| Project | Shape | Size | Depth | Waste | Compaction | Typical output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden walkway base | Rectangle | 20 ft × 3 ft | 3 in | 10% | 10% | ≈ 0.73 yd³, ≈ 1.03 US tons |
| Small patio base | Rectangle | 12 ft × 12 ft | 4 in | 10% | 10% | ≈ 2.60 yd³, ≈ 3.64 US tons |
| Fire pit pad | Circle | 8 ft diameter | 3 in | 8% | 10% | ≈ 0.62 yd³, ≈ 0.87 US tons |
Outputs assume 1.40 tons/yd³. Your supplier may differ.
- Area: Rectangle = length × width; Circle = π × (diameter/2)²; Custom = provided area.
- Base volume = area × depth.
- Adjusted volume = base volume × (1 + waste%) × (1 + compaction%).
- Weight = adjusted volume × density (tons/yd³ or kg/m³).
- Cost = weight × price per ton, or volume × price per volume.
- Select a unit system and area shape.
- Enter dimensions (or total area) and the compacted depth.
- Set waste and compaction allowances for your site conditions.
- Enter density using your supplier’s figure when available.
- Optional: add pricing to estimate budget, then calculate.
- Use the CSV/PDF buttons to save your calculation report.
Crusher run basics for garden bases
Crusher run is a blended aggregate that packs tightly for stable paths, patios, and shed pads. The calculator converts footprint and compacted depth into volume, then applies waste and compaction allowances to estimate an order quantity. Use rectangle, circle, or a known area for irregular layouts. Good base prep includes removing organics, shaping for drainage, and edging to hold the stone firmly.
Choosing depth for common projects
For light foot traffic, a 2–3 inch (5–7.5 cm) compacted layer often supports stepping paths over firm soil. Walkways and patio bases commonly use 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm), especially where freeze-thaw or soft subgrade is expected. If you are placing pavers, include the crusher run base thickness only, not bedding sand.
Understanding volume and weight
The tool calculates base volume from area × depth, then converts between cubic yards and cubic meters for comparison. Weight is adjusted volume × density, so entering a local density improves accuracy. Typical crusher run density is roughly 1.35–1.55 tons/yd³ (about 1600–1850 kg/m³), but moisture and gradation can shift results. When you have a scale ticket or supplier spec, update the density value.
Waste, compaction, and rounding
Waste covers spillage, raking, edge build-up, and small grade corrections. Compaction allowance accounts for settlement after plate compaction or roller passes. Many suppliers deliver in rounded increments (for example, 0.5 or 1.0 yd³ or by truckload), so ordering slightly above the adjusted total reduces last-minute shortfalls. If you expect hand spreading, add a small buffer so you are not short onsite. For deeper builds, compact in lifts for better performance.
Cost planning with real pricing
If pricing is by weight, use price per ton and verify whether “ton” means US ton or metric tonne. If pricing is by volume, use price per cubic yard or cubic meter and add delivery separately. Comparing both views helps you choose delivery size, confirm budgets, and keep material on-site manageable. Save CSV or PDF outputs for quotes and records.
How is crusher run typically used in gardens?
It is commonly used as a compactable base under pavers, stepping paths, patios, shed floors, and edging zones. The mix of fines and stone locks together to limit rutting and surface movement.
Should I enter loose depth or compacted depth?
Enter the thickness you want after compaction. If you measure loose placement depth, increase the compaction allowance, or place and compact in lifts to reach your target compacted thickness.
What density value should I choose?
Use your supplier’s stated density when available. If not, start with a typical range and adjust after you compare a delivery ticket weight to the measured volume on your site.
Why are waste and compaction two separate factors?
Waste accounts for material you do not end up in the finished section, such as spillage and edge build-up. Compaction accounts for settling as voids reduce when the layer is compacted.
Can the calculator estimate cost by volume or by weight?
Yes. Select a pricing method and enter either price per ton/tonne or price per cubic yard/cubic meter. The calculator will apply your chosen method to the adjusted quantity.
How do I measure an irregular area accurately?
Break the space into simple rectangles and circles, calculate each area, and add them. Or measure total area from a plan or mapping tool and use the custom area option.