Crusher Run Calculator

Calculate the exact tonnage and cubic yardage of crusher run, ABC stone, or dense graded aggregate (DGA) needed for your driveway, patio base, or road sub-base. Includes critical compaction shrinkage factors.

Project Length feet Enter a valid length

Project Width feet Enter a valid width

Finished Base Depth inches Typically 4" for patios and 6-8" for driveways. Enter a valid depth

Compaction & Shrinkage %

Material shrinks when tamped. Industry standard is 15-20%. Enter valid percentage

Material Density

Crushed concrete is lighter; wet or heavy aggregate is denser.

Calculation Results

Total Crusher Run Required

— Tons

Final order weight, adjusted upward to account for compaction shrinkage.

How to calculate your aggregate base needs

Measure the footprint

Measure the exact length and width of the area you intend to pave or cover. If your driveway or patio has an irregular shape, break it down into smaller rectangles, calculate the square footage of each, and add them together.

Determine the target depth

Enter the finished depth you need after the material has been compacted. Standard pedestrian walkways and patios require 4 inches of base, while residential driveways require 6 to 8 inches to support vehicular weight without rutting.

Factor in compaction shrinkage

This is the most common mistake in masonry. Crusher run is designed to pack down tightly. When you run a plate compactor over it, the volume shrinks significantly. The tool adds a 15% allowance so you aren't left with a base that sits an inch too low.

Select your aggregate type

Standard crusher run (limestone or granite mix) weighs roughly 1.25 tons per uncompacted cubic yard. If you are using recycled crushed concrete (RCA), select the lighter density option. The calculator instantly generates your required order tonnage.

Crusher Run Coverage Chart (Includes 15% Compaction)

Coverage Area	Finished Depth	Order Volume (Yards)	Estimated Weight (Tons)
2" Depth (Leveling / Top Dress)
100 sq ft	2 inches	0.7 cu yds	0.9 Tons
500 sq ft	2 inches	3.5 cu yds	4.4 Tons
1,000 sq ft	2 inches	7.1 cu yds	8.9 Tons
4" Depth (Standard Patios & Walkways)
100 sq ft	4 inches	1.4 cu yds	1.8 Tons
500 sq ft	4 inches	7.1 cu yds	8.9 Tons
1,000 sq ft	4 inches	14.2 cu yds	17.7 Tons
2,000 sq ft	4 inches	28.4 cu yds	35.5 Tons
6" Depth (Residential Driveways)
100 sq ft	6 inches	2.1 cu yds	2.7 Tons
500 sq ft	6 inches	10.6 cu yds	13.3 Tons
1,000 sq ft	6 inches	21.3 cu yds	26.6 Tons
2,000 sq ft	6 inches	42.6 cu yds	53.2 Tons
8" Depth (Commercial / Heavy Load Base)
500 sq ft	8 inches	14.2 cu yds	17.7 Tons
1,000 sq ft	8 inches	28.4 cu yds	35.5 Tons
2,000 sq ft	8 inches	56.8 cu yds	71.0 Tons

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between crusher run and standard gravel?

Standard gravel (like #57 stone) is "washed" or "clean," meaning all the fine dust and sand has been removed. Because it is clean, it drains water perfectly but never fully locks into place. Crusher run intentionally contains a mix of jagged stone down to fine stone dust. When compacted, the dust acts as a cement-like binder, locking the jagged stones together to create an incredibly hard, stable base that won't shift under vehicle tires.

How much does a cubic yard of crusher run weigh?

When sitting uncompacted in the back of a dump truck, a cubic yard of standard crusher run weighs roughly 2,400 to 2,500 lbs (1.20 to 1.25 tons). However, once you spread it and hit it with a plate compactor, it packs down so tightly that a cubic yard of finished, compacted space will effectively contain up to 3,000 lbs (1.50 tons) of material.

Why do I need to add a compaction factor?

When a plate compactor or heavy equipment drives over loose stone, the fine dust vibrates down into the void spaces between the larger rocks. This shrinks the physical depth of your base by roughly 15% to 20%. If you calculate your geometry exactly for a 4-inch base without a compaction allowance, your final tamped base will only be 3.2 inches thick, requiring you to order an expensive second delivery to reach your target grade.

Are ABC Stone, CR-6, and DGA the same thing?

Yes, for the most part. The terminology changes depending on your region in the US. In the South, it is often called ABC stone (Aggregate Base Course) or Crush and Run. In the Mid-Atlantic, it goes by CR-6 or 21A. Engineers often refer to it globally as DGA (Dense Graded Aggregate) or QP (Quarry Process). All of these refer to a well-graded mix of stone sizes ranging from 3/4-inch or 1.5-inch stones down to fine dust, designed specifically for compaction.

About this calculator

This Crusher Run Calculator takes the guesswork out of ordering base materials for hardscaping and paving by bridging volumetric geometry with industry-standard compaction behavior.

The mathematical engine utilizes the following formulas to generate your aggregate estimate:

Coverage Area (sq ft) = Length × Width

Base Volume (cu yds) = Coverage Area × (Finished Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27

Order Volume (cu yds) = Base Volume × (1 + (Compaction % ÷ 100))

Total Order Weight (Tons) = Order Volume × Material Density Factor (approx. 1.25)

A note on installation: If your project requires 6 or more inches of base material, it is highly recommended to install and compact the crusher run in "lifts" of 3 to 4 inches at a time. Trying to compact 6 inches of loose material at once with a standard jumping jack or plate compactor often leaves the bottom layers loose, which will lead to rutting and settling down the road.