#2 Stone Calculator
Calculate tons of #2 stone for a construction entrance or drainage bed using its 1.4 tons per cubic yard density, plus cost.
How this calculator works
#2 stone is sold by weight but measured by volume, so this calculator converts your length, width, and depth into cubic yards, then multiplies by #2 stone’s typical density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard to get the tons you need to order.
Formula: Cubic yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27. Tons = Cubic yards × 1.4.
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft construction entrance pad at a 6-inch depth:
- Depth in feet: 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5 ft
- Cubic yards: (20 × 10 × 0.5) ÷ 27 ≈ 3.7037 yd³
- Tons: 3.7037 × 1.4 ≈ 5.19 tons
- At $45/ton, that’s $233.33 before waste.
Coverage reference
| Area | Tons needed (at 6 in) |
|---|---|
| 10 ft × 5 ft | 1.30 tons |
| 20 ft × 10 ft | 5.19 tons |
| 40 ft × 20 ft | 20.74 tons |
How to measure your area
Measure the length and width of the pad or drainage bed footprint in feet, and use the full loose fill depth you intend to place, since #2 stone’s large, clean particles don’t compact down the way a fines-heavy base material does. For a construction entrance, extend the pad’s length far enough that a truck’s tires make several full rotations before reaching pavement.
Frequently asked questions
What size is #2 stone?
#2 stone is a graded, clean (no fines) aggregate averaging about 2.5 inches in diameter, per the standard ASTM size-number classification used by quarries. It's noticeably larger than #57 stone, which runs closer to 1 inch, and much larger than pea gravel or decorative landscape rock.
What is #2 stone used for?
It's a workhorse stone for stabilizing construction site entrances (so trucks don't track mud onto public roads), heavy drainage applications, and rough sub-base work where large voids for water movement matter more than a tight, compacted surface.
Can I use #2 stone as a finished driveway surface?
Not recommended. Its large, clean particles don't lock together or compact the way crusher run or crushed stone with fines do, so it stays loose, shifts under tires, and is uncomfortable to walk or drive on directly. It's meant to be a working base or drainage layer, not a finished surface.
How is #2 stone different from ballast?
They're similar in size and both run about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, but ballast is typically used specifically for railway track beds and heavy foundation work, while #2 stone is the more general-purpose name used for construction entrances and drainage applications.
What depth of #2 stone should I order for a construction entrance?
6 inches is a common minimum depth for a stabilized construction entrance pad, since it needs enough thickness to keep truck tires from punching through to the mud below. Heavier equipment traffic may call for 8-12 inches.
Should I add waste when ordering #2 stone?
Yes, a 10% buffer is reasonable to account for an uneven excavated area and spillage while dumping and spreading such a coarse material.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.