Crusher Run Calculator
Calculate how many tons of crusher run you need for a driveway or paver base, plus the total cost at your price per ton.
How this calculator works
Crusher run is priced and delivered by the ton, so this calculator converts your area and depth into cubic yards, then multiplies by crusher run’s density (1.5 tons per cubic yard) to get tons. That density is higher than washed gravel’s because the stone dust and fines packed in with the larger aggregate fill the gaps rather than leaving them open.
Formula: Cubic yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27. Tons = Cubic yards × 1.5.
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft base at 4 inches deep, $40/ton:
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Cubic yards: (20 × 10 × 0.333) ÷ 27 ≈ 2.47 yd³
- Tons: 2.469 × 1.5 ≈ 3.70 tons
- At $40/ton, that’s $148.15 before waste.
Coverage reference
| Depth | Coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 3 in | ~72 sq ft |
| 4 in | ~54 sq ft |
| 6 in | ~36 sq ft |
How to measure your area
Measure the footprint you’re actually filling — a driveway, path, or the excavated area under a paver patio — in length and width feet. If the base extends past the visible surface (driveways often need a few inches of base beyond the edge of the slab or pavers), add that overage to your dimensions before entering them.
Frequently asked questions
What is crusher run made of?
Crusher run is a mix of crushed stone and stone dust (fines) straight off the crusher, unlike washed gravel which has the fines screened out. Those fines fill the gaps between larger particles, which is what lets it compact into a hard, dense base.
Why is crusher run's density higher than plain gravel?
Crusher run runs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard versus roughly 1.4 tons for washed gravel. The fine particles pack into the voids between larger stones, so a compacted cubic yard weighs more than one made of uniform-sized rock.
How deep should a crusher run base be?
3-4 inches is typical under a paver patio or walkway. Driveways carrying vehicle loads usually call for 4-6 inches, sometimes compacted in two lifts for depths beyond 4 inches.
Do I compact crusher run before adding pavers or asphalt?
Yes. Spread it in the target depth, then compact with a plate compactor, ideally in lifts if you're going deeper than 4 inches. An uncompacted base will settle unevenly under load.
Should I add extra for waste with crusher run?
A 10% buffer is reasonable to cover compaction settling and an uneven sub-base. This calculator's waste toggle adds that automatically if you turn it on.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.