The Crusher Run Needed for a Lane calculator computes weight (tons) and volume (cubic yards) of crusher run needed for a driveway or lane based on the length and width of the lane and the desired depth of crusher run (crushed stone).
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (L) Length of Crusher Run Course
- (W) Width of Crusher Run Course (7' default for truck width)
- (D) Depth of Crusher Run (1.5" default for thin layer)
Crusher Run Needed (CR): The calculator returns the weight of crusher run in tons (U.S. tons = 2,000 lbs) and volume of crusher run in cubic yards. However, both values can be automatically changed to compatible units via the pull-down menu.
The Math / Science
Crusher run is usually delivered via at dump truck, such as the 20 ton truck pictured. An experience operator will spread the stone by chaining the dump door to be open by a few inches. The opening will dictate how thick the stone is laid. A delivery of 22 tons at the farm laid a 7 foot wide swath that was between an inch and two inches deep for about 350 feet in one pass. This is not uncommon.
The volume of crusher run calculation is a simple three dimensional calculation, where
volume = length • width • depth
The weight of the crusher run is based on the formula
where:
- volume is the volume of stone for the driveway or lane
- density of crusher run ( 2195.12 kg/m3)
Depth of Crusher Run
The most common depth for crusher run (also called crush and run, graded aggregate base, or GAB) when used as a sub-base or base layer depends on the application, but here are the typical installed depths seen in practice:
ApplicationMost Common Compacted DepthNotes
- Driveways (residential, light traffic)4″–6″ (100–150 mm)Often 4″ for cars, 6″ if occasional heavier vehicles (pickups, SUVs)
- Heavy-duty driveways / parking areas6″–8″ (150–200 mm)For frequent heavy trucks or RVs
- Under concrete slabs (garages, sheds)4″–6″Usually 4″ is sufficient when compacted well
- Roads (light-duty/private)6″–12″ (150–300 mm)8″–10″ is very common for rural or farm roads
- Patios / walkways (under pavers)4″–6″4″ is standard for pedestrian traffic
- Temporary construction roads/hauls8″–12″+Heavier compaction and thicker layers for very heavy equipment
Most frequently specified depth overall: 6 inches (150 mm) compacted This is the “sweet spot” that shows up most often in contractor quotes, municipal specs, and supplier recommendations for general-purpose driveways and light road bases in the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic (where crusher run is extremely popular).
Key points contractors follow:
- Material is usually placed in 4″–6″ lifts and compacted with a vibratory roller or plate compactor to achieve ≈95–98% Proctor density.
- Total depth can be slightly deeper before compaction (e.g., 7–8″ loose to achieve 6″ compacted).
- Always compact in lifts—no more than 6–8″ loose at a time for best results.
So if someone asks for a single “standard” answer: 6 inches compacted is the depth you’ll hear most often from suppliers and contractors for a typical gravel driveway or base layer using crusher run.
Tri-Axle Truck Spread (Width of Crusher Run)
The width of spread for crusher run (or any gravel) dumped from a standard dump truck depends on several factors, but here are the realistic, real-world numbers based on what contractors and truck drivers actually achieve in the field:
Typical Spread Widths from a Standard Dump Truck (Tandem-Axle or Tri-Axle)
- Truck TypeLoad Size (typical)How it’s dumpedTypical spread width (one pass)Notes
- Tandem-axle dump10–14 tonsTailgate spread (chained open)10–14 ft (3.0–4.3 m)Most common for driveways
- Tri-axle dump16–22 tonsTailgate spread12–16 ft (3.7–4.9 m)Wider spread because more material flows faster
- Single-axle dump6–10 tonsTailgate spread9–12 ft (2.7–3.7 m)Smaller trucks, narrower spread
- Dump trailer / end-dump20–25 tonsTailgate or bottom dump14–20 ft+ (4.3–6 m+)Much wider if driver is skilled and chains tailgate correctly
Most Common Practical Width (what you’ll actually see on most jobs)
12–14 feet (3.6–4.3 m) wide is the sweet spot for a standard tandem or tri-axle dump truck spreading crusher run on a driveway or road base with the tailgate chained open.
- This is the width most gravel delivery drivers aim for on residential driveways.
- It usually gives a depth of about 5–7 inches loose (which compacts down to the desired 4–6 inches) when spreading a full load over 80–120 linear feet of a typical 12-ft-wide driveway.
How Drivers Control the Width
- Tailgate chain length: Shorter chain = narrower spread (8–10 ft), longer chain or no chain = wider spread (14–18 ft+).
- Truck speed: Crawling slowly = thicker/narrower pile; moving faster = thinner/wider spread.
- Material flow: Crusher run flows very well, so it naturally spreads wider than clean stone.
Quick Rule of Thumb Used by Many Suppliers & Drivers
For a typical 12–14 ton load of crusher run on a driveway:
- Spread width: ≈12–14 feet
- Length covered: ≈100–120 feet
- Loose depth after spreading: ≈6–8 inches → compacts to ≈4–6 inches
So if you’re figuring coverage: A standard dump truck load of crusher run typically spreads 12–14 feet wide in one pass when the driver is tailgating it out for a driveway or base.
