supporting and whether it is a base layer or a surface layer. Too thin and it fails under load. Too thick and you waste material.
| Application | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway base course | 6 to 8 inches | Use crusher run or dense-graded aggregate. Compact in 3-inch lifts. |
| Driveway surface course | 2 to 3 inches | Use #57 or #67 stone on top of compacted base. |
| Gravel driveway (full build) | 8 to 12 inches total | 6-inch base + 2 to 3 inch surface. Two materials, two layers. |
| Walkway or garden path | 2 to 3 inches | Use pea gravel or #57 stone. Edging required to prevent spreading. |
| French drain backfill | 12 inches (trench fill) | Use #57 washed stone. Wrap with filter fabric. No fines. |
| Parking lot base | 8 to 12 inches | Spec depends on traffic load. Heavy truck traffic needs 12 inches minimum. |
| Pipe bedding | 4 to 6 inches | Use #57 or #67 stone. 4 inches below pipe, 6 inches above. |
| Retaining wall drainage | 12 inches behind wall | Use #57 washed stone. Connect to perforated drain pipe at base. |
| Base course (under concrete) | 4 to 6 inches | Compacted crusher run or #57 stone. Check your engineer’s spec. |
Do not skip the base. A gravel driveway with no base course turns into ruts within a year. Crusher run compacts into a solid base that supports the surface stone. The surface layer provides drainage and the finished look.
Coverage Per Ton by Stone Size
Different stone sizes cover different areas at the same depth because larger stones have more air space between them. This table shows coverage at 2-inch depth, a common surface layer thickness.
| Stone Size | Description | Coverage per Ton at 2-Inch Depth |
|---|---|---|
| #57 stone | 3/4 to 1 inch | 80 to 90 sq ft |
| #67 stone | 3/4 inch | 85 to 95 sq ft |
| Crusher run | Dust to 1.5 inch (dense-graded) | 70 to 80 sq ft |
| Stone dust / screenings | Fine, under 1/4 inch | 65 to 75 sq ft |
| #4 stone | 3/4 to 1.5 inch | 75 to 85 sq ft |
| Riprap (6-inch) | 3 to 9 inch | 35 to 45 sq ft |
Why crusher run covers less: the fine particles fill the gaps between larger stones. Less air space means more weight per square foot. That is also why crusher run compacts better than open-graded stone. It locks together.
Worked Examples: Real Projects, Real Numbers
Four common projects calculated step by step. Plug in your own measurements using the same method.
Example 1: Residential Driveway (60 x 12 ft)
Two layers: 6-inch crusher run base + 2-inch #57 stone surface.
Base layer: 60 x 12 x 0.5 / 27 = 13.33 cubic yards 13.33 x 1.25 tons/cy = 16.67 tons Order: 17 tons crusher run
Surface layer: 60 x 12 x 0.167 / 27 = 4.44 cubic yards 4.44 x 1.35 tons/cy = 6.0 tons Order: 7 tons #57 stone
Total: 24 tons (two deliveries, two materials)
Example 2: Parking Pad (20 x 20 ft)
Single layer: 6-inch crusher run, compacted.
20 x 20 x 0.5 / 27 = 7.41 cubic yards 7.41 x 1.25 = 9.26 tons Order: 10 tons crusher run
Example 3: French Drain (50 ft long x 2 ft wide x 1 ft deep)
50 x 2 x 1 / 27 = 3.70 cubic yards 3.70 x 1.35 = 5.0 tons Order: 6 tons #57 washed stone (add a ton for waste and overfill)
Example 4: Base Course for a Slab (100 x 24 ft at 6-inch depth)
100 x 24 x 0.5 / 27 = 44.44 cubic yards 44.44 x 1.25 = 55.56 tons Order: 57 tons crusher run
At 57 tons, you are looking at three standard dump truck loads (18 to 20 tons each). Confirm with your supplier whether they run tandem or tri-axle trucks so you know the delivery count.
The Waste Factor: How Much Extra to Order
Always order more than the math says. Material gets lost to compaction, spreading, edge spillage, and uneven subgrade.
Standard waste factor: 10%. Multiply your calculated tonnage by 1.10. A 20-ton calculation becomes a 22-ton order.
When to add more:
- Uneven subgrade: 15% waste factor. Dips and hollows eat more material than the average depth suggests. If your subgrade varies by 2 or more inches, add extra.
- Long delivery distance: Order full truckloads when possible. A truck that holds 20 tons costs the same to deliver whether it carries 18 tons or 20 tons. Round up to the nearest full load.
- Compaction: Crusher run loses 15% to 20% of its uncompacted volume when you run a plate compactor or roller over it. Factor this in. If you need 6 inches of compacted depth, place 7 to 8 inches of loose material.
Return policies vary. Some suppliers take back unused stone. Most do not. It is cheaper to have a small pile left over than to schedule a second delivery because you came up short.
Delivery Logistics: Trucks, Loads, and Timing
Stone arrives by dump truck. Know what to expect before the truck shows up.
| Truck Type | Typical Capacity | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Single axle dump truck | 6 to 8 tons | Small residential jobs, tight access |
| Tandem axle dump truck | 15 to 18 tons | Standard residential and commercial |
| Tri-axle dump truck | 20 to 24 tons | Commercial jobs, large volume orders |
| Tractor-trailer end dump | 22 to 26 tons | Large commercial, road work |
Hauling stone in your own truck? See how much a yard of gravel weighs and truck payload limits by vehicle for pickup, dump trailer, and dump truck capacity by material type.
Delivery fee: $75 to $200 per load. Most quarries include delivery within a radius (often 15 to 25 miles) and charge per mile beyond. Always ask for the delivered price per ton, not just the material price. A stone that costs $2 less per ton but adds $150 in delivery is not a deal.
Site access matters. Make sure the truck can get in, dump, and get out. A tri-axle dump truck needs a 10-foot-wide path and 40 feet of straight distance to dump safely. Overhead power lines, low branches, and soft ground are all problems. Communicate access restrictions to the quarry when you order.
Producing Your Own Aggregate On-Site
If you have concrete rubble, broken rock, or demolition waste on-site, you can crush it into base aggregate instead of buying stone from a quarry.
A portable jaw crusher turns demo concrete into 3/4-inch minus aggregate suitable for base courses, backfill, pipe bedding, and structural fill. Know your tonnage before you start. The same calculation in this guide tells you how many tons of finished aggregate you need. That number tells you how many tons of rubble to feed through the crusher and how many days of crushing the job requires.
Example math: You need 57 tons of base material for a slab pour. You have 80 tons of broken concrete from the old slab you just demolished. Crush 57 tons of it and stockpile the finished aggregate on-site. Zero delivery trips. Zero material cost.
Use the rental cost calculator on our crusher page to estimate what the crushing would cost. For a deeper look at the process, read our guide to on-site concrete crushing.
Our tonnage estimation guide has formulas for calculating how much concrete you get from slabs, footings, walls, and other common demo scenarios.
Stone Sizes and Grades: Picking the Right Material
Not sure which stone to order? The size determines the application.
#57 stone (3/4 to 1 inch): The most common stone for driveways, drainage, and general construction. Good drainage. Does not compact as tightly as crusher run. Use it for surface layers, French drains, and pipe bedding.
#67 stone (3/4 inch): Slightly more uniform than #57. Used for concrete mix aggregate, drainage backfill, and yard projects.
Crusher run (dense-graded base): A mix of crushed stone and fine particles from dust up to 1.5 inches. Compacts into a solid, stable base. This is the standard sub-base material for driveways, parking lots, and building pads.
Stone dust / screenings: The finest fraction from the crushing process. Used as a leveling layer under pavers, as a filler, and as a top-dressing for paths. Packs very tight when wet and compacted.
For a full breakdown of stone sizes, grades, and applications, see our crushed stone sizes and grades guide. If you are working with crusher run specifically, our crusher run guide covers specs, uses, and installation.
For an overview of how aggregate fits into the broader construction material picture, see our construction aggregate types guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons in a cubic yard of crushed stone?
Crushed limestone weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Crushed granite is slightly lighter at 1.30 tons per cubic yard. Crusher run weighs about 1.25 tons per cubic yard. Natural gravel runs heavier at 1.40 tons per cubic yard. These numbers vary by moisture content, source quarry, and gradation, but they are close enough for ordering estimates. Always confirm with your supplier if you are working to tight tolerances.
How deep should stone be for a driveway?
A properly built gravel driveway needs 8 to 12 inches total. That is 6 to 8 inches of compacted crusher run base topped with 2 to 3 inches of surface stone (#57 or #67). The base layer is the structural support. The surface layer provides drainage and a finished appearance. Skipping the base layer or going too thin leads to ruts, potholes, and expensive rework within a year.
How much waste factor should I add?
Add 10% for standard projects with a reasonably flat subgrade. Add 15% if the ground is uneven, soft, or has dips that will consume extra material. If your stone needs to be compacted (crusher run base courses), account for 15% to 20% volume loss from compaction on top of the waste factor. It is always cheaper to have a small surplus than to order a second delivery.
How many tons does a dump truck carry?
A single axle dump truck carries 6 to 8 tons. A tandem axle carries 15 to 18 tons. A tri-axle carries 20 to 24 tons. A tractor-trailer end dump carries 22 to 26 tons. Capacity depends on the truck configuration, local weight limits, and the density of the material. When ordering, ask your supplier what trucks they run so you can calculate how many loads your job requires.
What is the difference between a cubic yard and a ton?
A cubic yard is a measurement of volume: 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, 3 feet tall. It measures how much space material occupies. A ton is a measurement of weight: 2,000 lbs. The relationship between the two depends on the material density. One cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 1.35 tons. One cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 1.0 ton. You need both measurements because quarries sell by the ton but you plan your project by the cubic yard.
