Crusher Run Calculator

Crusher run for driveway and patio bases: compacted depth and area give tons and cubic yards, with 20% extra for compaction by default.

Crusher run is crushed stone mixed with stone dust, so the fines fill the gaps and the layer compacts into a hard, stable base. It goes by many local names: quarry process (QP), dense grade aggregate (DGA), item 4, and others. It's used as the base under driveways, patios, pavers and sheds, and as a driveway surface on its own. Because it compacts a lot, order more loose material than the finished depth: this calculator adds 20% by default. Enter the area and the compacted depth and it gives the tons and cubic yards (or tonnes and m³), with an optional cost per ton.

Units
Bag sizes
Area
ft
ft
in
Feet and inches work too: type 12'6 or 12.5.
t/yd³
%
A compacted base: the extra covers compaction.
Weight
2.4 tons

4,800 lb · 2.18 tonnes

Volume
1.78 yd³

48 ft³ · 1.359 m³

Bags
96

0.5 ft³ bag

Bags needed by size
0.5 ft³ bag96
1 tonne bulk bag3
How it was worked out
  1. Area: 12 ft × 10 ft = 120 ft²; × 4 in (0.333 ft) deep = 40 ft³
  2. 40 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1.48 yd³
  3. Plus 20% extra = 1.78 yd³
  4. 1.78 yd³ × 1.35 tons per yd³ = 2.4 tons (4,800 lb)
  5. 48 ft³ ÷ 0.5 ft³ per bag = 96, rounded up to 96 bags
Typical weights of common materials
Materialt/m³tons/yd³lb/ft³
Concrete2.402.02150
Gravel1.601.35100
Pea gravel1.601.35100
Crushed stone / crushed rock1.601.35100
River rock1.501.2694
Landscape rock / pebbles1.501.2694
Crushed limestone1.601.35100
Decomposed granite1.501.2694
Crusher run1.601.35100
Road base1.701.43106
Crusher dust1.501.2694
Aggregate (20 mm)1.601.35100
All-in ballast1.651.39103
MOT Type 1 sub-base1.801.52112
Sand1.601.35100
Topsoil1.301.1081
Garden soil1.301.1081
Fill dirt1.401.1887
Mulch0.350.2922
Bark chippings0.300.2519
Asphalt (compacted)2.321.96145

Loose, as-delivered figures; asphalt and concrete are as laid. Moisture, stone size and source change the real weight, so use your supplier's figure when you have it. Tons are US short tons (2,000 lb).

Common use cases

  • A compacted base under a paver patio or walkway
  • A driveway or parking pad base
  • A level, firm base for a shed
  • Topping up and regrading a gravel drive

How to use

  1. Choose feet and inches or metres and millimetres, and the country whose bag sizes you want.
  2. Enter the length and width of the area, or switch the shape to a circle, triangle or a known area. Use Add another area for L-shapes and separate beds.
  3. Enter the depth of crusher run. Enter the finished, compacted depth: often 4 to 6 inches (100 to 150 mm) for driveways and paver bases.
  4. Check the density and the extra allowance. Change the density if your supplier quotes a different figure.
  5. Read the volume, weight and bag count, and add a price per ton, cubic yard, m³ or bag for a cost estimate.

FAQ

How much crusher run do I need?

Area × compacted depth gives the finished volume; add 15 to 25% for compaction, then multiply by the loose density. A 12 × 10 ft patio base 4 inches deep is 40 ft³, about 1.5 cubic yards, or roughly 2.4 US tons with 20% extra.

How much does crusher run weigh?

Loose, about 1.35 to 1.5 US tons per cubic yard; compacted, considerably more. The calculator uses a loose density of 1.6 tonnes per m³ plus the extra for compaction.

How thick should a crusher run base be?

Commonly 4 inches (100 mm) compacted for walkways and patios, and 6 inches (150 mm) or more for driveways, laid and compacted in layers. Soft ground and heavy loads need more.

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