How to use this calculator
- Measure area. Length and width of the area to cover.
- Choose depth. Driveway base: 4–6 in. Pea gravel path: 2–3 in. French drain: 12 in.
- Read result. Tons is the standard sales unit at quarries. Cubic yards is for delivery trucks.
Formula
Tons = (Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27) × density
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft × 4 in driveway top coat equals 2.47 cubic yards or about 3.45 tons of crushed stone.
Tips for accurate results
- For driveways, layer the base coarsely (#57 stone, 4") then top with #8 or pea gravel (2").
- 1 cubic yard of #57 limestone weighs about 1.4 tons.
- Order 10% extra to account for compaction and edge spillover.