Driveways: 4-6", base layer: 6-8", walkways: 2-3"
Crusher Run Estimate
Estimated Total Cost
$188 – $511
6.90 tons of standard crusher run (#57 + fines)
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Last updated: 2026-03-21
How Much Crusher Run Do I Need?
Multiply Length x Width x Depth (all in feet), divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.35 to convert to tons. Standard crusher run weighs about 2,700 lbs per cubic yard. Add 15% extra to account for compaction loss - the material shrinks as the fines settle between the stones.
I've seen a lot of homeowners order the exact calculated amount and come up short. Crusher run compacts more than people expect. If you're doing a driveway, that 15% extra is not optional. You'll need it.
Inputs you'll need
- Length and width of the project area (feet)
- Desired compacted depth (inches)
- Crusher run type (standard, fine, coarse, or recycled)
- Whether to include compaction factor (15%)
- Local price per ton and delivery fee (optional)
Recommended crusher run depth by project
| Application | Compacted Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential driveway | 4-6 inches | Crown center 1-2% for drainage |
| Heavy-use driveway | 6-8 inches | Trucks, trailers, equipment access |
| Base under asphalt | 6-8 inches | Compact before paving |
| Base under concrete | 4-6 inches | Grade and compact flat |
| Paver base | 4-6 inches | Top with 1" sand setting bed |
| Walkway or path | 2-3 inches | Foot traffic only |
| Shed or outbuilding pad | 4-6 inches | Level, compacted, extend 12" past edges |
| Parking area | 6-8 inches | Multiple vehicles, turning area |
Crusher run cost per ton by type (2026)
| Crusher Run Type | Cost Per Ton | Weight Per CY | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (#57 + fines) | $20-$45 | ~1.35 tons | Driveways, base layers, fill |
| Fine (screenings / dust) | $18-$40 | ~1.45 tons | Topping layer, leveling |
| Coarse (#411) | $22-$50 | ~1.3 tons | Heavy-duty base, parking areas |
| Recycled (concrete/asphalt) | $10-$30 | ~1.25 tons | Budget driveways, fill, temporary surfaces |
Delivery typically adds $50-$200 per load depending on distance from the quarry. Most quarries run dump trucks holding 15-22 tons. For small orders under 5 tons, some suppliers charge a short-load fee. Planning an asphalt driveway over your base? Use the asphalt tonnage calculator for the paving layer.
Worked examples
Example A (standard driveway): 30 ft long x 12 ft wide, 4 inches deep, standard crusher run
- Volume = 30 x 12 x (4/12) = 120 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 120 / 27 = 4.44 cy
- With 15% compaction = 4.44 x 1.15 = 5.11 cy
- Tons = 5.11 x 1.35 = 6.9 tons
- Cost at $30/ton + $100 delivery = $307 (material + delivery)
Example B (parking pad): 20 ft x 20 ft, 6 inches deep, standard crusher run
- Volume = 20 x 20 x (6/12) = 200 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 200 / 27 = 7.41 cy
- With 15% compaction = 7.41 x 1.15 = 8.52 cy
- Tons = 8.52 x 1.35 = 11.5 tons
- Cost at $30/ton + $150 delivery = $495
Example C (budget driveway, recycled): 40 ft x 10 ft, 4 inches deep, recycled crusher run
- Volume = 40 x 10 x (4/12) = 133.3 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 133.3 / 27 = 4.94 cy
- With 15% compaction = 4.94 x 1.15 = 5.68 cy
- Tons = 5.68 x 1.25 = 7.1 tons
- Cost at $18/ton + $75 delivery = $203
Need to calculate the gravel or stone for other parts of the project? The gravel calculator handles pea gravel, river rock, and other loose stone. For concrete base work, try the concrete calculator. Estimating a full driveway project with labor? The construction cost estimator covers material, labor, and overhead.
Field tips for working with crusher run
- Compact in lifts. Don't dump 6 inches of crusher run and try to compact it all at once. Spread and compact in 3-4 inch lifts for a solid result. Skipping this step is how driveways develop ruts in the first year.
- Dampen before compacting. A light spray of water helps the fines bind to the stone. You want it damp, not soaking. Too much water turns the dust into mud and weakens the base.
- Grade the subgrade first. Crusher run does not fix a bad subgrade. If the ground underneath is soft, wet, or has topsoil, remove it and get down to firm native soil before placing any aggregate. I've seen driveways fail in one season because the subgrade was not prepped.
- Crown driveways for drainage. Build the center about 1-2 inches higher than the edges so water runs off to the sides instead of pooling on the surface. Standing water is the enemy of any gravel driveway.
- Edge containment helps. Without some kind of edging (timber, steel, or compacted berms), the material migrates into the yard over time. Not mandatory, but it keeps things looking clean.
Common ordering mistakes
- Not accounting for compaction. Loose crusher run compacts 10-15%. If you order based on the final compacted volume without adding extra, you will come up short. This calculator's compaction checkbox handles it for you.
- Confusing cubic yards with tons. Quarries sell by the ton, not by the yard. One cubic yard is not one ton. Standard crusher run is about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, so 10 cubic yards is roughly 13.5 tons.
- Skipping the subgrade. Dumping crusher run on top of topsoil or soft ground is a waste of money. The material sinks into the soft ground and you lose depth. Strip the topsoil and get to firm subgrade first.
- Going too thin. Two inches of crusher run on a driveway will not hold up. Minimum 4 inches compacted for any vehicle traffic. You are better off doing a smaller area at the right depth than a large area too thin.
- Not grading for drainage. A flat crusher run surface will hold puddles. Those puddles soften the material and create ruts. Slope at least 1-2% away from structures and toward the edges.
Crusher Run Cost & Quantity Guide
Crusher run costs per ton, depth recommendations, and weight conversion factors for driveways, base layers, and fill projects.
How Much Does Crusher Run Cost Per Ton in 2026?
Crusher run costs $20-$45 per ton for standard material, depending on quarry location and order size.
- Standard crusher run (#57 + fines): $20-$45/ton
- Fine crusher run (screenings): $18-$40/ton
- Coarse crusher run (#411): $22-$50/ton
- Recycled crusher run: $10-$30/ton (crushed concrete or asphalt)
Delivery adds $50-$200 per load depending on distance from the quarry. Most suppliers require a minimum order of 5-10 tons for delivery. Buying by the cubic yard? One cubic yard of crusher run weighs approximately 1.35 tons (2,700 lbs).
Key Takeaways
- Standard crusher run: $20-$45/ton
- Recycled options: $10-$30/ton
- 1 cubic yard = ~1.35 tons (2,700 lbs)
How Deep Should Crusher Run Be for a Driveway?
A crusher run driveway needs 4-6 inches of compacted depth for passenger vehicles on stable subgrade.
- Light-use driveways: 4 inches compacted (cars only, firm subgrade)
- Standard driveways: 6 inches compacted (trucks, SUVs, regular use)
- Heavy-use driveways: 8+ inches compacted (delivery trucks, equipment)
- Base layer under pavement: 6-8 inches compacted
- Walkways and paths: 2-3 inches compacted
Crusher run compacts about 15% from loose to compacted. If you need 4 inches of compacted material, order enough for roughly 4.6 inches loose. This calculator accounts for compaction loss when the checkbox is enabled.
Key Takeaways
- Driveways: 4-6 inches compacted minimum
- Base layers: 6-8 inches compacted
- Compacts ~15% from loose volume
What Is Crusher Run and How Is It Different From Gravel?
Crusher run is a blend of crushed stone and stone dust (fines) that packs down into a hard, stable surface. Regular gravel is just rounded or crushed stone without the fines.
- Crusher run: Angular crushed stone + fine dust. Locks together when compacted. Best for driveways, base material, and structural fill.
- Pea gravel: Small rounded stones. Loose and decorative. Not suitable for driveways or load-bearing applications.
- Crushed stone (#57): Angular stones without fines. Drains well but does not compact as tightly. Used for drainage and French drains.
- Road base (DGA): Very similar to crusher run. "Dense-graded aggregate" is essentially the same product under a different name, depending on region.
The stone dust in crusher run fills the gaps between larger pieces, creating an interlocking surface that resists rutting and erosion. That is why it is the top choice for unpaved driveways and as base material under concrete, asphalt, and pavers.
Key Takeaways
- Crushed stone + stone dust = locks together when compacted
- Better load-bearing than loose gravel
- Also called DGA or road base in some regions
How Many Tons of Crusher Run Do I Need?
Use this formula: (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27 x 1.35 = tons. Add 15% for compaction loss.
- Step 1: Calculate area in square feet (Length x Width)
- Step 2: Convert depth from inches to feet (divide by 12)
- Step 3: Multiply area x depth to get cubic feet
- Step 4: Divide by 27 to get cubic yards
- Step 5: Multiply by 1.35 to convert to tons
- Step 6: Add 15% for compaction and waste
Quick reference: One ton of crusher run covers approximately 65 sq ft at 4 inches deep or 50 sq ft at 6 inches deep (before compaction adjustment).
Key Takeaways
- Formula: (L x W x D/12) / 27 x 1.35 = tons
- Add 15% for compaction loss
- 1 ton covers ~65 sq ft at 4" deep
How to Use This Calculator
Select your crusher run type
Choose from standard crusher run, fine screenings, coarse (#411), or recycled. Each type has a slightly different weight per cubic yard that affects tonnage.
Enter area dimensions
Input the length and width of your project area in feet. For driveways, measure the full length and width. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles and run each section separately.
Set the depth
Enter your desired compacted depth in inches. Driveways typically need 4-6 inches, base layers under pavement need 6-8 inches, and walkways need 2-3 inches.
Review tons and cost
See cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost including optional delivery. Enable the compaction checkbox to add 15% for material loss during compaction. Order crusher run by the ton from your local quarry.
Crusher Run Tonnage Formulas
Cubic Yards = (Length x Width x Depth/12) / 27
Compacted CY = Cubic Yards x 1.15 (if compaction enabled)
Tons = Compacted CY x Weight Factor
Cost = Tons x Price per Ton + DeliveryWhere:
- Length, Width
- = Project area dimensions in feet
- Depth
- = Desired compacted depth in inches (divided by 12 to convert to feet)
- Weight Factor
- = 1.25-1.45 tons/cy depending on crusher run type
- 1.15
- = Compaction factor (15% extra material for settling)
- 27
- = Cubic feet per cubic yard (3 x 3 x 3)
Free to Embed on Your Website
Add this calculator to your blog, resource page, or client portal — just copy one line of code. Your visitors get a useful tool, you get more engagement.
EstimationPro AI For Contractors, By Contractors From Material Quantities to Full Project Estimates
You have the numbers. Now generate a professional estimate with materials, labor, and markup included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ton of crusher run cost?
Standard crusher run costs $20-$45 per ton from the quarry, depending on your region and order size. Recycled crusher run (crushed concrete or asphalt) runs $10-$30 per ton. Delivery adds $50-$200 per load. Buying in bulk (10+ tons) usually drops the per-ton price by $3-$5.
How many tons of crusher run do I need for a driveway?
Calculate volume first: (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.35 to convert to tons. A typical 30 x 12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs: (30 x 12 x 0.333) / 27 x 1.35 = 5.9 tons. Add 15% for compaction, so order about 6.8 tons.
How much area does a ton of crusher run cover?
One ton of standard crusher run covers approximately 65 sq ft at 4 inches deep, 50 sq ft at 6 inches deep, or 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep. These numbers are for loose material before compaction. After compaction, coverage drops about 15%, so plan accordingly.
What is the difference between crusher run and gravel?
Crusher run is crushed stone mixed with stone dust (fines) that compacts into a hard, locked surface. Regular gravel is loose rounded or angular stone without the fine particles. Crusher run is better for driveways and base layers because the fines fill gaps between stones and bind everything together. Loose gravel shifts under tires and does not compact well.
How deep should crusher run be for a driveway?
A standard residential driveway needs 4-6 inches of compacted crusher run. Light-use driveways on firm subgrade can get by with 4 inches. If you have heavy vehicles (trucks, trailers, equipment), go 6-8 inches. For a base layer under asphalt or concrete, plan on 6-8 inches compacted. Always compact in lifts of 3-4 inches for best results.
How much does crusher run weigh per cubic yard?
Standard crusher run weighs approximately 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Fine crusher run with more dust content is slightly heavier at around 2,900 lbs (1.45 tons) per cubic yard. Recycled crusher run (crushed concrete) is lighter at roughly 2,500 lbs (1.25 tons) per cubic yard. Weight varies by moisture content and stone type.
Can I use crusher run as a finished driveway surface?
Yes, crusher run makes an excellent finished driveway surface. It compacts tightly, drains well, and holds up to vehicle traffic. After spreading and compacting, the surface becomes hard and stable. It is the most popular unpaved driveway material in rural and suburban areas. For best results, crown the center slightly (1-2% slope) so water sheds to the edges.
Do I need to compact crusher run?
Yes, compaction is critical. Without proper compaction, crusher run will shift, rut, and wash away. Use a vibratory plate compactor for areas under 6 inches deep and a roller for deeper fills. Compact in lifts of 3-4 inches. Lightly dampen the material before compacting for the best results. You can rent a plate compactor from most equipment rental shops for $50-$100 per day.
What is the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?
#57 stone is clean, angular crushed rock (3/4" to 1") with no fines. Crusher run is a blend of crushed stone in various sizes plus stone dust. #57 stone drains freely and is used for French drains, drainage beds, and pipe bedding. Crusher run does not drain as well because the fines pack tight, but it creates a much more stable, load-bearing surface. Use #57 for drainage, crusher run for driveways and base layers.
Related Articles
Why Contractors Choose EstimationPro AI
Estimates in 60 Seconds
AI generates detailed, line-item estimates from basic project details. No more hours on spreadsheets.
Accurate Pricing Data
Built on real contractor pricing and industry cost databases, updated for 2026 market conditions.
Professional Proposals
Send polished PDF estimates with your branding. Clients see a professional contractor they can trust.
Get Paid Faster
Built-in invoicing and Stripe payments. Collect deposits and progress payments directly from estimates.
Related Free Tools
Drywall Calculator
Calculate drywall sheets, joint compound, tape, and screws needed for any room. Enter dimensions to get a complete materials list.
Fence Calculator
Calculate fence materials and costs. Enter linear feet and fence type to get posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and total cost estimates.
Concrete Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of concrete needed for slabs, footings, columns, and walls. Enter dimensions to get volume, bags, and cost estimates.
Roofing Calculator
Calculate roofing materials and costs. Enter roof dimensions and pitch to get shingles, underlayment, flashing, and total project cost.
Paint Calculator
Calculate how much paint you need for any room or surface. Enter dimensions and get gallons needed, with cost estimates for different paint grades.
Mulch Calculator
Calculate cubic yards and bags of mulch needed for your landscaping project. Enter bed dimensions and desired depth for accurate quantities.
Gravel Calculator
Calculate tons and cubic yards of gravel needed for driveways, paths, and landscaping. Enter area dimensions and depth for accurate estimates.
Sand Calculator
Calculate tons and cubic yards of sand needed for bedding, fill, masonry, and concrete projects. Enter area dimensions and depth for accurate estimates.