What is the Limestone Calculator?
This calculator estimates how much crushed limestone you need for a driveway, patio base, drainage trench or landscaping project. You provide the dimensions of the area and the desired depth, and it returns the total volume and weight in tons so you can order the right amount of material.
How to use it
Enter the length and width of your area in feet, the depth in inches, and the density of the stone in tons per cubic yard. Crushed limestone typically weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, but the value can range from roughly 1.2 to 1.5 depending on the aggregate size and moisture. The calculator multiplies area by depth, converts to cubic yards, and multiplies by density.
The formula explained
First the depth is converted from inches to feet by dividing by 12. The volume in cubic feet equals length × width × depth (ft). Dividing by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards, since one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Finally, multiplying cubic yards by the density gives the weight in tons:
$$\text{Tons} = \frac{\text{Length} \times \text{Width} \times \frac{\text{Depth}}{12}}{27} \times \text{Density}$$
Worked example
Suppose you have a 20 ft × 10 ft pad to be covered 4 inches deep. The area is 200 ft². At 4 inches (0.333 ft) the volume is \(200 \times 0.333 = 66.67\) ft³, or \(66.67 \div 27 \approx 2.469\) cubic yards. At 1.35 tons per cubic yard, that is about 3.33 tons of limestone.
FAQ
How much does a cubic yard of limestone weigh? Roughly 1.2 to 1.5 tons (2,400–3,000 lb) depending on stone size and moisture; 1.35 is a common average.
What depth should I use? A driveway base is often 4–6 inches; a decorative top layer may be 2–3 inches. Check local guidelines.
Should I order extra? Yes — add about 5–10% for compaction and waste so you don't run short mid-project.
