How many tons of stone do I need per square foot?

At 4 inches deep, about 0.017 tons/ft² with #57. So a 300 ft² driveway base needs about 5 tons.

Can I use crushed stone for a French drain?

Yes — #8 stone is ideal because the small voids carry water without clogging. Wrap the trench in geotextile fabric to keep silt out.

Will crushed stone wash away in rain?

Larger grades (#57 and up) stay put. Pea gravel and small chip will wash on slopes — install a paver edging or stone bordering.

Should I compact crushed stone?

Yes for driveways and bases — use a plate compactor in 2-inch lifts. Decorative beds don't need compaction.

How many tons of stone do I need per square foot?

At 4 inches deep, about 0.017 tons/ft² with #57. So a 300 ft² driveway base needs about 5 tons.

Can I use crushed stone for a French drain?

Yes — #8 stone is ideal because the small voids carry water without clogging. Wrap the trench in geotextile fabric to keep silt out.

Will crushed stone wash away in rain?

Larger grades (#57 and up) stay put. Pea gravel and small chip will wash on slopes — install a paver edging or stone bordering.

Should I compact crushed stone?

Yes for driveways and bases — use a plate compactor in 2-inch lifts. Decorative beds don't need compaction.

Crushed Stone Coverage Calculator

How many cubic yards or tons of crushed stone for a driveway base, French drain, or landscape.

Result

Crushed stone needed

5.19 tons

3.70 yd³ at 1.4 t/yd³.

Volume3.704 yd³ (100.0 ft³)
Density used1.4 t/yd³
Area300 ft²

Step-by-step

Volume = 30 × 10 × 0.333 = 100.00 ft³.
Cubic yards = 100.00 ÷ 27 = 3.704 yd³.
Tons = 3.704 × 1.4 = 5.19 tons.

How to use this calculator

Enter the area and depth.
Pick the stone size for your application.
Read both yards and tons; quarries usually price by ton.

About this calculator

Crushed stone is graded by size: #57 (¾") for driveways and general fill, #8 (⅜") for paver bases and drainage, #2 (2-3") for heavy fill under foundations, and crusher-run (variable size with stone dust) which compacts to a hard surface. Densities range 1.35-1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on grade.