Crushed Stone Volume Formula:
Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of crushed stone needed for driveway projects based on length, width, and depth measurements.
Purpose: It helps homeowners and contractors determine how much crushed stone is required to create a stable base for driveways.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The calculator converts all measurements to feet, calculates cubic feet, then converts to cubic yards.
Details: Proper crushed stone volume estimation ensures proper drainage, prevents settling, and helps budget for materials.
Tips: Measure your driveway area carefully. Typical driveway depth is 4-6 inches for base material. All values must be > 0.
Q1: Why divide by 27 in the formula?
A: There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard, so we divide by 27 to convert from cubic feet to cubic yards.
Q2: What's the typical depth for driveway stone?
A: For driveways, 4-6 inches is common for the base layer, with 2-3 inches for the surface layer.
Q3: Should I add extra for compaction?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% to your calculated volume to account for compaction of the material.
Q4: What type of crushed stone is best for driveways?
A: Angular crushed stone (like limestone or granite) in 3/4" to 1" size provides good stability.
Q5: How do I measure an irregularly shaped driveway?
A: Break it into rectangular sections, calculate each separately, then sum the volumes.