Free Crusher Run Calculator – Tons & Cubic Yards

A Crusher Run Calculator helps you estimate the amount of crusher run needed to build a stable, compacted base layer. It’s especially useful because crusher run is typically ordered by the ton or cubic yard, while your project is measured in length, width, and depth. The calculator bridges that gap and also accounts for the two “real life” factors that most DIY estimates miss: compaction loss and waste/overage.

The outputs are designed to match how suppliers and delivery trucks work in the real world:

• Cubic yards to estimate volume in common US bulk-material terms.
• US tons to match typical quarry and landscape-yard pricing.
• Metric tonnes for international comparisons and metric suppliers.
• Cubic meters (m³) for metric volume planning and cross-checks.
• Truckloads to estimate how many delivery loads you’ll need based on truck size.
• Optional cost if you enter a price per ton.

What Is Crusher Run?

Crusher run is a construction-grade blend of crushed stone and stone dust (fines). The larger angular stones provide strength, while the fines fill the voids between particles so the material compacts into a dense, interlocked base. That combination is exactly why crusher run is a go-to material for driveways, paver bases, shed pads, and other projects that need a surface that won’t shift, rut, or wash out easily.

Crusher run vs. washed gravel (why the fines matter)

Washed gravel is clean and drains quickly, but it can remain loose and shift unless it’s confined and layered correctly. Crusher run includes fines, which act like a binder when compacted, creating a tight surface that resists movement under load. For structural bases—under pavers, asphalt, or a driveway—crusher run is often preferred because it forms a stable platform.

Common uses of crusher run

• Driveways: creates a load-bearing base for vehicles.
• Walkways & garden paths: compacts firmly for foot traffic and carts.
• Paver patios: supports pavers and helps prevent shifting and settling.
• Under asphalt or concrete: creates a stable sub-base that reduces cracking risk.
• Shed pads and equipment pads: provides a flat, compacted platform for structures.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator follows a predictable sequence:

1. Compute base volume from your dimensions. Length × width gives area; area × depth gives volume. In imperial projects, depth is usually entered in inches, then converted to feet for the calculation.
2. Convert volume into cubic yards (and optionally cubic meters). One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so the conversion is straightforward.
3. Apply adjustments like compaction allowance and waste/overage. These increase the raw volume so you don’t come up short after the material is compacted and graded.
4. Convert volume to weight using density (tons per cubic yard). Crusher run density commonly falls in a range like 1.20–1.40 tons/yd³, with 1.25 being a typical default.
5. Estimate truckloads by dividing total tons by your chosen truck size (for example, a 15-ton truck).
6. Estimate cost if you enter a price per ton.

Understanding Inputs

To get accurate results, it helps to understand what each input is really doing. If you’ve ever wondered why two estimates can differ for the same driveway, it’s usually because one person assumed a different depth, density, or didn’t account for compaction.

Unit system

Most DIY projects in the US are measured in imperial units (feet and inches), but you may also work in metric depending on your location. A good calculator converts behind the scenes so the outputs remain consistent across systems.

Density (tons per cubic yard)

Crusher run is not a single standardized product everywhere. Rock type, moisture, and grading can change density. Many suppliers consider 1.25 tons/yd³ a solid starting point, but you should ask your supplier what they use for their material.

• Lower density means fewer tons per yard (material may be lighter, drier, or a different gradation).
• Higher density means more tons per yard (material may be wetter, heavier stone, or more fines).

Length, width, depth

These define your target compacted layer. Depth is the most common “silent mistake.” For example, a 6-inch base is not “a little more” than 4 inches. It’s 50% more material. If your project needs strength (heavy vehicles, soft subgrade), depth is where the performance comes from.

Price per ton (optional)

If you enter a price per ton, the calculator can produce an estimated material cost. This is helpful for budgeting, but remember that delivery fees, minimum load charges, fuel surcharges, and spreading/installation costs may be separate.

Compaction & Waste Adjustments

Crusher run compacts tightly. That’s good for stability—but it also means the material “shrinks” in height once it’s compacted. If you order exactly the raw volume for a 4-inch layer and then compact it, you may end up with less than 4 inches.

Compaction allowance

Compaction allowance increases your order so that after compaction you still achieve your target depth. Common settings:

• 5–10% for controlled installs on firm subgrade
• 10–15% for typical DIY jobs or when you expect noticeable settling
• Higher if the site has soft areas that need extra build-up

Waste / overage

Waste accounts for edge losses, spillage, grading errors, uneven ground, and the reality that you’ll often need extra material to get a clean finish. Common settings:

• 2–5% for tight, rectangular areas with good control
• 5–10% for irregular areas, sloped grading, or first-time installs

Tons, Yards, m³, and Truckloads

Crusher run is ordered in the units your supplier uses. Many landscape yards sell by the cubic yard; quarries and bulk suppliers often sell by the ton. The calculator’s conversions help you speak the supplier’s language and avoid ordering errors.

Volume conversions

• Cubic feet to cubic yards: divide by 27
• Cubic yards to cubic meters: multiply by about 0.7646

Volume-to-weight conversion

Weight depends on density. The key relationship is: Tons = Cubic yards × Density (tons/yd³). If your density is 1.25 tons/yd³, then 8 cubic yards is about 10 tons. If density is 1.35, that same 8 yards becomes almost 11 tons.

Truckload estimation

Truckloads are estimated by dividing total tons by truck capacity. A “15-ton” load is common, but local regulations and suppliers vary. Some trucks are limited by weight, others by volume, and some routes restrict maximum load depending on road rules.

Pro Tips for Ordering Crusher Run

Ordering is where small mistakes get expensive. These tips help you order confidently and avoid paying for extra deliveries:

• Ask your supplier for their density: if they quote by ton but your estimate is in yards, density is the bridge. Get the number they use for the specific product you’re ordering.
• Confirm gradation: “crusher run” can mean different sizes (for example, 1-inch minus, 2-inch minus, etc.). Base performance and compaction can vary depending on the mix.
• Consider access and dump location: if the truck can’t dump close to your work area, you’ll spend more time moving material. That may change how much you waste and how you plan the site.
• Plan for drainage: a stable base still needs water management. Ensure your finished surface sheds water away from buildings.
• Order slightly more for irregular sites: slopes and uneven subgrade often consume more material than simple rectangle math suggests.
• Layer and compact: spreading in thinner lifts (often 2–3 inches) and compacting between lifts improves stability and reduces future settling.

How to Calculate Crusher Run Manually

If you want to double-check the calculator, manual calculation is straightforward. The key is to keep units consistent. Here’s a reliable step-by-step method using imperial units (feet and inches).

Step 1: Measure length and width

Measure the area you’re covering. For rectangular areas, use length × width. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, estimate each one, then add them together.

Step 2: Convert depth to feet

Depth in feet = depth in inches ÷ 12. For example, 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet.

Step 3: Compute cubic feet

Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft).

Step 4: Convert to cubic yards

Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27.

Step 5: Convert to tons

Tons = cubic yards × density (tons/yd³). If you use a typical density of 1.25 tons/yd³: tons = cubic yards × 1.25.

Crusher Run Coverage Chart

Coverage charts are helpful when you need a quick estimate without full calculations. These values assume compacted installation and typical crusher run density. Coverage varies by density, compaction, and site conditions, so treat these as practical ranges.

Tip: rounding up by 5–10% often prevents shortages caused by grading irregularities, compaction, and edge losses.

Average Cost of Crusher Run

Crusher run pricing varies by location, stone type, supplier, season, and delivery distance. The ranges below are common benchmarks for budgeting, but your local quote is the number that matters.

• Per ton: often $20–$50/ton for standard mixes (material only)
• Per cubic yard: often $50–$65/yd³ for material only (may be higher depending on region)
• Per dump truck load: commonly $200–$800+ depending on load size and delivery distance

What drives the price up or down?

• Distance from quarry/supplier: hauling is a major cost driver.
• Fuel and truck availability: delivery fees can swing with fuel prices and seasonal demand.
• Gradation and rock type: different mixes (and different stone) can cost more.
• Order size: small loads often cost more per unit due to minimum charges.
• Installation services: spreading, grading, and compaction add labor and equipment costs.

How Much Do I Need for a Driveway?

Driveways are one of the most common crusher run projects. The right depth depends on traffic weight and soil conditions. A typical compacted base is 4–6 inches for light to moderate use, and 6–8 inches for heavier use or weaker subgrade.

Driveway example: 20 ft × 40 ft at 6 inches compacted

Depth in feet = 6/12 = 0.5 ft. Volume = 20 × 40 × 0.5 = 400 ft³. Convert to yards: 400/27 = 14.8 yd³. Convert to tons at 1.25: 14.8 × 1.25 = 18.5 tons.

Installation Tips (So Your Base Lasts)

Crusher run performs best when installed correctly. These best practices reduce rutting, washout, and uneven settling:

• Prepare the subgrade: remove organic material, soft spots, and debris before placing stone.
• Use geotextile fabric when needed: especially over clay or soft soils to prevent stone from sinking into the subgrade.
• Install in lifts: spread in 2–3 inch layers and compact each lift before adding the next.
• Compact thoroughly: use a plate compactor or roller to lock the fines and stone into a dense base.
• Plan drainage: maintain a slight slope so water runs off rather than saturating the base.
• Edge control: borders or proper grading prevent the material from migrating over time.