ft
Enter area length in ft
ft
Enter area width in ft
inches
Enter depth in inches

Cross-section diagram

Ready to calculate

Enter dimensions and click Calculate to see your results.

Show Work
  1. Enter values and click Calculate to see step-by-step work.

Crusher Run Calculator: Free Online Crusher Run Calculator

Use our free crusher run calculator to figure out how much crusher run gravel you need for a driveway, base course, or general construction sub-base. Enter your area's length, width, and depth to get the coverage area, volume in cubic yards, and estimated weight in tons.

How to use this calculator.

  1. Enter the area length and width. Measure the footprint you plan to cover, in feet.
  2. Enter the depth. Use 4 inches for a driveway base under gravel or pavers, and 6-8 inches under asphalt.
  3. Review your results. The calculator returns area (sq ft), volume (cu yd), and weight (tons) instantly.
  4. Order by the ton. Most quarries sell crusher run by weight, so use the tonnage figure when placing your order.
  5. Plan your compaction lifts. Break the total depth into 2-inch lifts for the actual install.

How do you calculate crusher run gravel quantity?

The calculator converts your dimensions to a volume, then applies a standard weight-per-volume factor for crusher run.

Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)

Volume (cu yd) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324

Weight (tons) = Volume (cu yd) × 1.3

Where:

  • Length & Width: The dimensions of the area to be covered, in feet.
  • Depth: The thickness of the crusher run layer, in inches.
  • 1.3: The average weight of compacted crusher run in tons per cubic yard. Because the stone dust and fines fill the voids between larger stones, crusher run runs heavier per yard than clean, uniform gravel — typically 2,500-2,700 lb/cu yd.

Example calculation.

Scenario: You're building a 50 ft × 12 ft driveway base with 4 inches of crusher run.

  1. Calculate the area: 50 ft × 12 ft = 600 sq ft.
  2. Convert depth to feet: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft.
  3. Calculate volume in cubic feet: 600 sq ft × 0.333 ft = 200 cu ft.
  4. Convert to cubic yards: 200 cu ft ÷ 27 = 7.41 cu yd.
  5. Calculate weight: 7.41 cu yd × 1.3 = 9.63 tons.

Result: This driveway base needs about7.41 cubic yards, weighing roughly9.6 tons, of crusher run.

Tips from the field.

  • Compact in 2-inch lifts. Dumping the full depth at once and compacting only the surface leaves a soft, unstable base underneath.
  • Use 4-6 inches for driveways, 6-8 under asphalt.Thicker bases spread vehicle loads more evenly and resist rutting.
  • Order 5-10% extra. Grading, spillage, and compaction settlement all reduce your effective coverage.
  • Crusher run compacts tighter than clean gravel. The fines bind the stone together into a firm surface, which is why it's the standard choice for driveway and paver bases rather than drainage-focused clean stone.
  • A light water spray helps compaction. Slightly damp crusher run compacts denser than bone-dry material.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements vary based on site conditions, gradation, compaction, and waste. For structural designs or load-bearing applications, consult a licensed civil engineer. PavementCalculator.com assumes no liability for material overages or shortages.

Cost, price, and density figures on this page reflect approximate U.S. averages as of August 2026 and vary by region, supplier, and material availability.

Frequently asked questions.

What is crusher run?

Crusher run (crush and run, road bond, quarry process) is crushed stone with stone dust/fines mixed in. The fines fill voids between stones, creating a dense, stable surface that compacts tightly. It's the most popular driveway base material. Weighs ~1.2-1.35 tons per cubic yard.

How much crusher run do I need for a driveway?

For a 50×12 ft driveway at 4 inches: (50 × 12 × 0.333) ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards × 1.25 = 9.25 tons. At 6 inches: 11.1 cu yd = ~14 tons. Use our calculator: enter your dimensions for exact tonnage.

How thick should crusher run be for a driveway?

Apply 4-6 inches compacted in 2-inch lifts. For gravel-topped driveways: 4 inches crusher run base + 2 inches decorative gravel. For asphalt: 6-8 inches crusher run base under asphalt. Always compact thoroughly between lifts for maximum stability.

Crusher run vs gravel: what's the difference?

Crusher run contains stone dust/fines that bind together when compacted, creating a hard surface. Clean gravel has no fines: drains better but doesn't compact as firmly. Crusher run is better for driveways and bases. Clean gravel is better for drainage and decorative use.

How many tons of crusher run do I need?

Multiply cubic yards by 1.25 to get tons. A 10 cu yd project needs ~12.5 tons. Ordered by the ton at $20-$40/ton. Most quarries deliver 15-22 tons per tri-axle truck. Use our calculator for exact tonnage based on your dimensions.

Advertisement

Start typing to find calculators.