Limestone Calculator
Enter your area and depth and pick a limestone grade. You’ll get cubic yards, tons and bags — the units quarries and landscape yards quote in — plus a cost estimate.
Results
How the limestone calculator works
Crushed limestone is quoted by the ton at quarries and by the yard at landscape suppliers, so the calculator shows both. It converts your area and depth to volume, then applies the density of your grade — crushed limestone runs about 100 lb per cubic foot (1.35 tons per cubic yard), with dense base blends closer to 1.5.
Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards, then × 1.35 = tons (for #57).
| Grade | Size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| #57 limestone | ¾"–1" | Driveway top course, drainage, concrete mix |
| #411 / limestone base | fines–¾" | Compacting base under pavers & drives |
| Screenings | < ¼" | Path topping, leveling barn floors |
| #3–#4 | 1½"–2½" | Construction entrances, soft ground |
| Ag lime (pulverized) | powder | Raising soil pH — spread by weight per acre |
Limestone tips
- Limestone's light gray color brightens driveways but shows tire marks more than granite gravels — a fresh 1" top-up every few years keeps it crisp.
- #411 base compacts hard enough to feel paved; water it lightly before running a plate compactor over it.
- Limestone is slightly alkaline — avoid using it as mulch around acid-loving plants (azaleas, blueberries, rhododendrons).
- For pH correction, don't use this calculator's volume math — ag lime is spread by weight per 1,000 sq ft based on a soil test.
- Need a specific crushed-stone grade instead (granite, river rock, lava rock)? See the stone calculator, which also covers crushed-stone grades in detail.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of limestone are in a cubic yard?
About 1.35 tons for clean #57 crushed limestone. Limestone base blends (#411) with dust run closer to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
How much does a ton of crushed limestone cover?
At 3 inches deep, roughly 80 square feet. At 2 inches, about 120 sq ft. Large #3 stone laid thicker covers 50–60 sq ft per ton.
Is limestone cheaper than gravel?
In regions with limestone quarries (the Midwest, much of the South), crushed limestone is usually the cheapest aggregate available — often $25–45 per ton delivered. Where it must be trucked far, granite or local gravel wins.
Can I use crushed limestone under concrete or pavers?
Yes — #411 limestone base is a standard choice: it compacts tightly, drains adequately and gives a stable, level platform. Use 4" compacted under patios, 6–8" under driveways.