Crusher Run Calculator: Tons of Dense-Grade Gravel
Calculate crusher run (dense-grade, 1.40 ton/yd³) for driveway bases, shed pads, and under-slab fill. Includes 15% compaction allowance — compact in 3″ lifts for best results.
Crusher run is the densest and most load-bearing common gravel product. Its blend of angular crushed stone and fine particles (stone dust) creates a matrix that locks together under compaction, making it the first choice for structural bases that must carry vehicle weight or support structures.
The calculator below pre-selects crusher run at 1.40 ton/yd³ with a 15% compaction allowance. If your sub-grade is soft or poorly drained, increase the waste allowance to 20–25% and consider geotextile fabric before placing stone.
Project Dimensions
How the math works
Step 1 — volume in cubic yards
cu yd = (length_ft × width_ft × depth_in) ÷ 324 324 = 27 cu ft/yd × 12 in/ft. A canonical landscaping shortcut: multiply area by depth (in inches) and divide by 324.
Step 2 — apply waste / compaction allowance
cu yd (with waste) = cu yd × (1 + waste % ÷ 100) The waste allowance inflates both tonnage and bag count — you buy the waste-inclusive amount.
Step 3 — tons
tons = cu yd × density (ton/yd³) Material densities (US short tons per cubic yard): pea gravel 1.35, #57 stone 1.40, paver base 1.40, river rock 1.30, crusher run 1.40. Confirm exact weight with your supplier — density varies with moisture and stone source.
Step 4 — retail bags
bags = ⌈ cu yd × 54 ⌉ A standard 50 lb bag holds 0.5 cu ft. One cubic yard = 27 cu ft ÷ 0.5 = 54 bags.
Compaction tips for crusher run
- Compact in lifts: Spread and compact no more than 3 in (loose) per pass. For a 6 in base, compact in two 3 in lifts.
- Use a plate compactor: A vibratory plate compactor (commonly rentable for ~$75/day) is the correct tool. Hand tampers are insufficient for areas over 10 sq ft.
- Test firmness: Drive a rebar stake or your heel into the compacted surface — it should not penetrate more than 1/4 in.
- Moisture helps compaction: Slightly damp (not wet) crusher run compacts better than bone-dry material. A light misting before compaction is sometimes recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crusher run (also called dense-grade aggregate, DGA, or compacted gravel) is a mix of crushed stone and stone dust fines. When compacted, the fines fill the voids between larger particles, creating a rigid, interlocked base. It is the standard material for driveway bases, shed pads, and under-slab fill.
Crusher run weighs approximately 1.40 ton/yd³ (2,800 lb/yd³) because fine particles fill the voids between stones. This is the densest common gravel product — heavier than open-graded stone like #57 or river rock.
For a shed pad: 4 in of compacted crusher run is the minimum; 6 in is preferred for heavier structures. Compact in 2–3 in lifts (layers) rather than all at once — a plate compactor cannot effectively compact more than 3–4 in per pass.
Loose crusher run compacts 15–25% when run through a plate compactor. The 15% default ensures you order enough material so the finished compacted depth meets your target. For soft or poorly drained sub-grades, increase to 20%.
Yes — crusher run makes an excellent compacted-gravel driveway surface in its own right. It provides a firm, stable surface that sheds water and resists rutting. Over time it can develop a slight crust from natural fines migration. Many rural driveways use nothing but crusher run.