#57 Crushed Stone Calculator (Driveways & Base Layers)
Estimate exact tonnage, cubic yards, and haul weight for ASTM C33 #57 crushed aggregate (3/4" to 1" angular stone) used in driveways, retaining wall drainage, and patio bases.
Interactive Material & Cost Estimator
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Quick Reference Coverage Chart (Gravel & Stone)
Instant pre-calculated material estimates for common US residential project sizes before compaction buffer:
| Typical US Project | Area | Depth | Volume | Weight | Store Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shed or Hot Tub Foundation Pad (10 ft × 12 ft) | 120 sq ft | 4 inches | 1.48 cu yd | 1.85 tons (3,700 lbs) | 80 bags (0.5 cu ft) |
| Single-Car Driveway Top Dress (12 ft × 30 ft) | 360 sq ft | 3 inches | 3.33 cu yd | 4.17 tons (8,330 lbs) | 180 bags (Buy Bulk!) |
| Single-Car Driveway Structural Base (12 ft × 40 ft) | 480 sq ft | 4 inches | 5.93 cu yd | 7.41 tons (14,815 lbs) | Bulk Dump Truck |
| Standard 2-Car Gravel Driveway (20 ft × 50 ft) | 1,000 sq ft | 4 inches | 12.35 cu yd | 15.43 tons (30,860 lbs) | Bulk Tri-Axle Delivery |
| Concrete Slab Sub-Base (24 ft × 24 ft Garage) | 576 sq ft | 6 inches | 10.67 cu yd | 13.33 tons (26,670 lbs) | Bulk Delivery Only |
Engineering Formula & Material Density Constant
ASTM C33 #57 crushed stone consists of angular crushed limestone, granite, or trap rock screened between 1/2 inch and 1 inch (averaging 3/4 inch) with minimal dust fines. Loosely dumped #57 stone weighs approximately 92.5 lbs per cubic foot, or 2,500 lbs (1.25 US short tons) per cubic yard. When mechanically compacted with a vibratory plate compactor or roller, volume shrinks by 12% to 15%.
Why #57 Crushed Stone Is the Gold Standard for US Driveways & Drainage
Unlike naturally smooth washed pea gravel, which rolls underfoot like marbles, #57 crushed stone is mechanically fractured at a quarry. Every stone has sharp, jagged faces that interlock under pressure to create a load-bearing structural matrix capable of supporting passenger trucks, RVs, and concrete slabs.
Because #57 stone is screened over a 1/2-inch mesh to remove quarry dust and clay fines, it retains roughly 35% to 40% open void space between stones. This makes it the #1 contractor choice for French drain trenches, retaining wall backfill, and septic leach fields where water must percolate freely without clogging.
#57 Stone vs. Crusher Run (#411) vs. #3 Stone: The 3-Layer Driveway System
A long-lasting gravel driveway is never poured from a single stone size. Professional US excavators build driveways in three distinct layers:
- Bottom Sub-Base (4" to 6" of #3 or #4 Stone): Fist-sized (1.5" to 2.5") crushed rock laid over geotextile fabric to bridge soft clay sub-soils.
- Middle Driving & Drainage Layer (3" to 4" of #57 Crushed Stone): Locks into the larger base rock while keeping surface water draining away from the crown.
- Optional Binding Surface (Crusher Run / Quarry Process): If you want a tightly sealed surface with zero loose stones, top with 2 inches of crusher run containing stone dust, or keep clean #57 stone as your wearing surface for maximum mud-free drainage.
Bagged vs. Bulk #57 Stone Cost Breakdown
Buying 0.5 cubic foot (~50 lb) bags of crushed stone at Home Depot or Lowe's costs roughly $5.25 per bag, which equates to $283.50 per cubic yard (54 bags). By contrast, local quarry or landscape supply yards sell bulk #57 crushed limestone or granite for $32 to $48 per ton ($40 to $60 per cubic yard) plus an $80–$110 dump truck delivery fee. Any project requiring more than 0.6 cubic yards (32 bags) is cheaper to order in bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 1 cubic yard of #57 crushed stone weigh?
One cubic yard of dry #57 crushed stone weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1.25 US short tons). Conversely, 1 US ton (2,000 lbs) of #57 stone equals roughly 0.80 cubic yards (21.6 cubic feet).
How many square feet will 1 ton of #57 stone cover?
One ton (2,000 lbs) of #57 crushed stone covers approximately 130 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 86 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 65 sq ft at 4 inches deep before compaction.
What is the actual size of #57 stone?
#57 stone ranges from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter, with the majority of stones measuring roughly 3/4 inch—roughly the size of a golf ball.
Can I use #57 stone under a concrete slab or paver patio?
Yes. A 4-to-6-inch compacted bed of clean #57 stone is the standard capillary break and structural sub-base required under residential concrete garage slabs and shed foundations.