Limestone Calculator

Free limestone calculator

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Cubic yards and tons of crushed limestone for any area and depth, by grade: 1B, #57, #5, #4, #3, #2 or dense-grade base.

Worked example

With these inputs:

ResultValue
Limestone to order6.14 tons
Cubic yards5.09 yd³
Grade#57: driveway top coat, drainage, under concrete
In 50 lb bags246 bags
Area500 sq ft
Depth3 in
Extra10%
Weight used2,410 lb per yd³
Coverage per ton at this depth90 sq ft

Weight from The Gravel Shop, which lists its crushed limestone grades at 2,410 lb per cubic yard. Quarries vary with stone and moisture, so use their figure when you have it. Grade names differ between states — PennDOT's 2A, Ohio's #304 and Virginia's 21A are all dense-grade base.

How it works

Crushed limestone is sold by the ton in numbered sizes. Enter the area, the depth and the grade you are buying for the cubic yards and tons to order at the quarry's loose weight, with an allowance for settling — or a larger one for dense-grade base with fines that compacts hard.

Frequently asked questions

How much limestone do I need?

Multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, and multiply by about 1.2 tons per yard. A 50 × 10 ft path 3 in deep is 4.63 yd³; with 10% extra that is 5.09 yd³, about 6.1 tons.

How much does a yard of crushed limestone weigh?

The Gravel Shop lists its crushed limestone at 2,410 lb (about 1.2 tons) per cubic yard. Dense-grade base with fines weighs more once compacted, which is why it needs a bigger allowance.

What size is #57 limestone?

About 1/2 to 1 in, with no fines. It drains freely and is the usual choice for driveway top coats, drainage and under concrete. 1B is smaller (1/4–1/2 in); #3 and #2 are 2–3 in and 2–4 in stone for driveway bases and culverts.

What is 2A or #304 limestone?

State names for dense-grade crushed limestone base: stone from about 1–2 in down to dust, which compacts into a hard layer. PennDOT calls it 2A, Ohio #304 and Virginia 21A; the crusher run calculator sizes it with a compaction allowance.

How much area does a ton of limestone cover?

At 2,410 lb per yard, a ton covers about 134 sq ft at 2 in deep, 90 sq ft at 3 in and 67 sq ft at 4 in.

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