How much crushed limestone do I need?
Crushed limestone makes driveway surfaces, paths, and bases, and it packs firm when compacted.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area above. The calculator shows cubic yards, cubic feet, an estimated weight in tons, and the number of 0.5 cubic foot bags if you buy bagged crushed limestone. Add a price per cubic yard and it also estimates the cost.
Cubic yard calculator for crushed limestone
This cubic yard calculator for crushed limestone works for any shape. Pick rectangle for most beds and slabs, circle for round areas, or trench for narrow runs. Open the price estimator under the calculator to add your supplier price, delivery fee, and tax. For a full cost breakdown, see the cubic yard price estimator.
Crushed Limestone weight and bags per cubic yard
A planning value for crushed limestone is 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, which is 1.35 US tons. Moisture, particle size, and compaction move that number, so treat it as a starting point.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Pounds per cubic yard | 2,700 |
| US tons per cubic yard | 1.35 |
| Kilograms per cubic yard | 1,225 |
| Cubic yards per US ton | 0.74 |
| Cubic feet per US ton | 20.00 |
| 0.5 cubic foot bags per cubic yard | 54.0 |
How far does a cubic yard of crushed limestone go?
Coverage depends only on depth. The deeper the layer, the less area a cubic yard covers. The suggested depth for crushed limestone is 3 to 6 inches, and 4 inches is a common choice.
| Depth (inches) | Square feet covered | Square yards covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 324 | 36.0 |
| 2 | 162 | 18.0 |
| 3 | 108 | 12.0 |
| 4 | 81 | 9.0 |
| 6 | 54 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 40 | 4.5 |
| 12 | 27 | 3.0 |
Crushed Limestone needed for common areas at 4 inches deep
| Area | Square feet | Cubic yards | US tons | 0.5 cubic foot bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 ft | 25 | 0.31 | 0.42 | 17 |
| 8 by 10 ft | 80 | 0.99 | 1.33 | 54 |
| 10 by 10 ft | 100 | 1.23 | 1.67 | 67 |
| 10 by 20 ft | 200 | 2.47 | 3.33 | 134 |
| 12 by 12 ft | 144 | 1.78 | 2.40 | 96 |
| 15 by 20 ft | 300 | 3.70 | 5.00 | 200 |
| 20 by 20 ft | 400 | 4.94 | 6.67 | 267 |
| 20 by 30 ft | 600 | 7.41 | 10.00 | 400 |
| 30 by 40 ft | 1,200 | 14.81 | 20.00 | 800 |
| 50 by 50 ft | 2,500 | 30.86 | 41.67 | 1,667 |
Worked example: 30 by 10 feet at 4 inches
The area is 30 feet times 10 feet, or 300 square feet. A depth of 4 inches is 0.33 feet. Volume is 300 times 0.33, which is 100.00 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 3.70 cubic yards. At 2,700 pounds per cubic yard that weighs about 5.00 US tons. With 10 percent extra, order 4.07 cubic yards.
Tips for ordering crushed limestone
- Limestone fines compact into a hard, almost paved surface.
- It can raise soil pH nearby, so keep it away from acid loving plants.
- Spread and compact in layers for the best strength.
Regional names differ, so confirm the size and the fines content when you order.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of crushed limestone do I need?
Multiply length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 30 by 10 foot area at 4 inches deep needs about 3.70 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of crushed limestone weigh?
About 2,700 pounds, or 1.35 US tons, as a planning value. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How deep should crushed limestone be?
Most projects use 3 to 6 inches. 4 inches is a common choice.
How many square feet does a cubic yard of crushed limestone cover?
81 square feet at 4 inches deep, and 324 square feet at 1 inch.
How many bags of crushed limestone make a cubic yard?
About 54 bags of the 0.5 cubic foot size, which yields about 0.5 cubic feet each.