How Much Does Crushed Stone Cost Per Ton?
Crushed stone is sold by the ton. Prices vary by stone type, size, and delivery distance. Expect to pay between $30 and $75 per ton for most common grades, as of March 2025.
The short answer
Crushed stone typically costs $30 to $75 per ton for common construction grades like #57 stone or crusher run. More decorative options, such as river rock or marble chips, range from $60 to $150 per ton. These prices usually cover the stone itself, not delivery. A typical truckload may have a minimum of 10 to 20 tons, and fees can climb if you are far from the quarry. Local sources almost always cost less than big-box retailers. Always check with at least three local suppliers to get the best per-ton rate for your project.
Key takeaways
- The average price range: Expect to pay $30 to $75 per ton for most crushed stone.
- Ordering tips: Buying in bulk (10+ tons) often cuts per-ton costs.
- Hidden costs: Always factor in delivery charges and a 5% waste buffer.
- Use our crushed stone calculator: Quickly estimate tons needed from square footage.
If you’re planning a driveway, patio base, or drainage project, knowing crushed stone prices per ton helps you budget. Prices can shift based on stone type, quantity, and how far it travels. This guide walks you through current price ranges, how to figure out the right amount, and smart ways to keep costs down. You will also find links to our free calculators, so you can estimate your exact needs before you order.
What is the average cost of crushed stone per ton?
The base price of crushed stone runs $30 to $75 per ton for standard construction stone. Decorative types start around $60 and top out above $150 per ton. Final cost depends on the stone size, color, and local availability. For an instant estimate by project, use our crushed stone calculator.
- #57 crushed stone (3/4-inch, clean): $35 to $65 per ton. Widely used for drainage and driveways.
- Crusher run / quarry process (stone dust mixed with 3/4-inch): $30 to $55 per ton. Packs down tight for a solid base.
- River rock (1-3 inches, rounded): $60 to $130 per ton. Purely decorative, needs less depth.
- Marble chips or granite (white or gray): $90 to $150+ per ton. High-end look for walkways.
How do I calculate how many tons of crushed stone I need?
Measure your area in square feet, then decide on depth in inches. Multiply sq ft by depth, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Finally, convert cubic yards to tons using the stone weight. Our gravel calculator handles all the math instantly, including depth and waste.
- Formula: (Sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Then cubic yards × 1.4 = tons.
- Example: A 200 sq ft driveway at 2 inches deep needs (200 × 2) ÷ 324 = 1.23 cubic yards, or about 1.7 tons.
- Common depth guides: Driveways 2-4 inches, patio bases 4-6 inches, drainage backfill 6-12 inches.
- Coverage rule of thumb: 1 ton covers roughly 80–100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 40–50 sq ft at 4 inches.
What factors affect crushed stone prices per ton?
The per-ton price you see from a quarry is just the starting point. Delivery, material type, and location can double your final cost. Before you order, check the concrete slab calculator if you plan to pour on top of the base layer.
- Stone type and size: Larger, cleaner stone costs more because it requires more processing.
- Quarry distance: Hauling 20 miles may add $5 to $15 per ton versus a local pit.
- Truck minimum: Many suppliers charge a flat rate for the first 10 tons, making small orders pricier per ton.
- Seasonal demand: Spring and early summer often see small bumps in price.
What are common mistakes when ordering crushed stone?
Under-ordering leads to two delivery fees. Wrong depth can ruin a driveway. Avoid these errors to save time and money. Always double-check numbers with our crushed stone calculator before placing an order.
- Skipping the waste factor: Add 5% for flat areas and up to 10% for slopes or irregular shapes.
- Confusing cubic yards with tons: A cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons, but exact weight varies by stone type.
- Ordering the wrong size: #57 stone drains better than crusher run, but won’t lock together as tightly.
- Ignoring compaction: Loose stone fluffs up. Plan for 15-20% volume loss after rolling.
What are the different types of crushed stone and their prices?
Each crushed stone grade serves a different purpose. Price per ton rises with uniformity, color, and rarity.
- Crushed limestone / crusher run: $30–$55/ton. Gray, packs hard, the go-to for road bases and driveways.
- #57 granite or limestone: $35–$65/ton. Angular, 3/4-inch, great for French drains and concrete mix.
- Pea gravel: $35–$70/ton. Smooth, small, decorative. See our pea gravel calculator for coverage.
- Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA): $15–$40/ton. Budget-friendly fill, but may contain fines.
- Marble or quartzite chips: $90–$150/ton. Bright white, used only for landscaping finishes.
Should I buy crushed stone by the ton or hire a professional?
Spreading gravel is one of the simpler DIY jobs, but size and access matter. For small paths or touch-ups, doing it yourself saves hundreds. Our sand calculator can help if your project also needs a leveling layer beneath the stone.
- DIY makes sense when: you have a wheelbarrow, shovel, and level, and the area is under 200 sq ft.
- Hire a pro when: you need more than 5 tons of stone, the ground needs grading, or heavy compaction equipment is required.
- Avoid injuries: lifting dozens of 50-lb bags or raking tons of stone can strain your back.
- Pro install costs: Expect $50 to $70 per ton added for labor and machine time.
| Crushed Stone | $30–$75/ton | Driveways, base material |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $25–$50/ton | Decorative, drainage |
| Pea Gravel | $35–$70/ton | Paths, play areas |
| Recycled Concrete | $15–$40/ton | Fill, temporary roads |
Questions this page answers
What is the cheapest crushed stone per ton?
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) often costs $15 to $40 per ton, while crusher run starts around $30 per ton. Always confirm with local suppliers, as prices shift with availability.
How much crushed stone do I need for a 12x12 patio base?
At 4 inches deep, you need about 2.6 tons. Use our [crushed stone calculator](/calculators/crushed-stone) to get an exact number based on your exact depth and waste factor.
Does crushed stone price include delivery?
Usually not. Delivery fees range from $50 to $100 per load for distances under 10 miles. Long hauls can add significantly more.
What’s the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone is angular and man-made, locking together under pressure. Gravel is rounded, natural, and shifts more. Crushed stone is better for bases; gravel is better for decoration.
How many tons of crushed stone fit in a truck?
A standard dump truck holds 10 to 20 tons. Ordering a full truckload (20 tons) usually gets you the lowest per-ton rate.
Can I pick up crushed stone myself?
Yes, many quarries and landscape yards allow you to haul your own load. A full-size pickup can safely carry about 1 ton, so large projects are best delivered.
Does the price increase in spring?
Often yes. Spring demand for landscaping and construction can add $2 to $5 per ton. It usually settles by summer.
Is crushed stone sold by the ton everywhere?
In the US, it is almost always sold by the ton. Some smaller bags at home centers are sold by the bag (0.5 cu ft), but bulk orders are by weight.
Crushed stone prices per ton will settle in the $30 to $75 range for most common types, as of early 2025. The key number to remember is that one ton covers about 80 to 100 square feet at 2 inches deep. For a fast, accurate estimate tailored to your project, use our crushed stone calculator. It takes your dimensions, depth, and waste factor and tells you exactly how many tons to order. That way, you won’t pay for a second delivery or end up with a pile of leftover stone.