How many tons of crusher run do I need?
A 12 by 60 foot driveway with a 4 inch base needs about 15 tons of crusher run. For any other size, multiply length times width in feet, times depth in inches, and divide by 216. Then add 15 percent, because the stone packs down when it is compacted.
Tons to order for common jobs
These already include the 15 percent extra.
| Job | Size | Base depth | Tons to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shed pad | 10 x 12 ft | 4 inches | About 3 |
| Parking pad | 20 x 20 ft | 4 inches | About 9 |
| Short driveway | 12 x 60 ft | 4 inches | About 15 |
| Average driveway | 12 x 100 ft | 4 inches | About 26 |
| Average driveway, thicker base | 12 x 100 ft | 6 inches | About 38 |
| Driveway on soft ground | 12 x 100 ft | 8 inches | About 51 |
The formula
Tons = length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (in) / 216
Example: 12 x 60 x 4 = 2,880. Divide by 216 and you get about 13.3 tons. Add 15 percent and order about 15.
Why 216? There are 324 inch-deep square feet in a cubic yard, and crusher run weighs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard. 324 divided by 1.5 is 216. Actual weight varies a little with moisture and the stone, so treat the answer as an estimate.
How deep should the base be?
| Driveway | Crusher run base |
|---|---|
| New driveway for cars | 4 to 6 inches |
| Soft or clay ground | 6 to 8 inches, over fabric |
| Trucks or equipment | 8 to 12 inches |
These are compacted depths. Spread and compact it 4 inches at a time.
Why order 15 percent extra?
Crusher run arrives loose and shrinks when it is compacted. The J1S calculator adds 15 percent by default. On soft ground or a drive with no edging, order more; federal guidance for gravel roads notes losses of 30 percent or more once traffic and weather settle it.
Check it with the calculator
The J1S gravel calculator does this math for you, including the 15 percent and a #57 stone top layer if you want one. Before delivery day, check that the truck can reach your spot with the delivery access checklist.
What to send with your order
The address, the length and width, the depth you want, and what the area is for. Mention anything that could stop a truck: a culvert, a tight turn, low wires, or soft ground.
Not sure crusher run is the right stone? Read what crusher run is used for, or see the crusher run J1S stocks.
Sources
- NIST, Handbook 44 Appendix C, General Tables of Units of Measurement: 12 inches in a foot and 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, which give the 324.
- FHWA and South Dakota LTAP, Gravel Roads Construction and Maintenance Guide: section 3.19 (page 71), on gravel losing 30 percent or more of its volume on gravel roads.