#57 Stone Calculator
Calculate tons of #57 stone for a driveway top layer or drainage bed, using its 1.35 tons per cubic yard density, plus total cost.
How this calculator works
#57 stone is priced and delivered by the ton, so this calculator converts your area and depth into cubic yards, then multiplies by #57’s typical density of 1.35 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 × 1.35.
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway section at a 4-inch top-layer depth:
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Cubic yards: (20 × 10 × 0.333) ÷ 27 ≈ 2.469 yd³
- Tons: 2.469 × 1.35 ≈ 3.33 tons
- At $50/ton, that’s $166.67 before waste.
Coverage reference
| Depth | Coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 2 in | ~120 sq ft |
| 4 in | ~60 sq ft |
| 6 in | ~40 sq ft |
How to measure your area
Measure the length and width of the surface you’re covering in feet, and use the depth of the #57 layer itself — not the total driveway or bed depth if it sits on top of a separate compacted base. If #57 is your only layer, measure down to the excavated subgrade instead.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is #57 stone?
#57 is a standard ASTM gradation of crushed stone with particles roughly 3/4 to 1 inch across. The number refers to the sieve size range, not a product brand, so #57 stone from any quarry should fall within the same size spread.
What is #57 stone used for?
It's a go-to material for drainage — French drains, septic beds, and pipe bedding — because the uniform particle size leaves open voids that let water pass through freely. It's also a popular driveway top layer since it doesn't pack as tight or muddy as smaller gravel.
How is #57 stone different from crusher run?
#57 stone is screened to remove fines, leaving open, uniform-sized particles that drain well but don't compact into a dense structural base. Crusher run keeps the fines, which fill the gaps between larger stones and let it compact hard — better for a load-bearing base, worse for drainage.
What depth of #57 stone should I use for a driveway?
4 inches is a common top-layer depth over a compacted crusher run or road base. Because #57 doesn't compact tightly on its own, it's usually paired with a denser base layer underneath rather than used alone for the full driveway depth.
Do I need landscape fabric under #57 stone?
For drainage applications like French drains, no — fabric can clog with fines over time and reduce flow. For driveways or paths where weed control matters more than drainage rate, a woven fabric under the stone is worth adding.
Should I add waste when ordering #57 stone?
Yes, the 10% waste toggle is a reasonable buffer. Open-graded stone like #57 settles less than fines-packed material, but spillage during spreading and an uneven excavated base still eat into your calculated amount.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.