Stone Calculator

To find cubic yards of stone, multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27. Multiply by 1.8 for tons.

Find Your Stone Amount

Enter the size and compacted depth, then pick a weight per cubic yard.

Length (ft)Width (ft)Depth (in)

1.85

cubic yards of compacted stone for this area.

200 sq ft, 50 cu ft

Material List

Based on the size you entered.

Compacted Stone: 1.85 cu yd

Weight: 3.33 tons

Loose Stone to Order: about 2.35 to 2.39 cu yd

How It Works

The calculator turns your depth into feet, multiplies the three dimensions to get cubic feet, and divides by 27, the number of cubic feet in a cubic yard. It then multiplies cubic yards by the weight you picked to get tons.

Cubic yards = length x width x (depth / 12) / 27Tons = cubic yards x tons per cubic yard

The weights come from a Wisconsin Highway Research Program report, which lists 1.70 to 1.9 tons per cubic yard for compacted select crushed material. The default of 1.8 tons is the middle of that range, and the other two buttons are its ends. That range is for one Wisconsin aggregate class, so other crushed products can weigh more or less.

See Methods and Sources

Worked Example

Here is the math for a path that is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 3 inches deep, at 1.8 tons per cubic yard.

20 ft x 10 ft = 200 sq ft
3 in / 12 = 0.25 ft
200 sq ft x 0.25 ft = 50 cu ft
50 cu ft / 27 = 1.85 cu yd
50 cu ft / 27 x 1.8 = 3.33 tons

Cubic Yards of Stone by Area and Depth

Use this table for a quick check before you enter your own numbers.

Area	2 in Deep	3 in Deep	4 in Deep	6 in Deep
100 sq ft	0.62	0.93	1.23	1.85
250 sq ft	1.54	2.31	3.09	4.63
500 sq ft	3.09	4.63	6.17	9.26
1,000 sq ft	6.17	9.26	12.35	18.52
2,000 sq ft	12.35	18.52	24.69	37.04

Tons of Stone by Area and Depth

These figures use 1.8 tons per cubic yard. Your supplier may quote a different weight for the stone they sell.

Area	2 in Deep	3 in Deep	4 in Deep	6 in Deep
100 sq ft	1.11	1.67	2.22	3.33
250 sq ft	2.78	4.17	5.56	8.33
500 sq ft	5.56	8.33	11.11	16.67
1,000 sq ft	11.11	16.67	22.22	33.33
2,000 sq ft	22.22	33.33	44.44	66.67

Compacted and Loose Stone

The weights above are compacted figures, so they fit stone that will be packed down, such as a base under a path or driveway.

The same Wisconsin report lists breaker run at 1.60 to 1.9 tons per cubic yard and ¾-inch dense graded base at 1.75 to 2.1 tons, so the weight changes with the product. Its expansion factors from compacted to loose ranged between 27 and 60 percent for aggregates, so a delivered load will take up more room than the finished layer. For select crushed material, it reports 27 to 29 percent, which is what the material list uses for loose stone. If your stone will stay loose, ask your supplier for a loose weight, and use it in place of these figures.

When These Figures May Not Fit

Wisconsin describes these statewide factors as based on regional experience, so stone from another region can differ.

This page covers crushed aggregate sold by the ton or by the cubic yard. Decorative stone and river rock are not covered by these figures, so treat the results as a first estimate for those, and check the weight with your supplier before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

These cover the questions that come up most often.

How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Crushed Stone Weigh?

A Wisconsin Highway Research Program report lists 1.70 to 1.9 tons per cubic yard for compacted select crushed material. This calculator uses 1.8 tons as its default.

How Many Square Feet Does a Ton of Stone Cover?

At 1.8 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.56 cubic yards. That covers about 60 square feet at 3 inches deep, or about 45 square feet at 4 inches deep.

How Many Square Feet Does a Cubic Yard of Stone Cover?

One cubic yard covers 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, and 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.

Should I Enter Loose or Compacted Depth?

Enter the finished depth you want. The weights here are for compacted material, so the result is the amount for a compacted layer at that depth.

Why Is My Supplier’s Number Different?

Weight depends on the stone and how tightly it is packed. Use your supplier’s weight per cubic yard if they give you one, because it describes the stone you are buying.

Sources

Every figure on this page comes from the sources below.

This result is an estimate. Check your measurements before you order. If we got something wrong, please contact us.