Crushed Concrete Calculator
Cubic yards and tons of recycled crushed concrete for driveways, base and fill.
Quick estimating rule of thumb
For crushed concrete: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Recycled concrete is about 1.35 tons per yard and packs like ¾-minus: 4 inches for a driveway, 2 to 3 for a patio base. Add 10–15%; it has more fines than washed stone and compactes tighter.
This crushed concrete calculator converts an area and depth into the cubic yards and tons of recycled crushed concrete (RCA) you need. It is a cheaper, greener alternative to virgin crushed stone for driveways, sub-bases and structural fill.
Crushed concrete comes graded like natural aggregate: a dense-graded 3/4-inch-minus for compacted base, and larger clean grades for drainage. It compacts hard; the tool adds a 10% allowance.
Where crushed concrete works well
Driveway base and surface, parking pads, shed and slab sub-bases, backfill, and access roads. The fines contain cement dust that re-cements slightly when compacted and wetted, so a 3/4-minus RCA driveway sets up firmer than the same gradation in natural stone.
It is less suited to decorative use. The colour is grey and variable, and you may see rebar-stain rust flecks or bits of asphalt depending on the source.
How deep
Driveway: 4 inches over firm sub-grade for cars, 6 inches for regular truck traffic, compacted in 2-inch lifts. Paver and slab base: 4 inches pedestrian, 6 inches vehicular. One ton covers about 90 square feet at 2 inches compacted.
Buying it
Crushed concrete is sold by the ton and typically runs 20 to 40% cheaper than virgin crushed stone. A cubic yard weighs about 1.35 tons. Ask the supplier whether the material is certified/screened for rebar and contaminants if it is going under a slab. Order 10% over.
Common crushed-concrete mistakes
Assuming it is dirty. Reputable suppliers screen and magnet-separate steel. Ask for screened RCA if it goes under a slab or a barefoot area.
Not compacting in lifts. Like any dense-graded base, it needs 2-inch lifts and a little water to bind.
Using it as decorative stone. Colour is grey and variable with the odd asphalt fleck. It is a base material, not a finish.
Ordering compacted volume. Order for the loose depth, about a third more.
| Material | lb / ft³ | tons / yd³ | Sold by | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel (3/8″, rounded) | 100–105 | 1.35 | ton or yd³ | Paths, patios, dog runs, drainage |
| #57 crushed stone (3/4″, washed) | 100–105 | 1.35 | ton | Drainage, slab sub-base, French drains |
| 3/4″ minus / dense-grade | 105–115 | 1.45 | ton | Driveway base, paver base, road pack |
| Crushed concrete (RCA) | 100–110 | 1.35 | ton | Driveway base, structural fill (cheaper) |
| River rock (1–3″) | 95–105 | 1.40 | ton or yd³ | Dry creek beds, borders, xeriscape |
| Decomposed granite | 110–120 | 1.50 | ton | Paths, patios, natural-look driveways |
| Road base / Class 5 | 110–120 | 1.50 | ton | Compacted base under pavers, slabs, drives |
Frequently asked questions
How much crushed concrete do I need?
Multiply area by depth in the same unit, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.35 for tons. A 500 square foot driveway at 4 inches needs roughly 10 to 11 tons.
How many tons of crushed concrete in a cubic yard?
About 1.35 tons, similar to natural crushed stone.
Is crushed concrete cheaper than gravel?
Usually 20 to 40% cheaper than virgin crushed stone, because it is a recycled product. Availability depends on having a crushing operation nearby.
Is crushed concrete good for a driveway?
Yes. The cement fines re-bind when compacted and wetted, giving a harder surface than natural stone of the same gradation. Grade it to shed water.
How deep should crushed concrete be for a driveway?
Four inches compacted over a firm sub-grade for cars, six inches where trucks drive, placed in 2-inch lifts.
Does crushed concrete have rebar in it?
Reputable suppliers screen and magnet-separate steel during crushing, but occasional wire flecks turn up. Ask for screened material if it is going under a slab or barefoot area.
How much area does a ton of crushed concrete cover?
About 90 square feet at 2 inches compacted, 60 at 3 inches, and 45 at 4 inches.
Can crushed concrete be used as a base under pavers?
Yes, a 3/4-inch-minus dense grade compacts to an excellent paver base. Use 4 inches for walkways and 6 inches for driveways.
Is crushed concrete good for a driveway?
Yes. The cement fines re-bind when compacted and wetted, so a 3/4-inch-minus RCA driveway sets up firmer than the same gradation of natural stone.
How much does crushed concrete cost compared to gravel?
Usually 20 to 40% less than virgin crushed stone, where a crushing operation is nearby to supply it.
Can crushed concrete be used as a paver base?
Yes, a dense-graded 3/4-inch-minus RCA compacts to an excellent base: 4 inches for walkways, 6 inches for driveways.
Does crushed concrete have rebar in it?
Processing removes almost all steel, but occasional wire flecks appear. Ask for screened material for slab bases and play areas.
How many tons of crushed concrete in a cubic yard?
About 1.35 tons, similar to natural crushed stone.