Construction Aggregate Guide: Sizes, Tons per Cubic Yard, and Cost per Ton
Construction aggregate is crushed stone sold by sieve size for base, backfill, concrete, and drainage. Most sizes weigh 1.35 to 1.55 tons per cubic yard and cost $20 to $40 per ton. Crusher run and #57 stone are the two most ordered products on any job site.
Material Cost
$15 to $45 per ton
Typical Depth
4" – 6"
Recommended Types
9 gravel types
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Recommended Materials
Road base and sub-base material. Sizes #3 through #57 provide compaction and load-bearing capacity.
The most versatile construction aggregate. Used in concrete, pipe bedding, and backfill.
Widely used in Midwest and Southern construction. Crusher run is ideal for compacted base.
The standard road base material. Fines fill voids for maximum compaction and load-bearing capacity.
Specified where drainage behind structures is critical. Clean stone with no fines for pipe bedding and backfill.
Economical unprocessed fill for rural construction and site prep. Lower cost than crusher run but less consistent.
General-purpose mixed aggregate for site work, backfill, and temporary roads. Verify sizing with supplier before ordering.
Blended #57 stone and fines for compacted base layers. Better drainage than crusher run with similar stability.
Eco-friendly reclaimed pavement material. Hardens over time for durable access roads and parking areas.
Construction Aggregate Guide: Sizes, Tons per Cubic Yard, and Cost per Ton Cost Breakdown
| Material | Per Ton | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | $20 – $40 | $25 – $55 |
| #57 Gravel | $20 – $35 | $25 – $45 |
| Crushed Limestone | $20 – $45 | $25 – $50 |
| Crusher Run | $20 – $35 | $25 – $45 |
| Washed Gravel | $25 – $45 | $30 – $60 |
| Bank Run Gravel | $15 – $30 | $20 – $40 |
| Construction Gravel | $15 – $35 | $20 – $50 |
| #411 Gravel | $20 – $40 | $25 – $55 |
| Recycled Asphalt | $15 – $30 | $20 – $45 |
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size.
How Much Gravel Do I Need? (20 x 50 ft pad)
Quantities for a 1,000 sq ft pad at the recommended depth for each material, including compaction and a 10% waste allowance. Cubic yards = square feet x depth in inches / 324.
| Material | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons to order | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone Base Layer | 6 in | 18.5 | 30.3 to 34.7 | $606 to $1,388 |
| #57 Gravel Primary | 4 in | 12.3 | 19.8 to 22.7 | $396 to $795 |
| Crushed Limestone Alternative | 4 in | 12.3 | 19.4 to 22.4 | $388 to $1,008 |
| Crusher Run Primary | 6 in | 18.5 | 35.1 to 39.8 | $702 to $1,393 |
| Washed Gravel Alternative | 4 in | 12.3 | 18.3 to 21.0 | $458 to $945 |
| Bank Run Gravel Alternative | 6 in | 18.5 | 31.4 to 37.0 | $471 to $1,110 |
| Construction Gravel Alternative | 6 in | 18.5 | 31.4 to 37.0 | $471 to $1,295 |
| #411 Gravel Alternative | 4 in | 12.3 | 22.1 to 25.1 | $442 to $1,004 |
| Recycled Asphalt Alternative | 4 in | 12.3 | 29.3 to 32.6 | $440 to $978 |
Different size? Draw it on the planner above, or use the gravel calculator. Delivery adds $50 to $150 per load.
Construction aggregate — crushed stone, gravel, and sand — forms the foundation of modern building. It's the most mined material in the world and an essential component of roads, concrete, foundations, and site preparation.
For road base and sub-base, crushed stone in sizes #3 through #57 provides the compaction and load-bearing capacity needed to support traffic. Crusher run (a blend of crushed stone and stone dust) is the go-to material for creating a dense, stable base layer.
Concrete production relies on a precisely graded blend of coarse aggregate (#57 or #67 gravel), fine aggregate (sand), and cement. The angular shape of crushed stone creates stronger bonds than rounded gravel, making it the preferred choice for structural concrete.
Site preparation and backfill operations use various aggregate sizes. #2 and #3 stone fill large voids behind retaining walls and around foundations. #57 stone serves as pipe bedding for utilities. Clean crushed stone is specified where drainage behind structures is critical.
Published February 11, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Gravel for Driveway?
A well-built gravel driveway uses three layers of progressively smaller stone:
Base Layer (4 inches)
Use #3 stone (1-2 inches) or #4 stone (1.5-3 inches). These large angular stones create a stable foundation and won't sink into soft soil. A geotextile fabric under this layer prevents the stone from migrating into the subgrade.
Middle Layer (4 inches)
#57 stone (3/4 to 1 inch) is the standard choice. It fills the gaps in the base layer, adds stability, and provides a transition to the finer top layer.
Top Layer (2-3 inches)
#8 gravel (3/8 to 1/2 inch) or crushed limestone creates a smooth driving surface. Some homeowners prefer #411 (a blend of #57 stone and stone dust) because the dust fills voids and compacts into a very firm surface.
What to Avoid
Avoid using pea gravel or river rock for driveways — their rounded shape means they never lock together and will constantly shift under tires, creating ruts.
Gravel vs Concrete: Which Is Better?
Gravel and concrete each have clear advantages depending on your priorities, budget, and project requirements.
Where Gravel Wins
A gravel driveway costs $1-$3 per square foot installed, while concrete runs $5-$10 per square foot. Gravel can be a DIY project; concrete requires professional installation. Gravel is permeable and handles drainage naturally; concrete requires slopes and drainage planning.
Where Concrete Wins
A properly installed concrete driveway lasts 25-30 years with minimal upkeep. Gravel driveways need periodic regrading, rut filling, and top-layer replenishment. Concrete provides a smooth, clean surface year-round; gravel can be dusty in summer and difficult to plow in winter.
Cold Climate Considerations
For driveways in cold climates, concrete can crack from freeze-thaw cycles and road salt damage. Gravel handles freezing and thawing without damage but is harder to snow-plow.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose gravel when budget is a priority, the driveway is long (rural properties), drainage is a concern, or you want a rustic aesthetic. Choose concrete for short suburban driveways, wheelchair accessibility, frequent snow removal, and a modern look.
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