Crushed Concrete Calculator
Crushed concrete — recycled concrete aggregate — is a cheaper base than virgin stone and compacts well. It is lighter than crushed rock, so a ton covers more ground. Enter the area and the finished compacted depth and the calculator returns tons using FHWA's measured compacted dry density of 129 lb per cubic foot, and the loose cubic yards that weight makes on delivery at a supplier's 2,410 lb per yard.
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Worked example: 20 × 12 ft pad, 4 in compacted
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Compacted volume | 20 × 12 × 4 ÷ 12 | 80 cu ft (2.96 yd³) |
| Tons | 80 × 129 ÷ 2,000 | 5.16 tons |
| +10% extra | 5.16 × 1.10 | 5.68 tons |
| Loose yards on the truck | 5.68 × 2,000 ÷ 2,410 | 4.71 yd³ |
Two densities, two jobs
| State | Weight | Tons per yd³ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compacted in place (dry) | 129 lb/ft³ | 1.74 | FHWA-RD-97-148, Table 14-3 |
| Loose, as delivered (1½ in minus) | 2,410 lb/yd³ | 1.21 | Gravelshop product data |
The compacted figure is the mean dry density from a six-year Long Island, New York study of crushed concrete base reported by the Federal Highway Administration, which also notes recycled concrete's lower specific gravity (about 2.0–2.5) and higher absorption than virgin stone. Because it is lighter, the same tonnage covers more ground than crushed rock. Tons are worked from the compacted volume you need in place; the loose figure tells you how big the pile will be.
Comparing bases? The road base calculator and crusher run calculator size virgin stone, and asphalt millings are the other recycled option for a driveway.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much crushed concrete do I need?
- Multiply length × width × compacted depth (ft) for cubic feet, then × 129 lb ÷ 2,000 for tons. A 20 × 12 ft pad 4 in deep is 80 cu ft, about 5.16 tons, or 5.68 tons with 10% extra.
- How much does a yard of crushed concrete weigh?
- Loose, about 2,410 lb (1.21 tons) per cubic yard for 1½ in minus road base, per Gravelshop. Compacted in place it is denser: FHWA's Long Island study measured a mean dry density of 129 lb/ft³, about 1.74 tons per compacted yard.
- How many yards of crushed concrete are in a ton?
- About 0.83 loose cubic yards per ton (2,000 ÷ 2,410). Once compacted, a ton fills about 0.57 cubic yards.
- Is crushed concrete lighter than gravel?
- Yes. FHWA notes recycled concrete has a lower specific gravity (about 2.0–2.5) than virgin aggregate and a lower compacted unit weight, so the same tonnage covers more area — one reason contractors like it for base.
- How deep should crushed concrete be for a driveway?
- The same depth your design calls for with a crushed stone base — crushed concrete is a like-for-like substitute. FHWA notes it is placed and compacted with the same methods and equipment as conventional aggregate, so enter the compacted depth you would have used for stone.
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