Limestone Calculator
Estimate crushed limestone in cubic yards and tons.
Enter the area and depth to estimate crushed limestone in cubic yards and tons. Limestone is popular for driveways, bases, and pathways and is usually sold by the ton.
How it works
Volume is area × depth (in feet) ÷ 27 for cubic yards. Crushed limestone weighs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Build driveway bases in compacted layers for stability.
Worked example
For a 20 ft × 10 ft parking pad at 3 inches deep: area is 200 sq ft, depth is 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft, so volume is 200 × 0.25 = 50 cu ft, ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. At about 1.5 tons per yard that's roughly 2.8 tons. Most suppliers sell by the ton and deliver by the truckload, so round up to the nearest half-ton when ordering.
What changes your estimate
- Compaction. Crushed limestone settles as it's compacted, so loose-delivered volume shrinks. For a driveway base, order about 15–20% extra and compact in layers.
- Stone size. Larger graded stone (#57) leaves more air gaps and weighs a bit less per yard than dense-graded base (#411 / crusher run), which packs tighter and heavier.
- Sub-base condition. Soft or uneven ground absorbs more stone than a firm, level base — budget extra for the first lift on poor soil.
- Tons vs. yards. Yards measure volume; tons measure weight. Suppliers usually price by the ton, so the calculator gives you both to cross-check the order.
Frequently asked questions
How much limestone do I need?
Multiply area by depth in feet and divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 20×10 ft area at 2 inches deep is about 1.23 cubic yards.
How much does crushed limestone weigh?
About 1.5 tons per cubic yard, depending on the size and how tightly it's compacted.
What depth of limestone for a driveway?
At least 4 inches of compacted limestone, often built up in layers over a stable base.
Is this calculator free and private?
Yes. Every CubicCabin calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter are never uploaded or stored. There's no sign-up, no limits, and it keeps working even if you lose connection after the page loads.