How to use the crushed concrete calculator
- Enter the area of the driveway, pad or path.
- Enter the compacted depth you want to end up with.
- Choose a product type. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is sold in grades similar to virgin stone: a graded mix with fines (like crusher run), or clean sized stone.
- Keep the compaction allowance if you will compact the material with a plate compactor, roller or vehicle traffic. Set it to 0 for loose backfill.
- Enter your local price per ton or per yard. Crushed concrete is often noticeably cheaper than quarried stone, but prices are very local.
The formula
Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 × (1 + compaction %) × (1 + waste %) ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × 27 × density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000
Crushed concrete is lighter than most natural stone. Old concrete contains cement paste and air voids, and the mortar attached to recycled pieces is less dense than solid rock. This calculator defaults to 90 lb/ft³ (about 1.2 tons per cubic yard). Suppliers commonly quote roughly 1.1 to 1.4 tons per yard depending on grading and moisture; for comparison, The Engineering ToolBox lists ordinary dry gravel at 105 lb/ft³ (1.42 t/yd³). Ask your recycler for their number, because it directly changes the tons you pay for.
Worked example: crushed concrete driveway
A driveway 60 ft long and 10 ft wide, with a 4-inch compacted layer, 20% compaction allowance and 5% waste:
- Area: 60 × 10 = 600 sq ft
- Compacted volume: 600 × 4 ÷ 12 = 200 cu ft
- To order: 200 × 1.20 × 1.05 = 252 cu ft = 9.33 yd³
- Weight at 90 lb/ft³: 22,680 lb = 11.3 tons
The same driveway in #57 crushed stone at 100 lb/ft³ would weigh about 12.6 tons. Because the material is sold by weight, the lower density of crushed concrete is part of why it is cheaper per yard.
Pros and cons of crushed concrete
- Cost: often less expensive than virgin stone, especially near urban recyclers.
- Compaction: graded RCA with fines compacts into a firm, almost cemented surface, which is good for driveways and base layers.
- Appearance: it can contain bits of brick, asphalt or rebar fragments, depending on the source. Many homeowners top it with a decorative gravel layer.
- Runoff: fresh crushed concrete can make runoff water alkaline for a while. Avoid it right next to acid-loving plants, ponds or streams, and check local rules for use near waterways.
- Drainage: graded RCA is not a drainage stone. For drains, use clean stone; see the French drain gravel calculator.
Tips for ordering
- Ask what is in it. Reputable recyclers screen out wood, metal and debris and can tell you the top size (for example 1.5 inch minus).
- Lay fabric on soft soil. A woven geotextile keeps the base from sinking into clay.
- Compact in lifts. Spread and compact 3–4 inches at a time, lightly wetting the material.
- Check delivery minimums. Many yards have a minimum load or charge by the trip, so it may be worth rounding up.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of crushed concrete weigh?
Typically about 1.1 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard, depending on grading and moisture. This calculator uses 1.2 tons (2,430 lb) as a default.
How many tons of crushed concrete do I need for a driveway?
For a 60 × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches compacted, about 9.3 cubic yards or 11.3 tons including 20% compaction and 5% waste.
Is crushed concrete good for a driveway?
Yes, graded crushed concrete compacts well and is widely used as a driveway base or surface. It can look patchy and may contain debris, so many people add a decorative top layer.
Does crushed concrete drain well?
Graded material with fines compacts tight and drains slowly. Clean, screened crushed concrete without fines drains better, but washed natural stone is usually preferred for drains.
How much does crushed concrete compact?
Plan for roughly 15–25% compaction for graded material placed loose and compacted mechanically. The default here is 20%.