Crusher Run Calculator (Tons, Yards and Loads)
Calculate crusher run, road base or gravel base for a driveway, shed pad or paver base. Includes a compaction allowance, weight in tons or tonnes and the number of truck loads.
Leave blank for 1.
Extra material for settling. Blank counts as 0.
Spillage and uneven ground. Blank counts as 0.
Typical value. Ask your supplier. Blank hides the weight.
Blank hides the truck loads.
In your own currency.
Enter the dimensions to see the volume.
About the crusher run calculator
The Crusher Run Calculator estimates how much crusher run to buy for a paver bed, a shed foundation, a walkway or a driveway sub-base. Crusher run is crushed stone that still contains the fine dust and small particles from the crushing process. Those fines fill the gaps between the larger pieces, so when you wet and compact the material it locks together into a firm, dense layer.
That tightness is also why the order is larger than the finished volume. This tool applies a compaction allowance to your measured volume, then an optional waste allowance, and returns cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic metres and litres, plus weight, truck loads and an estimated cost.
What crusher run is used for
Because it packs so well, crusher run is a common choice under pavers, flagstones, concrete pads and sheds, and as a driveway base. The stone gives strength and the fines give stability. It is not a drainage material, because the fines slow water down. If you need free-draining stone, ask for a clean grade and use the Crushed Stone Calculator instead.
Steps
- Select the shape that fits the footprint, or choose Known area if you have a square footage.
- Enter the dimensions with their units, and the depth you want after compaction.
- Leave Compaction at the 20 percent default, or change it to match your supplier's advice.
- Add Waste if you want an extra buffer. Blank means zero.
- Check the density and truck capacity, and add a price per ton, tonne, cubic yard or cubic metre to see a cost.
Formulas
Truck loads are the order divided by the truck capacity, rounded up.
Worked example: a shed base
A shed base is 20 ft by 12 ft and 4 in deep. The net volume is 80 ft³, which is 2.96 yd³. With the default 20 percent compaction allowance, the amount to order is 3.56 yd³ (96 ft³ or 2.72 m³). At the default density of 1.5 US tons per cubic yard that weighs 5.33 US tons, or 4.84 tonnes. A single 10 yd³ truck covers it.
Worked example: a paver patio
A patio is 10 ft by 10 ft with 4 in of base under the pavers. The net volume is 33.33 ft³ or 1.23 yd³. Adding 20 percent compaction gives 1.48 yd³, and at 1.5 US tons per cubic yard that is about 2.22 US tons.
Worked example: a thicker base for a small building
A small building footprint is 8 ft by 10 ft with a 6 in base. The net volume is 40 ft³, or 1.48 yd³. At 20 percent compaction the order is 1.78 yd³, or about 2.67 US tons. If the ground is firm and your supplier says their material compacts about 15 percent, the order is closer to 1.70 yd³.
Compaction in practice
Typical allowances run from 15 to 25 percent, but they vary with the mix, moisture and equipment. Typical base thickness is 4 in under pavers and 4 to 6 in for a driveway. Spread the stone in lifts of 2 to 4 in and compact each lift before adding the next. Lightly dampening the material helps the fines bind. The depth you type into the calculator is the finished thickness, not the loose depth when you rake it out.
Units and density
The density default is 1.5 US tons per cubic yard, and switching to metric changes it to 1.78 tonnes per cubic metre. These are typical figures, and your supplier may quote different ones, so edit the field as needed. The Length Converter and Area Converter are useful if your plans are drawn in mixed units.
Accuracy and limits
Results are estimates. The calculator assumes a flat base of uniform depth and cannot allow for soft spots, slopes or local conditions. Always confirm quantity, grade and price with your supplier before ordering.
Privacy
Nothing is uploaded; every calculation runs in your browser and never leaves your device.
Related tools
The Road Base Calculator uses the same inputs under a different name, and the Gravel Calculator covers loose stone without compaction. The Unit Price Calculator helps compare quotes sold by different units.
Frequently asked questions
What is crusher run?
Crusher run is crushed stone that still contains the fine dust and small particles from crushing. The fines fill the gaps between larger pieces, so it locks together firmly when wetted and compacted.
What is crusher run used for?
It is commonly used as a base under pavers, flagstones, concrete pads and sheds, and as a driveway sub-base. It is not a drainage material because the fines slow water down.
How much crusher run do I need for a shed base?
A 20 ft by 12 ft base that is 4 inches deep is 2.96 cubic yards net. With a 20 percent compaction allowance you would order about 3.56 cubic yards, or 5.33 US tons at the default density.
Does the calculator account for compaction?
Yes. It multiplies the volume by one plus the compaction percentage, which defaults to 20 percent. A separate waste allowance, blank by default, is applied on top.
How do I compact crusher run properly?
Spread it in lifts of 2 to 4 inches, lightly dampen it and compact each lift with a plate compactor or roller before adding the next. Ask your supplier for advice on your material.
Can I change the density and the units?
Yes. The default is 1.5 US tons per cubic yard, and switching to tonnes per cubic metre resets it to 1.78. These are typical values, so type your supplier's figure if you have it.