How to Calculate Crushed Concrete Quantity
Crushed concrete — formally called recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) — is produced by pulverizing demolished slabs, foundations, and curb sections and then grading the fragments to a specified particle size. Unlike virgin quarried stone, RCA carries residual cement paste from its previous life, which lowers its bulk density to roughly 100–108 lb/ft³ (versus 110–130 lb/ft³ for crushed limestone or granite) and raises its water-absorption rate. Those two material-specific differences are why a standard gravel calculator's density assumptions will overestimate the tonnage you actually need — and why this calculator uses RCA-specific density values by default. If your project uses virgin crushed stone, decomposed granite, or pea gravel instead, use the Gravel Calculator which applies the higher quarried-aggregate densities.
Enter your project dimensions (length, width, and depth), choose an RCA grade (#57, #67, crushed fines, or sub-base), and set a compaction-overage percentage. The calculator outputs the ordered quantity in both cubic yards and US tons — the two units suppliers use interchangeably — along with a truckload count and total delivered-cost estimate. Once your RCA base is in and you are ready to pour, switch to the Concrete Slab Calculator to size the fresh-concrete volume above it.
Key Features of the Crushed Concrete Calculator
RCA-Specific Density Values
Defaults to 100–108 lb/ft³ for recycled concrete aggregate — not the 110–130 lb/ft³ used for virgin quarried stone — so your ton estimate is accurate from the start.
RCA Grade Selection
Accommodates four common RCA grades (#4, #57, #67, and crushed fines), each with its own bulk density and application-specific minimum depth.
Compaction Overage Adjustment
Adds a user-set 5–20% compaction factor to the net volume so you never run short after the first roller or plate-compactor pass.
Dual-Unit Output (Yards + Tons)
Displays cubic yards and US tons simultaneously, matching the two pricing units RCA suppliers use depending on your region.
Truckload Estimator
Divides the total ton order by your truck's payload capacity (selectable 10–25 tons) to show exactly how many deliveries to schedule and budget.
Application Depth Guidance
Compares your entered depth against minimums — 4 in. for patios, 6–8 in. for driveway bases, 10–12 in. for road sub-base — and flags when depth falls short.
Total Delivered Cost Estimate
Calculates material cost from price per ton or price per yard, then adds your delivery fee to produce a single total project number.
Sub-grade Condition Toggle
Adds an extra 5% compaction allowance automatically when the bearing soil is soft or clay-heavy, reducing the risk of RCA punch-through under load.
Reverse Coverage Mode
Given a fixed tonnage or yard quantity already on site, calculates how many square feet it will cover at your specified depth — useful for staged deliveries.
Delivery vs. Self-Haul Mode
Switches between supplier-delivered bulk pricing (per ton) and self-haul bag or trailer pricing (per cubic yard) so you can compare both scenarios.
Imperial and Metric Output
Outputs cubic meters and metric tonnes alongside imperial units for Canadian and international projects where metric specs are required.
Print-Ready Estimate
Generates a formatted summary with all inputs, order quantity, cost breakdown, and truckload count — shareable with your supplier in one click.
How to Use the Crushed Concrete Calculator
- 1Select your project shape — rectangular pad, circular area, or enter a known square footage directly if your layout is irregular.
- 2Enter the project length and width (or diameter for circular areas) in your preferred unit: feet, inches, yards, or meters.
- 3Enter the desired installation depth. Typical values: 2–4 in. for walkways, 4–6 in. for patios and shed pads, 6–8 in. for driveway bases, 10–12 in. for road sub-base.
- 4Choose your RCA grade from the dropdown — #57 (¾" nominal) is the most common driveway-base grade; crushed fines are used for dense, compacted platform fills.
- 5Review the auto-filled density value. The calculator applies the RCA-correct density for the selected grade (100–108 lb/ft³). Adjust only if your supplier provides a measured bulk density from a weigh ticket.
- 6Enter your compaction overage percentage. Use 10–15% for mechanically rolled driveway bases under traffic, 5% for lightly tamped walkways, and up to 20% for soft or clay sub-grades.
- 7Toggle the sub-grade condition to 'Soft / Clay' if your soil is unstable — this automatically adds a 5% punch-through buffer on top of your compaction factor.
- 8Switch the pricing mode: enter price per US ton if your supplier quotes by weight, or price per cubic yard if they quote by volume. Add your delivery fee separately.
- 9Click Calculate. The results pane shows net volume, order volume (with overage), total weight in tons, truckload count, and total delivered cost.
- 10Use the Reverse Coverage mode if you have a fixed quantity on site (e.g., 10 tons delivered) and want to know how many square feet it covers at your target depth.
- 11In Advanced mode, enter your truck payload capacity (typically 15–20 tons for a tri-axle) to get an exact delivery-count breakdown for scheduling.
- 12Click Print / Save to export a formatted estimate — share it with your supplier to confirm the order before the delivery truck is dispatched.
Formulas Used in the Calculator
- 1) Net Volume (ft³)Net Volume = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Convert depth in inches to feet by dividing by 12 before multiplying. - 2) Cubic YardsVolume (yd³) = Net Volume (ft³) ÷ 27
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. - 3) Order Volume with Compaction OverageOrder Volume = Net Volume × (1 + Compaction Factor)
A 12% factor means you order 1.12× the geometric volume to account for in-place settling. - 4) Weight in US TonsWeight (tons) = Order Volume (ft³) × Density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000
Apply this to the post-compaction order volume, not the net volume, to get the quantity to purchase. - 5) TruckloadsTruckloads = Total Tons Ordered ÷ Truck Payload (tons)
A standard tri-axle carries 15–20 tons per load; limits vary by state and road weight class. - 6) Total Delivered CostCost = (Tons × Price per Ton) + Delivery Fee
Substitute (Yards × Price per Yard) if your supplier quotes by volume rather than weight.
Worked Example — 20 × 12 ft Driveway Base
Suppose you are building a 20 ft × 12 ft driveway base at a 6 in. compacted depth using #57 RCA at $12/ton with a $75 flat delivery fee.
Step 1 — Net volume: 20 × 12 × 0.5 ft = 120 ft³, which converts to 120 ÷ 27 = 4.44 yd³.
Step 2 — Weight before compaction: #57 RCA has a loose density of 105 lb/ft³. Net weight = 120 × 105 ÷ 2,000 = 6.30 US tons.
Step 3 — Apply 12% compaction overage: 4.44 × 1.12 = 4.97 yd³ to order; 6.30 × 1.12 = 7.06 tons to order.
Step 4 — Total delivered cost: 7.06 × $12 = $84.72 material + $75 delivery = $159.72 total.
Step 5 — Truckload check: 7.06 tons ÷ 15-ton tri-axle payload = 0.47 loads — the entire order ships in one truckload with capacity to spare. If the sub-grade is soft clay, raise the overage to 17%: 6.30 × 1.17 = 7.37 tons ordered, still one truckload.
Common Mistakes When Ordering Crushed Concrete
1. Using virgin-aggregate density for RCA
Crushed limestone or granite runs 110–130 lb/ft³; RCA is lighter at 100–108 lb/ft³ because the residual cement paste is more porous. Plugging gravel density into an RCA order overstates your ton estimate by 5–15%, leading to over-budgeting and potentially paying for material you don't need.
2. Ordering the exact geometric volume with no compaction overage
RCA's angular fragments interlock and seat under roller or plate-compactor passes, reducing the layer thickness by 10–20%. A 6 in. loose layer typically compacts to roughly 5 in. Without an overage you will need a second — often expensive — top-up delivery to reach final grade.
3. Confusing US short tons with metric tonnes
Some regional suppliers and many online references quote metric tonnes (1 t = 2,205 lb); the US short ton is 2,000 lb. Mixing units inflates your order quantity by approximately 10%. Always confirm the unit your supplier uses before dividing material cost by price per ton.
4. Specifying high-fines RCA in drainage applications
Crushed concrete fines (particles <⅜ in.) self-compact and seal surface voids, blocking water percolation. For French drains, pipe bedding, or permeable driveway bases, specify #4 or #57 RCA with <5% fines per ASTM C33 — not crusher run or recycled-fines blends that will impede drainage.
RCA Grade Reference — Density, Size & Applications
| RCA Grade | Nominal Size | Loose Density | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| #4 RCA | ¾"–1½" | 100–104 lb/ft³ | Structural backfill, base course, road base |
| #57 RCA | ¾" nominal | 103–108 lb/ft³ | Driveway base, parking pads, pipe bedding |
| #67 RCA | ½"–¾" | 105–110 lb/ft³ | Drainage layers, trench fill, landscaping base |
| Crushed Fines | <⅜" | 110–120 lb/ft³ | Compacted platform fill, stable foot-traffic surfaces |
| RCA Sub-base | 1½"–3" | 95–103 lb/ft³ | Road sub-base, heavy-haul base, large-area fills |
Density ranges are for typical US RCA. Actual bulk density varies with pulverization degree, moisture content, and original concrete mix design. Confirm with a supplier weigh ticket for high-value or structural orders.
Standards & References
Sets gradation, fines content (≤3% passing #200 sieve for structural use), Los Angeles abrasion limits, and water-absorption thresholds. RCA used as aggregate in new concrete mixes must be evaluated against these requirements; for base-course-only use, C33 limits are typically not enforced.
Defines the size numbers (#4, #57, #67, etc.) referenced when ordering RCA for driveway bases, sub-base layers, and drainage applications. Ensures consistent gradation expectations across different suppliers and regions.
Governs granular base material quality in highway construction. RCA sub-base layers are frequently approved under state DOT specifications that reference AASHTO M147 gradation classes A through F for the relevant application.
Standards cited for reference. RCA quality varies significantly by source material and pulverization method — always request a material data sheet and gradation sieve analysis from your supplier before placing a structural order.
When to Use This vs. Related Calculators
Use this calculator when your fill material is recycled concrete aggregate — crushed demolished slabs, curbs, or foundation rubble graded to a specified size. Its RCA-specific density defaults (100–108 lb/ft³) are essential for an accurate ton estimate. If your project uses virgin crushed stone — crushed limestone, granite chip, or pea gravel — switch to the Gravel Calculator, which applies the higher 110–130 lb/ft³ density of quarried aggregate. For a side-by-side cost comparison between RCA and virgin stone at a custom price, the Gravel Cost Calculator lets you enter any material price and density. If you have a supplier quote in tons and only need it converted to yards without a full project area, the Gravel Tons to Yards Calculator handles the density math without requiring dimensions. Finally, once the RCA base is compacted and you are ready to estimate the new-concrete pour above it, the Concrete Slab Calculator takes over for the fresh-concrete volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crushed concrete (RCA) and where does it come from?
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is produced by crushing and grading concrete debris from demolished buildings, roads, sidewalks, and bridge decks. The resulting material — fragments of original aggregate bonded with residual cement paste — is screened into standard size grades (#57, #67, sub-base, etc.) and sold as a lower-cost alternative to quarried stone for base-course and fill applications.
What density should I use for crushed concrete calculations?
Loose RCA typically weighs 100–108 lb/ft³ (approximately 1.35–1.46 tons per cubic yard), which is 10–20% lighter than virgin crushed limestone or granite (110–130 lb/ft³). The lower density results from the porous residual cement paste bonded to each fragment. Always confirm with your supplier's weigh ticket for large or structural orders where per-ton cost is significant.
How do I calculate cubic yards of crushed concrete needed?
Multiply your project area in square feet by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For a 20 × 12 ft pad at 6 in. (0.5 ft): 20 × 12 × 0.5 = 120 ft³ ÷ 27 = 4.44 yd³ net. Add a 10–15% compaction overage, giving you approximately 4.88–5.10 yd³ to order.
How many tons of crushed concrete do I need for a driveway?
For a typical 20 × 40 ft residential driveway at a 6 in. base depth: net volume = 20 × 40 × 0.5 = 400 ft³ = 14.81 yd³. At 105 lb/ft³: 400 × 105 ÷ 2,000 = 21.0 tons net. Add 12% compaction overage and you need approximately 23.5 tons — typically 1–2 tri-axle deliveries depending on state road-weight limits.
What is the difference between crushed concrete and crushed gravel?
Crushed concrete is a recycled product made from demolished concrete structures; its fragments contain old cement paste bonded to the original aggregate. Crushed gravel is quarried virgin stone broken to a specified size with no cement content. RCA is generally lighter (100–108 lb/ft³), has higher water absorption (up to 5–8% vs. 0.5–2% for limestone), and costs 30–60% less while performing comparably as a compacted base material.
What compaction factor should I add when ordering RCA?
Most residential base projects use a 10–15% compaction factor. Use 10% for lightly loaded patio or shed bases tamped by hand. Use 15% for mechanically rolled driveway bases under repeated vehicle traffic. Increase to 20% if the sub-grade is soft clay or poorly drained fill, where RCA tends to punch through more aggressively on initial compaction passes.
Is crushed concrete #57 the same as #57 crushed stone?
Not exactly. Both follow the ASTM D448 size-57 gradation (predominantly ¾" to ½" particles), but #57 crushed stone is virgin quarried limestone or granite while #57 RCA is recycled concrete screened to the same gradation. The size class is identical; the density, absorption rate, and material source differ. For structural applications, confirm your local DOT or engineer allows RCA in place of virgin stone before substituting.
How many square feet does 1 ton of crushed concrete cover?
Coverage depends on installation depth and RCA density. At 105 lb/ft³: 1 ton = 2,000 lb ÷ 105 = 19.05 ft³. At a 4 in. (0.33 ft) depth: 19.05 ÷ 0.33 ≈ 58 ft². At 2 in. (0.167 ft) depth: 19.05 ÷ 0.167 ≈ 114 ft². Enter your specific depth in the Reverse Coverage mode and the calculator runs this conversion for you.
Can crushed concrete be used for a driveway base?
Yes — RCA is one of the most common driveway base materials in North America, particularly where demolished concrete is locally available. It typically costs 30–60% less than quarried crushed stone and performs comparably when properly compacted to 95–98% Proctor density (ASTM D1557). Most state DOTs and local building departments allow RCA as base course material; verify with your local authority before using it beneath a new concrete slab.
What is the environmental benefit of using recycled concrete aggregate?
Using RCA diverts demolition concrete from landfills — an estimated 140 million tons of concrete debris is generated annually in the US. RCA eliminates the quarrying, primary crushing, and long-haul transport energy required for virgin aggregate, reducing the embodied carbon of a typical base-course installation by 25–40%. Many LEED and sustainable-site scoring systems award materials credits for specifying RCA.
Is crushed concrete sold by the ton or cubic yard?
Both units are common and vary by region and supplier. West Coast and Midwest suppliers often quote by the ton (weight-based, easy to verify on truck scales); East Coast and Northeast suppliers sometimes quote by the cubic yard. This calculator outputs both units simultaneously so you can match whichever pricing unit your supplier uses without doing a manual conversion.
How many truckloads do I need for my RCA project?
Divide your total ton order by the truck's payload capacity. A standard tri-axle dump truck legally carries 15–20 tons per load in most US states (limits vary by state and road weight class). For a 23-ton driveway order on a 15-ton truck: ⌈23 ÷ 15⌉ = 2 deliveries. On a 20-ton truck that same order ships in one load, saving one delivery fee — the calculator handles this comparison automatically in Advanced mode.
What does ASTM C33 say about using RCA as aggregate in new concrete?
ASTM C33/C33M sets maximum fines content (passing #200 sieve ≤ 3% for structural concrete), Los Angeles abrasion loss limits (≤ 40–50%), and water-absorption thresholds. RCA exceeds virgin aggregate on absorption (up to 5–8% vs. 0.5–2% for limestone), so direct substitution in new concrete mixes requires pre-soaking RCA or adjusting the water-to-cement ratio. For base-course use only, C33 aggregate requirements are generally not enforced by local codes.
Is this crushed concrete calculator free to use?
Yes, completely free with no registration, subscription, or usage limit. The calculator runs entirely in your browser — no project data is transmitted to any server. All estimates are yours to use for planning, ordering, and sharing with contractors or suppliers at no cost.
Can I print or save my crushed concrete estimate?
Yes. After clicking Calculate, use the Print / Save button in the results panel. This opens a clean, formatted print view showing your inputs, order quantity in yards and tons, truckload count, cost breakdown, and a timestamp. In your browser's Print dialog, choose 'Save as PDF' to create a shareable digital estimate you can email to your supplier or attach to a project file.
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