Crushed Concrete Calculator
Reviewed by Engr. Talha Tariq | PEC License #: PEC-CIVIL-37815 | Last updated: 2026-03-24
Estimate how much crushed concrete you need based on standard or coverage dimensions. This professional crushed concrete cost calculator accounts for compaction waste, giving you exact yardage, tons, logistics estimates, and project costs.
Calculate volume, tons, coverage area, truckloads, and cost for crushed concrete projects. Includes compaction and waste adjustments.
Crushed concrete is excellent for driveways and road bases. Be sure to account for 5-15% compaction/waste for proper estimating.
Step 1 — Calculation Mode
Step 2 — Dimensions
in ft
in ft
Base depth
Step 3 — Density & Adjustments
Typical is 5-15%
For delivery estimate
Step 4 — Cost Estimation (Optional)
Cost per unit
Flat delivery cost
How to Estimate Crushed Concrete Quantities
Crushed concrete, also known as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), is an incredibly versatile and cost-effective material. Whether you are building a solid driveway base, setting up a patio, or creating a parking pad, ordering the right amount is essential to keeping costs down and maintaining structural integrity.
Our calculator helps you determine the exact volume in cubic yards and estimates the weight in tons. More importantly, it features standard contractor-level adjustments for compaction and waste. In the field, crushed concrete settles up to 15% when compacted, meaning you often need to order more than the pure mathematical volume of your trench or pad.
Calculator Features
Volume Estimation
Calculates cubic feet and cubic yards for crushed concrete projects.
Tons Conversion
Converts crushed concrete volume into estimated tons for ordering.
Coverage Planning
Shows how much area crushed concrete can cover at a chosen depth.
Compaction Adjustment
Adds overage for compaction, settling, and jobsite waste.
Cost Estimation
Calculates project cost using price per ton or price per cubic yard.
Truckload Estimator
Helps plan delivery loads for large driveway or base projects.
Multi-Shape Support
Calculates concrete needs for rectangular, circular, triangular, and custom areas.
Unit Conversion
Supports both imperial and metric measurement systems.
How to Use the Crushed Concrete Cost Calculator
- 1Select your project calculation mode (e.g., Rectangle Area, Known Volume, or Reverse Coverage).
- 2Enter dimensions (length, width, or total area) and your desired installation depth.
- 3Choose a unit system (feet, inches, yards or metric).
- 4Select the density profile of the crushed concrete (standard is 105 lb/ft³).
- 5Add a compaction/waste percentage (typically 5% to 15% for driveway bases).
- 6Enter material pricing and delivery fees, then click Calculate.
Recommended Project Depths
The following are general planning estimates for how thick your crushed concrete base should be. Always consult local codes or an engineer for heavy duty applications.
- Walkways: 2 to 4 inches (light base depth)
- Patio Base: 4 inches (moderate base depth)
- Shed Base: 4 to 6 inches (moderate to heavy base depth)
- Driveway Base: 6 to 8+ inches (heavier base depth)
- Road Base / Sub-base: 8 to 12+ inches (heavier compacted base depth)
Why Estimate Carefully?
- Supplier Ordering Differences: Depending on where you live, crushed concrete is sold by the cubic yard or by the US Ton. Knowing both numbers prevents confusion when calling suppliers.
- Density Variation: Wet weather or the degree of pulverization changes the weight. Standard crushed concrete weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard (105 lbs/ft³), but compact, finely crushed materials weigh more.
- Compaction Effects: When you roll or tamp crushed concrete, the air voids are squeezed out. A 6-inch loose layer may compact down to 5 inches. Planning a 10-15% overage prevents you from coming up short.
- Delivery Planning: A standard tri-axle dump truck generally holds about 15-20 tons depending on local road regulations. Estimating truckloads tells you how many delivery fees you might need to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate crushed concrete?
To calculate crushed concrete, multiply the project area by the depth to get volume. Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27. To find tons, multiply the cubic yards by the material density factor (usually around 1.4 tons per yard).
How many tons of crushed concrete do I need?
The number of tons depends on your project volume and the density of the crushed concrete. A calculator can convert cubic yards into tons using a selected density factor. Generally, 1 cubic yard equals about 1.4 US tons.
How much area does 1 ton of crushed concrete cover?
Coverage depends on the density of the material and the depth you plan to install. At a 2-inch depth, 1 ton covers roughly 100-110 square feet. Shallower depths cover more area, while deeper base layers cover less.
Should I add extra crushed concrete for compaction?
Yes. Many projects need extra material for compaction, settling, and normal jobsite waste. Adding a 5% to 15% overage percentage helps avoid under-ordering and paying for a smaller second delivery truck.
Is crushed concrete sold by ton or by yard?
Crushed concrete may be sold by either ton or cubic yard depending on the supplier and region. A good calculator should estimate both so you're prepared.
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