Crushed Stone Calculator
Size the tonnage and cost of crushed stone for drainage, sub-base, or decorative applications — with gradation guidance so you pick the right stone code.
Crushed Stone Calculator
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Estimates assume typical industry density and waste factors. Always verify with your supplier and local building code before purchasing material.
Crushed Stone vs. Gravel — Aren't They the Same?
Not technically. Gravel is naturally rounded stone found in rivers and pits. Crushed stone is quarried stone mechanically broken into angular fragments.
Why the angular shape matters:
- Interlocking — angular facets grip each other; rounded stones roll past each other
- Compaction — crushed stone packs to 95%+ density; rounded gravel maxes out at 85%
- Bearing strength — compacted crushed stone is stronger than loose rounded gravel at the same volume
For structural base under pavement, patios, foundations: always use crushed stone (DGA, crusher run, #57, #2). For decorative and drainage applications where compaction doesn't matter: either works.
Gradation Codes Decoded
Crushed stone is classified by ASTM D448 and state DOT specs. The most common residential products:
- #57 stone — 1 inch to 3/4 inch, uniformly graded. Top-layer drainage, crush-run alternative. Drains freely; stays in place under light loads.
- #8 stone — 3/8 inch to #4 sieve. Fine concrete aggregate, also used for shoulder stone.
- #2 stone — 2-1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inch. Railroad ballast, heavy drainage.
- DGA (Dense-Graded Aggregate) — full blend from dust to 3/4 inch. Compacts into a solid base layer. Industry-standard driveway sub-base.
- Crusher Run — similar to DGA, slightly less regulated gradation. Cheaper, same function.
- Stone dust — screenings, very fine. Excellent compactable base or paver sand substitute.
Density rule: 100 lb/ft³ for most clean angular stone; 110 lb/ft³ for dense-graded products.
| Application | Best Product | Typical Depth | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway top course | #57 stone | 2 in | Smooth surface, free-drainage |
| Driveway sub-base | DGA or crusher run | 4-6 in | Compacts into structural base |
| French drain / drainage pit | #57 stone | 12+ in | Open voids carry water |
| Behind retaining wall | #57 stone | 12 in | Drainage prevents hydrostatic pressure |
| Paver patio base | DGA + stone dust | 4 in + 1 in | Compacts flat for pavers |
| Sidewalk sub-base | DGA | 4 in | Low-cost structural base |
| Concrete slab sub-base | #57 stone | 4 in | Drainage and frost break |
| Decorative landscape | River rock or 1-2 in stone | 2-3 in | Appearance and weed control |
Depths are compacted depths. Order 10% extra for settling during compaction.
| Project | Square Feet | Depth | Tons Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small walkway sub-base | 40 ft² | 4 in | 0.67 tons |
| Large patio sub-base (14×14 ft) | 196 ft² | 4 in | 3.27 tons |
| Driveway sub-base (12×50 ft) | 600 ft² | 6 in | 15 tons |
| Long driveway sub-base (12×300 ft) | 3,600 ft² | 6 in | 90 tons |
| Foundation drain (150 ft × 2 ft × 2 ft) | 600 ft² | 24 in | 30 tons |
| French drain (100 ft × 1 ft × 3 ft) | 300 ft² | 36 in | 22.5 tons |
Based on 100 lb/ft³ density. For 110 lb/ft³ crusher run, multiply by 1.1.
Real-World Example Calculations
Paver Patio Sub-Base 14 × 18 ft @ 4 in DGA
Compacted DGA base under a flagstone patio.
- Length × Width
- 18 × 14 ft
- Depth
- 4 in
- Density
- 110 lb/ft³
Takeaway: Spread in 2-in lifts; compact each lift with a plate compactor. Add 1 in stone dust on top before setting pavers.
French Drain 80 × 2 × 3 ft @ #57 stone
Backyard drainage ditch to route water away from foundation.
- Length × Width
- 80 × 2 ft
- Depth
- 36 in
- Density
- 100 lb/ft³
Takeaway: Wrap in landscape fabric before filling with stone to prevent soil infiltration. Add 4-in perforated pipe at bottom.
Foundation Drain 140 lf × 2 × 2 ft
Perimeter foundation drain for 30×40 ft basement.
- Length × Width
- 140 × 2 ft
- Depth
- 24 in
- Density
- 100 lb/ft³
Takeaway: Critical for dry basement. Never skip drain stone at the footing level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crushed stone used for?
Primary uses: (1) drainage — uniformly graded stone has voids that carry water, (2) structural base under pavement and foundations, (3) decorative landscaping. The gradation (size distribution) determines which purpose a particular product serves.
How much does crushed stone cost?
In 2026: $25-40 per ton at the quarry, $45-70 delivered. #57 and DGA are the most economical at ~$25-30/ton. Specialty products (color-sorted, washed) run $35-50/ton. Big-box bags at $6-8 per 50-lb bag work out to $240+/ton — order bulk for anything over 1 ton.
What's the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone: quarried rock mechanically broken, angular shape, interlocks when compacted. Gravel: naturally rounded stone from riverbeds or pits, does not compact as tight. For structural applications, always specify crushed stone. For drainage or decorative use, either works.
How deep should crushed stone be for a driveway?
4-6 inches compacted minimum: 4-in DGA sub-base + 2-in top course of #57 or pea gravel. For clay subgrades or heavy vehicles: 8-inch sub-base. Thinner layers sink into soil and create potholes.
How much does a ton of crushed stone cover?
At 3 inches deep and 100 lb/ft³ density: ~80 square feet per ton. At 4 in: 60 ft²/ton. At 6 in: 40 ft²/ton. DGA (110 lb/ft³) covers about 10% less.
What is #57 stone used for?
#57 stone (1 in to 3/4 in angular) is the most versatile residential aggregate. Uses: driveway top course, French drains, foundation drainage, concrete slab sub-base, paver base (with stone dust top layer). Free-draining but not structurally compactable.
Should I use DGA or #57 stone for my driveway?
Both. DGA (or crusher run) for the base layer because it compacts into a solid bearing surface. #57 stone for the top layer because it drains freely and provides a smooth driving surface. Using only #57 leaves a driveway that shifts under vehicle weight.