Results
Enter your project details and press Calculate to see volume weight and cost. Results will appear here and update live as you change inputs.
Example Data Table
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | Density (lb/ft³) | Coverage per tonne at 5 cm (m²) | Coverage per US ton at 2 in (ft²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed limestone, loose | 1450 | 90.5 | ~13.8 | ~120 | Higher void ratio, good drainage |
| Crushed limestone, compacted | 1600 | 99.8 | ~12.5 | ~110 | Denser after compaction |
| Limestone gravel 3/4" | 1500 | 93.6 | ~13.3 | ~115 | Common for bases and drives |
Formula Used
Volume (rectangle) = Length × Width × Depth
Volume (circle) = π × (Diameter / 2)² × Depth
Waste / Compaction adds a factor (1 + waste% / 100) to volume.
Mass = Volume × Density. Density defaults to 1550 kg/m³ (≈ 97 lb/ft³) but can be adjusted for your material.
Conversions: 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³, 1 kg = 2.20462 lb, 1 US ton = 2000 lb, 1 tonne = 1000 kg.
Cost = Bulk × Price per ton where bulk is tonnes (metric) or US tons (imperial).
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your Unit System and Area Shape.
- Enter dimensions and Depth/Thickness or choose Direct Volume.
- Adjust Density to match your limestone gradation if needed.
- Set a Waste / Compaction percentage to allow for losses.
- Optionally enter a Price per ton and Currency symbol for cost.
- Press Calculate. Export results with Download CSV or Download PDF.
What is a Limestone Calculator?
A limestone calculator is a planning tool that helps you estimate how much limestone you need for a project and what it might cost. Whether you are resurfacing a driveway, laying gravel pathways, building a road base, or spreading agricultural lime, the calculator converts basic measurements (area and depth) into cubic yards, tons, and an approximate budget. In practice, the same math also works as a crushed limestone calculator, a limestone coverage calculator, a limestone yardage calculator, or a quick limestone tonnage calculator.
Since limestone products vary in density and compaction, a good calculator lets you adjust assumptions and see both a range and a target result. This guide spells out the core formulas, provides a coverage table by thickness, shows volume‑to‑weight conversion, and walks through example calculations you can adapt for your job site.
Why Use a Limestone Calculator for Construction or Landscaping?
- Right quantity, fewer trips: Ordering too little delays the job; too much ties up cash and space.
- Consistent coverage: Depth uniformity affects durability and appearance. Estimates help you plan for even coverage.
- Budget clarity: A limestone cost calculator based on local price/ton or yard yields realistic budgets and bid comparisons.
- Material selection: Seeing volumes and weights helps compare crushed limestone vs. screenings, gravel, or larger rock.
- Change‑scenario planning: Test “what if” depths, area tweaks, or different densities before you commit.
Types of Limestone (Crushed, Gravel, Screenings, Slabs, Blocks)
“Limestone” in projects often refers to several aggregate products and shapes. The type you pick affects density, compaction, drainage, look, and cost:
- Crushed limestone: Angular rock in graded sizes (e.g., 3/4″ minus). Locks well when compacted—great for driveways and base courses.
- Limestone gravel: Rounded or mixed aggregate; drains well and is easy to rake but may interlock less than crushed.
- Screenings (fines/dust): Very fine particles used as bedding under pavers and slabs; compacts tightly with minimal voids.
- Slabs/flagstone: Larger, flat pieces used for stepping paths or patios. Sold by the pallet or square footage.
- Blocks/boulders: Heavy units for retaining edges, accents, or erosion control. Sold by each, by ton, or per linear footage.
Density and moisture vary across quarries and gradations. Typical crushed limestone density spans about 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard (≈ 2600–3000 lb/yd³), while compacted screenings can behave closer to the high end due to fewer voids.
How to Calculate Limestone Quantity (by Area & Depth)
Measure project area (in square feet) and target depth (in inches). Then use these core formulas:
Why 324? Because 1 yd³ = 27 ft³ and 1″ = 1/12 ft ⇒ Area × (in/12) ÷ 27 = Area × in ÷ 324.
Limestone Coverage Formula (Cubic Feet, Cubic Yards, Tons)
Use whichever unit is convenient:
- Cubic feet = Area (sq ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12
- Cubic yards = Area (sq ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
- Tons = (Area × Depth ÷ 324) × Density
If you prefer a limestone per square foot calculator style, note that at 1.4 tons/yd³ your tons per square foot per inch is about 0.004321. Multiply by depth in inches and by the square footage to get tons.
How to Convert Limestone Volume to Weight
To convert volume to weight, multiply by the material density. Typical crushed limestone density is 1.3–1.5 tons/yd³ (about 2600–3000 lb/yd³).
- Weight (tons) = Cubic yards × 1.3…1.5
- Weight (lb) = Cubic yards × 2600…3000
Limestone Cost Estimation: Price per Ton, Yard, or Bag
Suppliers commonly quote a price per ton for aggregates, sometimes with tiered pricing by quantity. Bulk delivery usually has a minimum load and a separate delivery fee based on distance. For smaller jobs, retailers offer per yard pickup or bagged options.
- Per ton: Best for driveways, road base, and large landscaping projects. Ask about minimums and fuel surcharges.
- Per cubic yard: Yard pickup at landscape yards; confirm how they load (bucket size) and whether the price includes tax.
- Per bag: Convenient for small repairs or narrow access sites, but higher unit cost than bulk.
To estimate budget, determine tons or yards using the formulas above, then multiply by the latest limestone price per ton estimation from local suppliers or the current limestone price per yard. Add delivery, taxes, and a contingency for overage (5–10%).
Common Limestone Applications
Driveways & Pathways
Crushed limestone (“minus” gradations with fines) compacts into a durable driving surface. For resurfacing, 1–2″ may be enough; for a new driveway, plan 4–6″ base plus 1–2″ top course. A calculate limestone for driveway exercise is in the examples below.
Landscaping & Garden Beds
Limestone gravel and chips create clean edging, mulch alternatives, and drainage paths. Finer screenings are ideal under pavers; coarser gravel suits decorative areas where some void space is acceptable.
Concrete & Road Base
Well‑graded crushed limestone is a staple for road base and sub‑base layers, providing interlock and load distribution. Depth depends on soil, traffic class, and drainage.
Agricultural Lime (Soil Neutralization)
Aglime is pulverized limestone applied to fields and lawns to raise soil pH. Coverage depends on the product’s fineness and calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE); follow agronomic recommendations from soil tests.
Limestone Calculator Table: Coverage by Thickness
Use these quick‑reference values for planning. Coverage varies with density and compaction; the table shows typical values.
Coverage per Ton at Common Densities
| Depth (in) | 1.3 t/yd³ | 1.4 t/yd³ | 1.5 t/yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | ≈ 249 sq ft | ≈ 231 sq ft | ≈ 216 sq ft |
| 2" | ≈ 125 sq ft | ≈ 116 sq ft | ≈ 108 sq ft |
| 3" | ≈ 83 sq ft | ≈ 77 sq ft | ≈ 72 sq ft |
| 4" | ≈ 62 sq ft | ≈ 58 sq ft | ≈ 54 sq ft |
| 6" | ≈ 42 sq ft | ≈ 39 sq ft | ≈ 36 sq ft |
| 8" | ≈ 31 sq ft | ≈ 29 sq ft | ≈ 27 sq ft |
| 12" | ≈ 21 sq ft | ≈ 19 sq ft | ≈ 18 sq ft |
Coverage per Cubic Yard (independent of density)
| Depth (in) | Coverage (sq ft per yd³) |
|---|---|
| 1" | ≈ 324 sq ft |
| 2" | ≈ 162 sq ft |
| 3" | ≈ 108 sq ft |
| 4" | ≈ 81 sq ft |
| 6" | ≈ 54 sq ft |
| 8" | ≈ 40.5 sq ft |
| 12" | ≈ 27 sq ft |
Example Limestone Calculations (Driveway, Garden, Construction)
1) Driveway Resurfacing (12 ft × 40 ft at 4")
Goal: Resurface a 12′ × 40′ driveway with crushed limestone at a compacted depth of 4″. Assume density 1.4 t/yd³.
- Area = 12 × 40 = 480 sq ft
- Cubic yards = 480 × 4 ÷ 324 = ≈ 5.93 yd³
- Tons = 5.93 × 1.4 = ≈ 8.30 tons
Order: Round up for delivery and placement losses: 8.5–9 tons. This aligns with the limestone coverage per ton table: at 4″ depth and 1.4 t/yd³, 1 ton covers ≈ 58 sq ft → 480 ÷ 58 ≈ 8.3 tons.
2) Garden Path (2 ft × 36 ft at 2")
Goal: Build a narrow path using limestone gravel. Density again at 1.4 t/yd³.
- Area = 2 × 36 = 72 sq ft
- Cubic yards = 72 × 2 ÷ 324 = ≈ 0.44 yd³
- Tons = 0.44 × 1.4 = ≈ 0.62 tons
Bag option: If buying 50‑lb bags, tons ≈ 0.62 → ~25 bags (since 0.62 × 2000 ÷ 50 ≈ 24.8). If buying 0.5 ft³ bags, you need ~24 bags (because 0.44 yd³ × 27 ÷ 0.5 ≈ 23.8).
3) Base Under a Slab (20 ft × 30 ft at 6")
Goal: Prepare a compacted base for a shed slab. Use 1.5 t/yd³ to be conservative for dense, well‑graded material.
- Area = 20 × 30 = 600 sq ft
- Cubic yards = 600 × 6 ÷ 324 = ≈ 11.11 yd³
- Tons = 11.11 × 1.5 = ≈ 16.67 tons
Order: 17–18 tons to allow for shaping, losses, and variable subgrade absorption.
Factors Affecting Limestone Requirements
Compaction & Settlement
After placement, compaction reduces voids and lowers thickness. Plan extra material (5–15%) to finish at the target depth. Screenings compact more than open‑graded gravel; wetting during compaction often improves lock‑up.
Limestone Density & Type
Density varies with source and gradation. A finer mix (with more fines) packs densely (higher tons/yd³). A washed, open‑graded rock covers more area per ton but may shift more.
Area Shape & Depth Variations
Curves, tapers, and crowns change local depth. Divide complex areas into rectangles/sectors, compute each separately, and add a contingency.
Tips for Ordering and Using Limestone
- Confirm density: Ask your supplier for a ton‑per‑yard figure for the exact product.
- Round up: Delivery trucks can’t deliver fractional tons precisely; round to the nearest 0.5–1.0 ton.
- Stage deliveries: Large jobs run smoother with two smaller loads than one oversized pile.
- Prepare the subgrade: Remove organic material, proof‑roll, and shape for drainage.
- Compact in lifts: For depths > 3″, place in 2–3 lifts and compact each layer.
- Edge restraint: For paths and driveways without borders, add edging to hold rock in place.
- Moisture counts: Damp rock spreads and compacts more cleanly than bone‑dry material.
FAQs on Limestone Calculation and Usage
Q: How much limestone do I need for a 10 ft × 20 ft driveway at 3 inches?
A: Area = 200 sq ft. Cubic yards = 200 × 3 ÷ 324 ≈ 1.85 yd³. Tons at 1.4 t/yd³ ≈ 2.6 tons. Round up to 3 tons to allow for compaction.
Q: What is the difference between a limestone gravel calculator and an aggregate calculator?
A: Functionally similar—both compute volume and weight from area and depth—but an aggregate calculator may include other stone types.
Q: Can I estimate limestone yardage directly from thickness?
A: Yes. One yard covers 324 sq ft at 1″. Divide 324 by your depth (in inches) to get coverage per yard, then divide your area by that value.
Q: How do I estimate limestone cost quickly?
A: Compute tons (or yards) with the formulas, multiply by your supplier’s current price per ton (or yard), and add delivery, taxes, and 5–10% contingency.
Q: Is there a limestone depth and coverage chart I can print?
A: Yes—see the tables above. They double as a limestone coverage chart for planning and crew briefings.
Q: Does moisture change tonnage?
A: Moisture and fines add weight. Ask for “as‑delivered” density if your supplier can provide it, and keep an overage buffer.
Live Summary
- Volume: 0.000 m³ | 0.0 ft³
- Mass: 0.0 kg | 0.0 lb
- Bulk: 0.000 t | 0.000 US ton
- Bags 25 kg: 0
- Est. Cost: $0.00
Tips
- Round up tonnage to avoid short deliveries.
- Compact in layers to reach target depth.
- Confirm density and price with your supplier.