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Stone Dust vs Sand

The same area needs the same cubic yards of either one, but stone dust weighs about 19% more per yard, which changes the tonnage and often the price.

ft
ft
ft
sq ft
in
%

First material

tons
$

Second material

tons
$

Enter your numbers and press Calculate.

Side by side

Stone DustSand
Weight per cubic yard3,126 lb (1.56 t)2,620 lb (1.31 t)
Cubic yards per ton0.640.76
Sq ft per ton at 3 in6982
Average price$10–$25/yd³$15–$50/yd³

Weights and prices from the sources listed below.

FHWA measured about 11% fines (passing the No. 200 sieve) in No. 10 screenings, the stone-dust size.

Working it out

Cubic yards = area × depth ÷ 324 (sq ft and inches). Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard.

For 200 sq ft at 3 inches, both need 1.85 cubic yards: 2.89 tons of stone dust or 2.43 tons of sand.

Common questions

Which is heavier, stone dust or sand?

Stone Dust at about 1.56 tons per cubic yard, against 1.31.

Related calculators

Sources

  • https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/15034/003.cfm
  • https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dirt-mud-densities-d_1727.html
  • https://homeguide.com/costs/gravel-prices
  • https://homeguide.com/costs/fill-dirt-sand-topsoil-cost