Calculate cubic yards and tons for crushed stone, crusher run, road base, and crushed concrete. Enter your project dimensions below for an instant estimate.
Crushed stone is classified by size grade numbers defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Each grade serves different construction and landscaping purposes. Understanding the grades helps you order the right product the first time.
| Type | Size Range | Description | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| #57 Stone | 0.75-1" | Clean, angular stone without fines | Driveways, drainage, concrete mix, backfill |
| #67 Stone | 0.5-0.75" | Slightly smaller than #57, clean | Walkways, pipe bedding, fill around structures |
| #411 Stone | Dust to 1" | Blend of #57 stone and stone dust | Driveways, parking areas, compacted surfaces |
| Crusher Run (ABC) | Dust to 1.5" | Mix of crushed stone and fines, compacts firmly | Base layer, sub-base, structural fill |
| Road Base | Dust to 2" | Dense-graded aggregate for heavy loads | Road construction, parking pads, foundations |
| Crushed Concrete | 0.75-2" | Recycled concrete, angular pieces | Driveways, fill, base layer, budget projects |
#57 stone is the most popular size nationwide, but availability varies by region. Your local quarry or landscape supply yard can confirm which grades they stock.
Crushed stone is one of the most versatile construction materials. Its angular edges interlock under pressure, creating a stable base that does not shift the way rounded river rock or pea gravel does. Here are the most common uses and the recommended stone type for each:
A well-built gravel driveway uses a layered approach. Start with 4-6 inches of crusher run or road base as the structural foundation, then top with 2-3 inches of #57 or #411 stone as the wearing surface. The base layer prevents ruts, while the top layer provides drainage and a clean appearance. For full driveway planning, use our gravel driveway calculator.
Crusher run and road base are the standard choices for sub-base beneath patios, retaining walls, shed pads, and concrete slabs. The blend of stone and fine particles compacts to a near-solid surface that distributes weight evenly and resists settling. Typical depth for a base layer is 4-6 inches after compaction.
Clean #57 stone is ideal for French drains, trench drains, and drainage beds because the uniform size allows water to flow freely between the stones without clogging. Do not use crusher run or road base for drainage, as the fine particles will pack together and block water flow.
Crushed stone works well as backfill around foundations, retaining walls, and utility trenches. It drains water away from structures, reduces hydrostatic pressure, and does not decompose the way organic fill can. Use #57 or #67 stone for most backfill applications.
Use this table to estimate how much area one cubic yard of crushed stone will cover at common depths, along with the corresponding weight for each material type.
| Material | Weight (lbs/yd³) | Tons/yd³ | Coverage at 2" (sq.ft.) | Coverage at 4" (sq.ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone (#57) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 162 | 81 |
| Crusher Run (ABC) | 3,000 | 1.50 | 162 | 81 |
| Road Base | 3,100 | 1.55 | 162 | 81 |
| Crushed Concrete | 2,600 | 1.30 | 162 | 81 |
Coverage is the same across materials because it depends on volume, not weight. However, the weight per yard differs, which affects cost when buying by the ton. See our gravel weight chart for a complete reference.
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, crushed stone and gravel are fundamentally different materials with distinct performance characteristics.
| Feature | Crushed Stone | Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Angular, irregular edges | Rounded, smooth surfaces |
| Origin | Mechanically crushed from larger rock | Naturally weathered by water and erosion |
| Compaction | Interlocks tightly, excellent for bases | Shifts and rolls, poor compaction |
| Drainage | Good (clean stone) to poor (with fines) | Good, water flows between rounded stones |
| Appearance | Rough, industrial look | Polished, decorative look |
| Price | $25-45 per cubic yard | $30-60 per cubic yard |
| Best For | Structural, functional projects | Decorative, aesthetic projects |
The bottom line: choose crushed stone when you need stability, load-bearing capacity, and compaction. Choose gravel or landscape rock when appearance is the priority. Many projects use both — crusher run as the base and decorative gravel on top.
Crushed stone is mechanically broken and has angular, irregular edges that lock together when compacted. Gravel is naturally weathered and has rounded, smooth surfaces. Crushed stone is preferred for base layers and structural applications because it compacts more tightly, while gravel is often chosen for decorative use.
A cubic yard of crushed stone weighs approximately 2,700 pounds or 1.35 tons. Crusher run and road base are slightly heavier at 3,000-3,100 lbs per cubic yard because the fine particles fill in voids, increasing the overall density. For a complete breakdown, see our gravel weight chart.
#57 stone (3/4 to 1 inch) is the most versatile and commonly used size for driveways, drainage, and backfill. Crusher run (dust to 1.5 inches) is best for base layers because it compacts firmly. #411 stone (a blend of #57 and stone dust) works well for driveways and parking areas where you want a smooth, stable surface.
Enter your project dimensions in the calculator above to get an instant estimate for cubic yards, tons, and cost. Choose from crushed stone, crusher run, road base, or crushed concrete.
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