Calculate ABC / crusher run / DGA by cubic yards, tons and truckloads. Includes the compaction buffer most calculators forget — so you order the right loose volume and finish at the right compacted depth.
- Cubic Yards
- Tons
- Compaction Buffer
- Truckloads
- Cost Estimate
- Depth Guide
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Enter your project dimensions and press Calculate ABC Stone.
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Truckload plan
What Is ABC Stone?
ABC stands for Aggregate Base Course. It is a dense-graded blend of crushed stone and stone dust (fines) that compacts into a hard, load-bearing layer. It is the same material as crusher run, crush and run, road bond, DGA (dense-grade aggregate), 610 stone, 21A, CA6 and GAB — the name changes by region and quarry, but the material and its behaviour are the same.
Aggregate + fines
Angular crushed stone from 1 in down to dust. The fines fill the voids between larger stones so the layer locks together when compacted.
Compacts hard
With water and a vibratory plate or roller, ABC densifies into a semi-rigid surface that resists rutting, frost heave and erosion.
Used under everything
Standard base under asphalt, concrete, pavers and patios. Also used standalone as a rural driveway surface because it packs into a stable crust.
Not the same as #57
#57 stone is clean — washed and screened to a single size with no fines. It drains freely but does not compact. ABC is the opposite: it locks hard but drains slowly.
The Compaction Buffer Most Calculators Miss
This is the single most important number on the page. ABC stone is ordered by the loose volume in the truck. It is delivered loose, spread loose, then compacted. Compaction shrinks the layer by 20–30%, so if you order exactly the compacted volume you calculated, you will finish 1–2 inches short of grade.
| Compacted depth you want | Loose depth to order | Compaction buffer | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in | 4.8 in | 20% | Firm subgrade, granular soil |
| 4 in | 5.0 in | 25% | Clay or soft subgrade |
| 6 in | 7.2 in | 20% | Firm subgrade, standard driveway |
| 6 in | 7.5 in | 25% | Standard buffer for most jobs |
| 6 in | 7.8 in | 30% | Soft, wet or expansive soil |
| 8 in | 9.6 in | 20% | Firm subgrade, road bed |
| 8 in | 10.0 in | 25% | Standard road bed buffer |
| 12 in | 15.0 in | 25% | Heavy road bed |
Tell your supplier the loose thickness. If they ask for the compacted depth and you give that number, the load will be short. The calculator above outputs both so you can hand the right figure to the yard.
Recommended ABC Stone Depth by Application
Depth depends on what the base has to carry. These are the standard ICPI and state DOT guidelines, in compacted depth.
| Application | Compacted depth | Order loose depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light duty | |||
| Garden path / walkway | 3–4 in | 3.6–5.0 in | Foot traffic only |
| Paver / patio base | 4 in | 4.8–5.0 in | ICPI minimum for pedestrian use |
| Shed pad | 4–6 in | 5.0–7.5 in | Depends on shed weight |
| Residential driveways | |||
| Light car driveway | 4–6 in | 5.0–7.5 in | Standard residential |
| Standard family driveway | 6 in | 7.2–7.5 in | Two lifts of 3 in |
| Heavy vehicle driveway | 8 in | 9.6–10.0 in | Depends on soil strength |
| Roads and heavy load | |||
| Private road base | 8–10 in | 9.6–12.5 in | Placed in two lifts |
| Public road bed | 10–12 in | 12.0–15.0 in | Engineered to DOT spec |
| Commercial parking | 8–12 in | 9.6–15.0 in | Depends on traffic class |
How the ABC Stone Calculator Works
Five steps. Nothing hidden, and every conversion is printed with the result so you can check the arithmetic against your supplier's ticket.
Compacted volume
Length × width × compacted depth ÷ 27 gives the finished cubic yards.
Add compaction
Multiply by 1 + the compaction buffer (default 20%) to get the loose cubic yards you actually order.
Convert to tons
Multiply loose cubic yards by material density (1.4–1.65 t/yd³ depending on stone type).
Add extra waste
A separate 5% buffer on top covers spillage, spill-off, uneven subgrade and patch work.
Plan truckloads
Divide total tons by your truck size to see how many loads you need and whether you are under a minimum.
Worked example — 50 ft × 12 ft driveway at 6 in compacted
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Compacted volume | 50 × 12 × 0.5 ÷ 27 | 11.1 cu yd |
| Loose volume (+20% compaction) | 11.1 × 1.20 | 13.3 cu yd |
| Tons (density 1.4) | 13.3 × 1.4 | 18.7 tons |
| With 5% extra waste | 18.7 × 1.05 | 19.6 tons |
| Truckloads (10 t single axle) | ceil(19.6 ÷ 10) | 2 loads |
| Material cost at $32/t | 19.6 × 32 | $627 |
Notice the difference: if you ordered the compacted volume (11.1 yd³) without the compaction buffer, you would be short by 8.5 tons — nearly one full truckload. That is the single most common ABC stone ordering mistake.
ABC Stone vs #57 Stone vs Other Bases
The most common question on any stone calculator page is "which base do I need?" The answer is almost always determined by whether the layer needs to compact or drain.
| Material | Fines? | Compacts? | Drains? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC stone / crusher run | Yes (10–20%) | Yes — hard | Slow | Driveway base, paver base, road bed |
| #57 stone | No | No | Fast | Drainage, French drains, clean bedding |
| #21A / 21B | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Driveway surface, paver base (VA/MD) |
| Recycled concrete | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Driveway base, sub-base (budget option) |
| Bank run gravel | Some | Partially | Moderate | Fill, sub-base on firm soil |
| Crushed limestone | Yes | Yes — very hard | Slow | Base under asphalt, high-traffic roads |
| Pea gravel | No | No — shifts | Fast | Decorative beds, walkway top dress |
If the layer needs to carry load — a driveway, a paver base, a road bed — you want fines. If the layer needs to move water — a French drain, a dry well, a retaining wall backfill — you want clean stone with no fines. ABC has fines. #57 does not.
ABC Stone Cost Per Ton and Per Yard
2026 pricing ranges for ABC stone at the yard gate, before delivery. Prices are regional — local quarry rock is always cheaper than shipped rock.
| Purchase method | Typical price range | When it makes sense |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $18 – $50 / ton | Large orders, delivery, exact material |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $75 / yd³ | Small loads, pickup truck quantity |
| Full tandem load (14 t) | $400 – $650 delivered | Best per-ton value for driveways |
| Full tri-axle load (20 t) | $550 – $900 delivered | Large driveways and roads |
| Recycled concrete | $12 – $30 / ton | Budget sub-base where virgin stone is not required |
Delivery is the hidden cost. On small orders (under 10 tons), the delivery fee can equal or exceed the material cost. Suppliers often have a 10-ton minimum for delivery, and pricing improves sharply at 14 tons (tandem) and 20 tons (tri-axle). If your project needs 8 tons, consider ordering 10 and stockpiling the surplus for later touch-ups.
How to Install ABC Stone
Prep the subgrade
Strip topsoil and organic material. Grade the subgrade to drain away from structures. Compact the native soil before adding any stone — a soft subgrade will let the ABC layer sink even after compaction.
Spread in lifts
Spread in 3–4 inch loose lifts. Do not try to compact 8 inches in one pass — the lower half never reaches proper density. Two lifts of 3 inches is standard for a 6-inch compacted driveway.
Water lightly
Moisture helps the fines bind. Water each lift lightly with a hose or sprinkler before compacting — enough to darken the stone but not so much that it puddles. Dry ABC does not compact fully.
Compact three passes
Run a vibratory plate compactor (or roller for larger areas) three passes per lift. Overlap each pass by half the plate width. The surface should ring hard underfoot when done — not give or spring.
Check grade and slope
After each lift, check the grade. ABC stone compacts down, so the finished surface will sit 20–25% lower than the loose lift. Aim for a 2% slope away from structures for drainage.
Top dress every 2–3 years
An ABC driveway surface will shed a small amount of material over time. Plan on a light top dressing every 2–3 years. Preventative maintenance is far cheaper than rebuilding the base.
ABC stone is specified by AASHTO M147 (materials for aggregate and soil-aggregate subbase, base and surface courses) and ASTM D2940 (graded mineral aggregate for bases and subbases). State DOTs publish their own gradation bands — NCDOT Type ABC, Mass DOT M1.03.1 (#610), PennDOT 2A/2B, TxDOT Item 247. Compaction is tested by AASHTO T180 (modified Proctor) and field density by ASTM D6938 (nuclear gauge).
One cubic yard of ABC covers about 80 sq ft at 4 in compacted. One ton covers about 100 sq ft at 2 in. A 14-ton tandem load covers roughly 560 sq ft at 6 in compacted. For a standard two-car driveway (600 sq ft at 6 in), plan on about 19–20 tons with compaction and waste included.
People Also Ask
What is ABC stone used for?
ABC stone is used as a compactable base layer under driveways, roads, pavers, patios, concrete slabs and retaining walls. It is also used standalone as a rural driveway or access road surface because it packs into a semi-rigid crust that sheds water and resists rutting.
How many tons of ABC stone do I need?
Multiply length × width × compacted depth (in feet) ÷ 27 to get compacted cubic yards. Multiply by 1.20 to 1.25 for compaction, then by 1.4 tons per cubic yard. For a 600 sq ft driveway at 6 in compacted, that works out to about 18.7 tons before waste and roughly 20 tons with 5% waste. Use the calculator above for your exact dimensions.
Why do I need a compaction buffer?
ABC stone is ordered by loose volume in the delivery truck. When you spread and compact it, the material densifies and shrinks by 20–30%. If you order exactly the compacted volume you calculated, you will finish 1–2 inches short of grade. The calculator applies a default 20% buffer and lets you raise it to 30% for soft or clay subgrade.
How deep should ABC stone be for a driveway?
4–6 inches compacted for a standard residential driveway with light-vehicle traffic. Use 6 inches for a family driveway with occasional trucks, and 8 inches for a heavy-vehicle or long driveway with a soft subgrade. Place in 3-inch loose lifts and compact each lift fully.
How much does ABC stone cost per ton?
In 2026, ABC stone runs about $18 to $50 per ton at the yard gate, and $25 to $75 per cubic yard for smaller pickup loads. Delivery adds a significant amount on small orders. Full tandem (14-ton) and tri-axle (20-ton) loads get the best per-ton pricing. Recycled concrete is cheaper at $12–$30 per ton if your spec allows it.
What is the difference between ABC stone and #57 stone?
ABC stone has fines (stone dust) mixed with the crushed aggregate, so it compacts into a hard, load-bearing layer. #57 stone is clean — washed and screened to a single 1-inch size with no fines — so it drains freely but does not compact. Use ABC under driveways, pavers and roads. Use #57 for drainage, French drains and clean bedding.
Is crusher run the same as ABC stone?
Yes. Crusher run, crush and run, ABC stone, aggregate base course, road base, DGA (dense-grade aggregate), road bond, 610 stone, 21A, CA6 and GAB are all names for the same material: crushed stone blended with stone dust. The exact gradation varies by state DOT specification, but the behaviour is the same.
How many square feet does a ton of ABC cover?
One ton of ABC covers about 100 square feet at 2 inches, about 50 square feet at 4 inches, and about 33 square feet at 6 inches. These numbers assume compacted depth. For loose order volume, multiply the coverage area by 1.2 to 1.3.
Do I need to wet ABC stone before compacting?
Yes. Moisture activates the fines and lets them bind. Water each loose lift lightly — enough to darken the stone but not so much that it puddles. On a hot dry day, spray between lifts as well. Dry ABC does not reach full density even with a heavy plate compactor.
Can I use ABC stone for a paver base?
Yes. ABC stone is a standard paver base material. ICPI guidelines call for 4 inches compacted for pedestrian use and 8 inches for vehicular traffic. Compact the ABC in two lifts, then screed 1 inch of bedding sand on top before laying the pavers. Always use a plate compactor on the ABC before adding the sand layer.
What is the cheapest way to buy ABC stone?
Buy by the full tandem or tri-axle load directly from a local quarry or aggregate yard. Per-ton prices drop dramatically above 10 tons. Recycled concrete ABC is cheaper than virgin stone and performs nearly as well for sub-base. Avoid small pickup-truck quantities unless you need under 2 tons.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of ABC stone?
One ton of ABC stone is about 0.71 cubic yards at the standard density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard. To convert tons to cubic yards, divide tons by 1.4. To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by 1.4. The exact factor varies from 1.35 (limestone) to 1.65 (granite base).
Does ABC stone need a permit or inspection?
For residential driveways, no permit is typically required unless you are changing drainage patterns that affect neighbours, crossing a public right-of-way, or building within a protected zone. For commercial, road or DOT work, the base layer is usually inspected and density-tested before the surface course is placed. Always check with your local building department.
How long does ABC stone last?
Properly installed ABC stone base under asphalt or pavers lasts 20–30 years without replacement if the subgrade stays stable and water is managed. As a standalone driveway surface, plan on a light top dressing every 2–3 years to replace material lost to traffic and weather. The base layer itself rarely needs rebuilding unless the subgrade fails.
What is ABC stone made of?
ABC stone is crushed stone — typically granite, limestone, trap rock or recycled concrete — blended with stone dust (fines) created during the crushing process. The mix usually ranges from 1 inch down to dust, with about 10–20% of the total weight passing the #200 sieve. The exact gradation is set by the state DOT or project specification.
Related Calculators
References
- AASHTO M147 — Standard Specification for Materials for Aggregate and Soil-Aggregate Subbase, Base, and Surface Courses. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
- ASTM D2940 / D2940M — Standard Specification for Graded Aggregate Material for Bases or Subbases for Highways or Airports. ASTM International.
- AASHTO T180 — Standard Method of Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54-kg Rammer and a 457-mm Drop. AASHTO.
- ASTM D6938 — Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods. ASTM International.
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). Tech Spec 2: Construction of Interlocking Concrete Pavement — base thickness and compaction guidance.
Confirm gradation, compaction percentage and depth with your supplier and local code before ordering. Delivery costs, minimum loads and material availability vary widely by region.