Crushed stone calculator

What is crushed stone?

Crushed stone is made from a variety of rock types and finds extensive use in agriculture, construction, and landscaping. It’s created by mining a suitable rock formation and then breaking down the rock to varying sizes using a crusher. The size of the finished product can be adjusted in many ways.

Different types of crushed stone are used for different construction purposes. The specifics of each type—like size, density, and application—determine its best use case, from forming the base of roads to building materials to filler for drainage projects.

The ability to accurately calculate the amount of crushed stone needed, as well as convert between different units and densities, is invaluable for ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Types and densities of crushed stone

Understanding the different types and their densities is crucial when dealing with crushed stone. Here is a reference table including the types of crushed stone with average densities:

These densities serve as an average reference point but may vary based on environmental conditions and production methods. Always verify with your supplier for precise details. Our crushed stone calculator uses average densities for calculations, but you can use your own values if you know the density of your crushed stone.

Calculating the required amount of crushed stone

Calculating the precise amount of crushed stone needed involves several parameters:

1. Area dimensions: Length and width of the space to be filled.
2. Layer depth: Depth of each layer.
3. Number of layers: Total number of layers to fill.
4. Fraction type and density: Select the type of crushed stone and its density.
5. Reserve percentage: Additional percentage to ensure sufficiency.
6. Cost per unit: Necessary for budget calculations, allowing you to calculate overall cost.

Formula for calculation

To calculate the volume $V$ in cubic meters:

$V = \text{length} \times \text{width} \times \text{layer depth} \times \text{number of layers}$

To convert volume to weight:

$\text{Weight (tons)} = V \times \text{density} \times (1 + \frac{\text{reserve percentage}}{100}) / 1000$

To calculate cost:

$\text{Total Cost} = \text{Weight (tons)} \times \text{cost per ton}$

Or for cost by volume:

$\text{Total Cost} = V \times \text{cost per cubic meter}$

Example calculation

Suppose you have a rectangular area of 10m by 5m needing to be filled with two layers:

1. First layer:

   • Material: Granite 10-20 mm
   • Depth: 0.1m
   • Density: 1390 kg/m³
   • Cost: $50 per ton

2. Second layer:

   • Material: Limestone 20-40 mm
   • Depth: 0.1m
   • Density: 1280 kg/m³
   • Cost: $45 per ton

Both with an additional 10% reserve.

Calculations:

1. Calculate volume for each layer:

   $V_{\text{First Layer}} = 10 \times 5 \times 0.1 = 5 \, \text{m}^3$

   $V_{\text{Second Layer}} = 10 \times 5 \times 0.1 = 5 \, \text{m}^3$

2. Convert volume to weight:

   • First layer: $\text{Weight} = 5 \times 1390 \times (1 + \frac{10}{100}) / 1000 = 7.645 \, \text{tons}$

   • Second layer: $\text{Weight} = 5 \times 1280 \times (1 + \frac{10}{100}) / 1000 = 7.04 \, \text{tons}$

3. Calculate total cost for each layer:

   • First layer: $\text{Total Cost} = 7.645 \times 50 = \$382.25$

   • Second layer: $\text{Total Cost} = 7.04 \times 45 = \$316.80$

The total amount required is approximately 7.645 tons of granite and 7.04 tons of limestone, resulting in a total cost of $382.25 and $316.80, respectively.

Frequently asked questions

How to convert cubic meters of granite 70-250 mm to tons?

Calculate the volume in cubic meters and multiply by the granite density (1460 kg/m³ in this case), considering any reserve percentage. Convert kilograms to tons by dividing by 1000.

What is the density of gravel more than 160 mm?

Gravel pieces larger than 160 mm typically have a density of 1730 kg/m³.

How many tons of granite 20-40 mm do I need for a 50m² area with a 0.1m depth?

1. Calculate Volume: $V = 50 \times 0.1 = 5 \, \text{m}^3$.
2. Calculate Weight: $\text{Weight} = 5 \times 1350 / 1000 = 6.75 \, \text{tons}$.

Why does the density of crushed stone matter?

Density determines the weight-to-volume ratio, critical for calculating the necessary amount. It also influences cost, handling, and transportation.

Can I use the calculator for different stone layers?

Yes, the calculator allows for different fractions and densities so you can layout multiple layers with various types.