Crushed Concrete Calculator
Crushed Concrete Calculator
Calculate how much crushed concrete you need for driveways, base layers, fill, and landscaping projects. Get volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and cost estimates instantly.
Crushed concrete: ~$15–$30/ton depending on region
Volume Needed
0 cu yd
Estimated Weight
0 tons
3D Shape Preview
Material Density
Using 2,200 lbs/yd³ — typical recycled crushed concrete
Why Use Our Crushed Concrete Calculator?
Stop guessing how much crushed concrete you need. Get accurate cubic yards, tons, and cost estimates for any driveway, base layer, or fill project.
Volume in Cubic Yards
Get instant cubic yard calculations for any rectangular area. Works for driveways, paths, base layers, and fill projects — just enter length, width, and depth.
Weight in Tons
Automatically converts cubic yards to tons based on crushed concrete density. Choose from 4 density presets (2,000–2,400 lbs/yd³) for different material types.
Cost Estimator
Enter your local price per ton to get a total project cost estimate. Crushed concrete typically costs $15–$30 per ton — much cheaper than virgin aggregate.
10% Waste Factor
Every calculation includes a standard 10% waste factor so you order enough material. Adjust in Settings for irregular areas or loose-fill projects that compact more.
Imperial & Metric
Switch between feet/inches (imperial) and meters/centimeters (metric) at any time. Results display in cubic yards or cubic meters, with tons or metric tons.
Eco-Friendly Material
Crushed concrete is a sustainable alternative to virgin gravel or crushed stone. It's made from recycled concrete demolition debris — typically 30–50% cheaper and reduces landfill waste.
How to Calculate Crushed Concrete
Follow these four steps to accurately calculate how much crushed concrete you need for any project.
Measure the Area
Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover. For driveways, measure from edge to edge. For irregular shapes, break into rectangles and add the results.
Tip: For a curved driveway, measure an average width at several points and use the average.
Choose the Right Depth
The depth depends on the application. For driveways: 4–6 inches. For pathways: 2–4 inches. For heavy equipment pads or parking lots: 6–8 inches.
Note: Crushed concrete compacts over time. Add 15–20% extra depth for areas that will be compacted with heavy equipment.
Select Density Preset
Choose the density that matches your material. Standard recycled crushed concrete is ~2,200 lbs/yd³. Finer crush or mixed-aggregate material may vary.
Important: Ask your supplier for the exact density — variations of 10% are common between different concrete demolition sources.
Get Volume, Weight & Cost
The calculator gives you cubic yards (for ordering) and tons (for weight calculations and delivery). Enter your local price per ton for a total cost estimate.
Pro Tip: Crushed concrete is typically ordered by the ton. Ask your supplier how many tons fit per truck load to plan delivery logistics.
Crushed Concrete Calculation Formula
Step 1: Calculate Volume (cubic yards)
Volume = (L × W × D) ÷ 27
Where L = length (ft), W = width (ft), D = depth (ft). Divide inches by 12 to convert to feet.
Step 2: Add Waste Factor
Adjusted Volume = Volume × 1.10
Step 3: Convert to Tons
Tons = Volume × (Density ÷ 2000)
Density in lbs/yd³ — standard crushed concrete = 2,200 lbs/yd³
Common Depth Reference:
- • Walkways & paths: 2–3 inches
- • Residential driveways: 4–6 inches
- • Commercial driveways: 6–8 inches
- • Base layer under slab: 4–6 inches
- • Heavy equipment pads: 8–12 inches
- • Parking lots: 6–10 inches
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about crushed concrete, how to calculate it, typical costs, and project applications.
What is crushed concrete?
Crushed concrete is recycled concrete debris from demolition projects, processed through crushers to create aggregate material. It's used as a base layer, driveway surface, fill material, and drainage aggregate. It's an eco-friendly alternative to virgin crushed stone or gravel.
How much crushed concrete do I need for a driveway?
For a standard residential driveway at 4 inches deep: multiply length × width × 0.33 (depth in feet) ÷ 27 for cubic yards. A 12ft × 50ft driveway at 4" needs: (12 × 50 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 7.3 cubic yards, or about 8–9 tons. Enter your driveway dimensions above for an exact calculation.
How many tons of crushed concrete per cubic yard?
Crushed concrete typically weighs 2,000–2,400 lbs per cubic yard. Our calculator defaults to 2,200 lbs/yd³ (1.1 tons/yd³), which is standard for recycled crushed concrete. Compare: virgin crushed limestone is ~2,500 lbs/yd³, and gravel is ~2,800 lbs/yd³.
How much does crushed concrete cost?
Crushed concrete typically costs $15–$30 per ton, significantly cheaper than virgin crushed stone ($25–$50/ton) or gravel ($20–$45/ton). Prices vary by location, quantity, and material quality. Delivery charges are additional — usually $50–$150 depending on distance.
Is crushed concrete good for driveways?
Yes — crushed concrete makes an excellent driveway base or surface. It compacts well, drains water, and is much cheaper than asphalt or fresh concrete. It's commonly used for rural driveways, parking areas, and construction site access roads. The surface does require periodic top-ups as material migrates.
Can I use crushed concrete as a base for a concrete slab?
Yes — crushed concrete is an excellent sub-base for concrete slabs and footings. It compacts well and provides stable bearing support. Use a 4–6 inch compacted layer under any slab. Calculate the base layer with our calculator before pouring your concrete.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons for crushed concrete?
Multiply cubic yards by the density in tons/yd³. For standard crushed concrete (2,200 lbs/yd³): cubic yards × 1.1 = tons. Example: 5 cubic yards × 1.1 = 5.5 tons. Our calculator does this automatically based on the density preset you select.
How deep should I lay crushed concrete?
Recommended depths: walkways 2–3 inches, residential driveways 4–6 inches, commercial/heavy vehicle driveways 6–8 inches, base under concrete slabs 4–6 inches. If using a plate compactor, add 20% extra depth before compaction to achieve the finished depth.
How many cubic yards in a ton of crushed concrete?
At 2,200 lbs/yd³: 1 ton = 2,000 lbs ÷ 2,200 lbs/yd³ ≈ 0.91 cubic yards. So 1 ton of crushed concrete covers about 0.91 cubic yards. To convert tons to cubic yards: tons × 0.91. To convert cubic yards to tons: cubic yards × 1.1.
What size crushed concrete should I use?
For driveways: 3/4 inch or larger for good drainage and stability. For base layers under slabs: 3/4 to 1.5 inch. For pathways or finish layers: 3/8 to 1/2 inch for a more uniform surface. Finer material compacts better but may wash away more easily.
How does crushed concrete compare to gravel?
Crushed concrete is typically 30–50% cheaper than virgin gravel. It compacts similarly but may have rebar or wire fragments. It's an eco-friendly choice since it recycles demolition waste. Gravel has more uniform sizing and no metal inclusions. Both work well for driveways and base layers.
What waste factor should I use for crushed concrete?
Use 10% for standard rectangular areas. Use 15–20% for irregular shapes, slopes, or areas with significant compaction. Crushed concrete can also lose 5–10% of loose volume during compaction — factor this in if you need a specific compacted depth. Adjust the waste factor in Settings above.
Crushed Concrete Guide
Everything you need to know about buying, using, and calculating crushed concrete for your project.
Common Applications
- • Driveways: Budget-friendly surface or base layer
- • Parking areas: Large-area coverage at low cost
- • Slab sub-base: Compacted base for concrete pours
- • Pathways: Garden paths and walkways
- • Drainage: Permeable fill for drainage trench
- • Fill material: Low-spots, grading, erosion control
Benefits vs Virgin Aggregate
- • Cost: 30–50% cheaper than crushed stone
- • Eco-friendly: Diverts demolition waste from landfill
- • Availability: Widely available near urban areas
- • Performance: Compacts and drains comparably
- • LEED credits: Counts toward recycled material content
- • Local sourcing: Often sourced within 50 miles
Things to Know
- • May contain rebar or wire fragments — inspect before use
- • Not recommended under asphalt (potential bleed-through)
- • Compaction reduces volume by 10–15%
- • Quality varies significantly by source/supplier
- • Some municipalities restrict use in stormwater drainage
- • Ask about fines content — high fines = poor drainage
Quick Reference: Common Projects
| Project | Dimensions | Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Pathway | 3' × 20' | 3 in | 0.6 | 0.7 |
| Residential Driveway | 12' × 50' | 4 in | 7.4 | 8.1 |
| Slab Sub-base | 20' × 20' | 4 in | 4.9 | 5.4 |
| Parking Area | 30' × 40' | 6 in | 22.2 | 24.4 |
| Heavy Equipment Pad | 20' × 30' | 8 in | 14.8 | 16.3 |
| Large Parking Lot | 60' × 100' | 6 in | 111 | 122 |
* Includes 10% waste factor. Actual amounts depend on site conditions and material density.