To calculate how much crushed stone you need, follow these steps:
Calculation Method
- Measure the dimensions of the area you want to cover:
- Length (L) in feet
- Width (W) in feet
- Depth (D) in feet (convert inches to feet by dividing by 12)
- Calculate the volume in cubic feet :
Volume (cubic feet)=L×W×D\text{Volume (cubic feet)}=L\times W\times DVolume (cubic feet)=L×W×D
- Convert cubic feet to cubic yards (since crushed stone is often sold by the cubic yard):
Volume (cubic yards)=Volume (cubic feet)27\text{Volume (cubic yards)}=\frac{\text{Volume (cubic feet)}}{27}Volume (cubic yards)=27Volume (cubic feet)
- Add 10% for waste :
Total volume=Volume+(Volume10)\text{Total volume}=\text{Volume}+\left(\frac{\text{Volume}}{10}\right)Total volume=Volume+(10Volume)
- Convert volume to weight in tons (optional, if you need weight):
Multiply the total cubic yards by 1.5 (approximate weight in tons per cubic yard for crushed stone):
Weight (tons)=Total volume (cubic yards)×1.5\text{Weight (tons)}=\text{Total volume (cubic yards)}\times 1.5Weight (tons)=Total volume (cubic yards)×1.5
Example
For a rectangular patio 15 feet long, 11 feet wide, and 2 inches deep:
- Convert depth: 2 inches = 2/12 = 0.167 feet
- Volume in cubic feet: 15×11×0.167=27.515\times 11\times 0.167=27.515×11×0.167=27.5
- Volume in cubic yards: 27.5/27=1.0227.5/27=1.0227.5/27=1.02
- Add 10% waste: 1.02+0.102=1.121.02+0.102=1.121.02+0.102=1.12 cubic yards
- Weight in tons: 1.12×1.5=1.71.12\times 1.5=1.71.12×1.5=1.7 tons
So, you need about 1.12 cubic yards or 1.7 tons of crushed stone
Summary Formula
Cubic yards=L×W×D27×1.1\text{Cubic yards}=\frac{L\times W\times D}{27}\times 1.1Cubic yards=27L×W×D×1.1
Tons=Cubic yards×1.5\text{Tons}=\text{Cubic yards}\times 1.5Tons=Cubic yards×1.5
This method works for square, rectangular, circular, or elliptical areas with appropriate adjustments for shape. Always round up to ensure you have enough material
