How much crushed stone do I need for my driveway?

For a typical driveway, you need 4 inches of crushed stone depth. Calculate the area (length × width) and multiply by 0.33 (4 inches in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add 10% for compaction. A 12' × 40' driveway typically needs 6-7 cubic yards of #57 stone.

What's the difference between #57 and #67 crushed stone?

#57 stone is 3/4" crushed stone used for driveways, drainage, and landscaping. #67 stone is also 3/4" but has more fines (smaller particles) and is primarily used as a base material for concrete and asphalt. Both have similar density (1.35 tons/cubic yard) but different applications.

How do I prepare the base for crushed stone?

Excavate the area to the required depth, remove organic material, level the surface, and compact the soil. Install landscape fabric to prevent weed growth, add a 2-4 inch base layer of larger stone (#411), compact thoroughly, then add your top layer of crushed stone and compact again.

How do I prevent crushed stone from washing away?

Install proper edging (plastic, metal, or stone), ensure proper grading for drainage, use landscape fabric under the stone, compact the material thoroughly, and consider using larger stone sizes for better stability. Regular maintenance and adding fresh stone as needed also helps.

How often should I maintain a crushed stone driveway?

Inspect monthly and perform maintenance quarterly. Add fresh stone to low spots, rake to redistribute material, remove weeds, and check drainage. Resurface every 2-3 years depending on traffic and weather conditions. Proper maintenance extends the life of your crushed stone surface.

Crushed Stone Calculator

Project Parameters

Project Type

Select project type

Length

Area length

Width

Area width

Depth

Stone depth

Stone Type

Select stone size

Calculation Results

Crushed Stone Calculator: Your Guide to Stone Calculations

Need to calculate crushed stone requirements for your project? Our Crushed Stone Calculator helps you determine the exact amount of stone needed for driveways, patios, walkways, and other landscaping projects.

Understanding Crushed Stone Requirements

Crushed stone calculations are important for several reasons:

Material Planning: Accurate quantity estimation
Cost Control: Budget management
Durability: Proper depth and compaction
Drainage: Effective water management
Maintenance: Long-term performance

How to Use the Crushed Stone Calculator

Select Project Type: Choose the application
Enter Length: Input the area length
Enter Width: Input the area width
Enter Depth: Input the stone depth
Select Stone Type: Choose the stone size
Click Calculate: Get material requirements

Crushed Stone Calculation Formula

Volume Calculation:
V = L × W × D

Weight Calculation:
W = V × ρ

Where:
V = Volume (cubic yards)
L = Length (feet)
W = Width (feet)
D = Depth (inches)
W = Weight (tons)
ρ = Material density (tons/cubic yard)

Common Crushed Stone Specifications

#57 Stone (3/4"):
- Size: 3/4 inch
- Use: Driveways, drainage
- Density: 1.35 tons/cubic yard
#67 Stone (3/4"):
- Size: 3/4 inch
- Use: Concrete, asphalt
- Density: 1.35 tons/cubic yard
#89 Stone (3/8"):
- Size: 3/8 inch
- Use: Paths, walkways
- Density: 1.25 tons/cubic yard
#411 Stone (Mixed):
- Size: Mixed sizes
- Use: Base material
- Density: 1.35 tons/cubic yard

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Standard Driveway

Project Type: Driveway
Length: 40 feet
Width: 12 feet
Depth: 4 inches
Stone Type: #57 Stone
Results:
- Volume: 5.9 cubic yards
- Weight: 8.0 tons
- Coverage: 480 square feet
- Cost Estimate: $590

Example 2: Patio Project

Project Type: Patio
Length: 20 feet
Width: 15 feet
Depth: 2 inches
Stone Type: #89 Stone
Results:
- Volume: 1.9 cubic yards
- Weight: 2.4 tons
- Coverage: 300 square feet
- Cost Estimate: $190

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare the base?

Excavate, level, and compact the soil before adding stone.

What affects stone selection?

Project type, traffic, drainage, and aesthetic preferences.

How do I maintain the surface?

Regular grading, adding fresh stone, and proper drainage.

What is the minimum depth?

2 inches for paths, 4 inches for driveways.

How do I prevent washout?

Proper grading, edging, and drainage systems.