Crushed Concrete Calculator
Calculate tons of recycled crushed concrete (RCA) for a base layer using its 1.35 tons per cubic yard density, plus total cost.
How this calculator works
Crushed concrete (RCA) is sold by weight but measured by volume, so this calculator converts your length, width, and depth into cubic yards, then multiplies by crushed concrete’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 base area at a 4-inch depth:
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.3333 ft
- Cubic yards: (20 × 10 × 0.3333) ÷ 27 ≈ 2.4694 yd³
- Tons: 2.4694 × 1.35 ≈ 3.33 tons
- At $25/ton, that’s $83.33 before waste.
Coverage reference
| Area | Tons needed (at 4 in) |
|---|---|
| 10 ft × 5 ft | 0.83 tons |
| 20 ft × 10 ft | 3.33 tons |
| 40 ft × 20 ft | 13.33 tons |
How to measure your area
Measure the length and width of the base footprint in feet, and use the compacted target depth rather than the loose depth you’ll spread, since RCA settles once compacted. Because sourcing and particle-size consistency can vary by supplier, it’s worth asking your recycler about their current batch’s grading before finalizing a depth.
Frequently asked questions
What is crushed concrete made from?
Crushed concrete, often called recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), is demolished concrete — old slabs, sidewalks, and structures — that's been crushed and screened at a recycling facility into graded aggregate. It's mixed with leftover cement paste and fine particles, which is part of why it compacts so well.
Why is crushed concrete cheaper than crushed stone or crusher run?
It's a recycled byproduct rather than freshly quarried stone, so producers avoid much of the extraction cost. At $25/ton in this example versus $40-55/ton for quarried alternatives, crushed concrete is often the most budget-friendly option for a base layer where appearance doesn't matter.
Is crushed concrete as strong as crusher run for a base layer?
For most residential base applications, yes. The leftover cement paste in RCA actually helps it re-bind slightly over time as it compacts and absorbs moisture, in some cases giving it a firmer long-term set than plain crushed stone, though it can contain more variability in particle size depending on the source demolition material.
Is crushed concrete a sustainable choice?
Yes — using RCA diverts demolition waste from landfills and reduces demand for newly quarried aggregate, which is why many municipal and commercial specs now explicitly allow or require a percentage of recycled content in base materials.
What depth of crushed concrete should I order for a base?
4 inches is standard for a residential driveway or shed pad sub-base. Heavier-duty pads or areas with poor native soil often call for 6 inches or more, compacted in lifts if you exceed 4 inches.
Should I add waste when ordering crushed concrete?
Yes, the 10% waste toggle covers compaction settling and uneven excavation, the same as with any other base aggregate.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.