#57 Crushed Stone Calculator
#57 stone is angular crushed rock screened to roughly three-quarters of an inch with the fines washed out, so it locks together yet drains freely. That combination makes it a workhorse for driveway bases, French drains, and backfill around pipes.
Bags are always rounded up. Order about 5–10% extra for settling and waste — this is a planning estimate only, not a guaranteed quantity. Density is typical; confirm the exact figure with your supplier.
Density
| Typical density | 1.4 t/yd³ |
|---|---|
| Range | 1.35–1.5 t/yd³ |
| Default depth | 3 in |
| Source | Reviewed default — widely cited at ~1.4 t/yd³ (Dirt Connections; Inch Calculator); varies with the source rock. Confirm with your supplier. |
Worked example
A 10 ft × 10 ft area at 3 in deep is 25 cubic feet — about 0.93 cubic yards, roughly 1.3 tons at 1.4 t/yd³, or 50 half-cubic-foot bags. Add 5–10% for settling.
Use notes
- Use it as a free-draining base layer or as the drainage stone around perimeter and French drains.
- The washed, no-fines grading will not compact tight — add a binding layer on top if you need a smooth surface.
- Three inches is a common driveway-base lift; go deeper over soft or wet subgrade.
Frequently asked questions
What is #57 stone used for?
Driveway and road base, drainage trenches, French drains, and backfill around pipes — anywhere you want strength with fast drainage.
How many tons of #57 stone are in a cubic yard?
About 1.35 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Angular stone density varies with the source rock, so confirm with your quarry.
Does #57 stone compact?
Only loosely. The missing fines let water through but also keep it from binding into a hard surface — use crusher run if you need a compactable base.
Related gravel calculators
- Pea Gravel Estimate pea gravel by the cubic yard, ton, or bag for paths, patios, and drainage.
- Crusher Run Estimate crusher run in cubic yards, tons, or bags for a compactable driveway base.
- All Gravel calculators Angular and rounded stone for driveways, drainage, paths, and paver bases — estimate any grade by the yard, ton, or bag.