Crush and Run Gravel (Crusher Run) vs Road Base: 2026 Guide
By CalcGravel Team · Updated November 9, 2026
Crush and run gravel is crushed stone blended with stone dust, and it packs into a hard, stable base for driveways, patios, and sheds. Yards also sell it as crusher run, road base, ABC, or DGA. The dust is the secret: it fills the gaps between the rocks, so the layer locks together under a plate compactor. This guide covers what it is, how it differs from road base, 2026 prices, weight, depth, and how much to order.
Quick facts
- Price: crush and run gravel costs about $18–$40 per ton at the yard, $30–$65 per ton delivered on larger orders (2026 estimates).
- Weight: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard (range 1.2–1.5).
- Depth: 4–6 inches compacted for a car driveway, 6–8 inches for trucks or soft soil.
- How much to order: add about 15% for compaction and 5% for waste.
- Not for drainage: use clean #57 stone where water has to pass through.
What Is Crush and Run Gravel (Crusher Run)?
Crush and run gravel is the stone that comes off a quarry crusher with the dust left in. The quarry does not screen the fine particles out. The result runs from about 3/4-inch rock (sometimes 1 1/2 or 2 inches) down to fine powder.
So what is crusher run good at? Compaction: the larger pieces carry the load, and the dust fills every gap between them. With a little moisture and a plate compactor, the layer sets almost like concrete. Loose, clean gravel never does this, because the stones just roll over each other.
The name changes by region. Crusher run, crushed run gravel, crusher run stone, quarry process (QP), 3/4-inch minus, and dense-graded aggregate (DGA) all point to the same family of dense-graded crushed stone. You may also see it typed as crush run gravel. Limestone, granite, and trap rock are the most common source rocks.
Names for crush and run gravel by region
| Name | Where you will hear it | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run / crush and run | Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Appalachia | Yard name for crushed stone with fines, often 3/4-inch minus |
| ABC (aggregate base course) | The Carolinas and many other states | Dense-graded base stone, usually 3/4-inch minus with fines |
| GAB (graded aggregate base) | Georgia | State DOT term for dense-graded base |
| 21A / 21B | Virginia and Maryland | State DOT dense-graded aggregate |
| #411 | Mid-Atlantic | Dense-graded limestone, 3/4-inch down to dust |
| DGA (dense-graded aggregate) | Kentucky, Ohio, Northeast, engineering specs | General spec name for the same blend |
| CA-6 | Illinois | State DOT base course with fines |
| Class 5 | Minnesota and upper Midwest | State DOT base course |
| Road base / base rock | Nationwide | Plain-language name, sometimes recycled concrete |
Names vary from quarry to quarry. When you call a yard, ask for “3/4-inch minus with fines for a driveway base” and ask what they call it.
Crusher Run vs Road Base: What Is the Real Difference?
For most homeowners, crusher run vs road base is a difference in name, not in material. Both are dense-graded crushed stone with fines that compacts into a hard base. Yards use the two names interchangeably, and many price them the same.
The real difference is paperwork. “Crusher run” is the common yard name for crushed stone straight off the crusher. “Road base,” ABC, GAB, and DGA usually mean a blend that meets a state gradation spec. The Federal Highway Administration describe granular base as dense graded, with the amount of fines limited to promote drainage.
| Feature | Crusher run (yard name) | Road base / ABC / DGA / GAB (spec name) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Crushed stone and stone dust straight from the crusher | Dense-graded base blended to a set gradation |
| Gradation control | Varies by quarry | Set by a state DOT or project spec |
| Typical top size | 3/4-inch minus most common; also 1 1/2 or 2-inch minus | 3/4-inch to 1 1/2-inch minus, depending on the spec |
| Fines (stone dust) | Left in, amount varies | Limited and often tested |
| Source rock | Limestone, granite, trap rock | Same, or recycled concrete at some yards |
| Best for | Home driveways, pads, farm roads, DIY base layers | Public roads, parking lots, jobs that need test reports |
| Price | Usually the same or slightly lower | Same range; recycled concrete can be cheaper |
If a permit, HOA, or engineer calls for a specific base, ask the yard for the spec name and a gradation sheet. Some yards also sell recycled concrete as road base, so ask what you are buying. For a home driveway, either product works.
Crusher Run vs #57 Stone: Which One Do You Need?
These two get mixed up because they sit in neighboring piles. What is #57 gravel? It is clean crushed stone, roughly 1 inch down to 1/4 inch, with the fines washed out, so it drains freely but never locks tight. Our types of gravel guide compares #57, #67, and pea gravel in more detail.
| Feature | Crusher run | #57 stone |
|---|---|---|
| Gradation | Dense: continuous mix down to dust | Open: mostly uniform 3/4 to 1-inch stone, fines washed out |
| Compaction | Compacts to a tight, dense surface | Does not lock tight; stones can shift underfoot |
| Drainage | Poor vertical drainage; water sheds off the surface | Excellent; water moves through open voids |
| Typical use | Driveway base or surface, parking pads, farm roads | French drains, wet-site base layers, wall backfill |
If your project needs water to pass through, such as a French drain, choose #57 stone, not crush and run gravel. For a surface you walk and drive on, crusher run wins. Many driveways use both: 4–6 inches of compacted crusher run, topped with about 2 inches of clean 3/4-inch stone for a cleaner finish. See pea gravel vs crushed stone for how crushed stone differs from rounded gravel.
Crush and Run Gravel Price Per Ton (2026)
Crush and run gravel is one of the cheapest stone products a yard sells. At the yard it runs about $18–$40 per ton before delivery. Delivered on a 10 to 20 ton order, expect $30–$65 per ton. For other materials, see our full gravel cost per ton guide.
| Cost item | Typical 2026 range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton at the yard (pickup) | $18–$40 | Lowest near quarries |
| Per cubic yard at the yard | $25–$55 | Roughly the ton price × 1.4 |
| Per ton delivered (10–20 tons) | $30–$65 | Delivery is folded into the price |
| Delivery fee per load | $50–$200 | Depends on distance; some yards waive it on larger orders |
| Full dump-truck load (15–25 tons), delivered | $450–$1,400 | Most cost-effective way to buy |
| Recycled concrete road base | $12–$30 per ton | Cheaper, but not the same as stone |
How much is crusher run per ton?
Most buyers pay $18–$40 per ton at the yard and $30–$65 per ton delivered. Distance to the quarry, rock type, and season move the price. Call two or three yards and ask for the delivered price per ton, not just the yard price. These figures are estimates, so treat a local quote as the final number.
Example: a 10 × 50 ft crush and run gravel driveway at 6 inches (try it in the calculator at the top of this page) needs about 15.7 tons. That is roughly $282–$626 at the yard or $470–$1,017 delivered, before any labor or equipment rental.
Crusher Run Sizes and Grades
Crusher run stone, also called crush and run gravel, comes in a few top-size grades. The right one depends on what goes on top of it.
| Grade | Max particle size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4-inch minus crusher run | 0.75 in | Standard driveway base or surface; most common residential choice |
| 1-inch minus crusher run | 1 in | Base layer for commercial driveways and heavier vehicles |
| 1 1/2-inch minus crusher run | 1.5 in | Deep sub-base where structural support matters more than a smooth top |
| 2-inch minus crusher run | 2 in | Construction entrances, farm roads, and thick sub-base layers |
| Crusher fines (screenings) | 3/8 in or smaller | Walkways and patios that need a smooth, hard-packed finish |
Finer grades pack tighter and smoother. Coarser grades need more compaction passes but hold up better under heavy structural loads.
Crusher Run Weight and Coverage Per Ton
Yards sell crush and run gravel by the ton, but you measure your project in feet and inches. Published densities run from about 1.2 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard, depending on stone type, moisture, and how much dust is in the mix. This page uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard, which is about 2,800 pounds. That is also about 56 bags of 50 pounds.
| Finished depth | Sq ft per cubic yard | Sq ft per ton (1.4 tons/yd³) | Sq ft per ton with 15% allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 162.0 | 116 | 101 |
| 3 inches | 108.0 | 77 | 67 |
| 4 inches | 81.0 | 58 | 50 |
| 6 inches | 54.0 | 39 | 34 |
| 8 inches | 40.5 | 29 | 25 |
Check the weight on your yard’s ticket. If the yard says 1.3 or 1.5, enter that number in the calculator at the top of this page. A yards-to-tons calculator can convert between yards and tons for any material.
How Much Crusher Run Do I Need?
To work out how much crush and run gravel you need, multiply length × width × depth in feet and divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Add 15% because crusher run settles when compacted, add 5% for waste, then multiply by about 1.4 to get tons. A 10 × 50 ft driveway at 6 inches needs about 15.7 tons.
Cubic yards (finished) = length ft × width ft × depth in inches ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Volume to order = finished cubic yards × 1.15 × 1.05
Tons to order = volume to order × 1.4
Use the crusher run calculator at the top of this page for rectangles, circles, or a known area. It works in feet, yards, meters, and inches.
Worked examples
| Project | Math | Order | Material cost (yard / delivered) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 50 ft driveway, 6 in | 500 sq ft × 0.5 ft ÷ 27 = 9.26 yd³; × 1.15 × 1.05 = 11.18 yd³; × 1.4 | 11.18 yd³ (15.7 tons) | $282–$626 / $470–$1,017 |
| 30 × 12 ft driveway, 4 in | 360 sq ft × 0.333 ft ÷ 27 = 4.44 yd³; × 1.15 × 1.05 = 5.37 yd³; × 1.4 | 5.37 yd³ (7.5 tons) | $135–$301 / $225–$488 |
| 10 × 12 ft shed, base 12 in past each edge (12 × 14 ft), 4 in | 168 sq ft × 0.333 ft ÷ 27 = 2.07 yd³; × 1.15 × 1.05 = 2.50 yd³; × 1.4 | 2.50 yd³ (3.5 tons) | $63–$140 / $105–$228 |
Small orders can carry minimum-load or short-load fees, so ask before you buy 3 or 4 tons. Measure your depth after compaction, not the loose pile. For other materials, try the stone calculator, the gravel driveway calculator, or the cubic yard calculator.
Best Uses: Driveway Base, Paver Base, and Shed Base
Depth depends on what is driving or sitting on top of the crush and run gravel base. Use the compacted depth, not the loose depth, when you measure.
| Project | Compacted depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway (cars, light trucks) | 4–6 inches | Crown the center slightly so water runs off |
| Driveway with trucks, RVs, or soft soil | 6–8 inches | Go up to 12 inches only for very soft ground or heavy equipment |
| Base under asphalt | 6–8 inches | Compact fully before paving; see our asphalt calculator |
| Base under a concrete slab | 4–6 inches | Grade and compact flat |
| Paver patio or walkway base | 4–6 inches | Add 1 inch of bedding sand on top |
| Walkway (foot traffic only) | 3–4 inches | Fine crusher run gives a smooth finish |
| Shed pad | 4–6 inches | Extend about 12 inches past the edges |
| Parking pad | 6–8 inches | Deeper where vehicles turn |
Crush and run gravel for a driveway
A crush and run driveway gives you a firm surface or base at a low price. On its own it can be dusty in dry weather and soft in long wet spells, because the fines hold moisture. Many owners cap it with about 2 inches of clean 3/4-inch stone. For full project steps, see our guide on how to lay a gravel driveway.
Crusher run for pavers
Pavers cannot sit directly on crush and run gravel. Compact 4–6 inches first, then add a 1-inch layer of coarse bedding sand so the pavers sit level. Skipping the sand layer leads to uneven, settling pavers.
Crusher run for a shed base
A shed pad on crush and run gravel needs a level, compacted base that reaches about 12 inches past the shed on every side. Strip the topsoil first, then build the pad in lifts. Soft, organic soil under the pad will pump no matter how thick the crusher run is. See the gravel depth guide for general depth guidance.
How to Lay Crusher Run (Road Base) for a Driveway
Laying crush and run gravel is simple, but the order matters. These steps work for driveways, pads, and paver bases.
- Strip and level the subgrade. Remove grass, topsoil, and roots down to firm ground. Fix soft spots before you add stone.
- Add fabric on soft or clay soil. Geotextile keeps the base from mixing with the ground. It is optional on firm soil.
- Spread in lifts. Place no more than 4 inches of loose crusher run at a time. Never dump the full depth at once.
- Dampen lightly. Highway specs aim to place and compact aggregate base within a couple of percent of its optimum moisture, as the Ohio DOT aggregate base specification (Item 304) explains. In practice, the surface should look damp, not wet.
- Compact each lift. Make several passes with a plate compactor or roller. Repeat until you reach your finished depth.
- Crown and edge. Slope the surface about 1–2% (roughly 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot) so water sheds. Add edging to stop stone from drifting into the lawn.
Re-compact or top off every few years, especially after winter. For the full driveway project, from layout to topping stone, read our how to lay a gravel driveway guide.
Where to Buy Crush and Run Gravel Near You
Crush and run gravel is a quarry product, not a bagged retail item, so price and availability are local. Quarries and landscape supply yards sell it in bulk at the lowest price. Home improvement stores sell small bags at a much higher cost per ton.
Our local buying guide compares supplier types, delivery options, and bulk vs bagged pricing. To see how crusher run compares with #57, #67, and pea gravel, read our types of gravel guide. Start with the gravel calculator if you are still sizing the job.
How We Put This Page Together
The CalcGravel Team reviewed published supplier price lists and density figures in November 2026, plus state and federal highway references for base-course practice. Prices are estimates, so we show ranges, and we tested the calculator against hand-calculated examples. This page is general guidance, not engineering advice. For a permit job or a steep, wet, or heavily loaded site, follow the spec from your engineer or local authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between crusher run and road base?
For most driveway jobs, nothing. Both are dense-graded crushed stone with fines that compacts into a hard base. Crusher run is the yard name for stone straight off the crusher, while road base, ABC, GAB, and DGA usually mean a blend that meets a state gradation spec. Ask for the spec name only if a permit or engineer requires one.
How much does crusher run cost per ton?
Crusher run costs about $18–$40 per ton at the yard in 2026, or $25–$55 per cubic yard. Delivered on a 10 to 20 ton order, expect $30–$65 per ton. A full 15 to 25 ton dump-truck load runs roughly $450–$1,400 delivered. Prices vary with quarry distance, so get a local quote.
How deep should crusher run be?
Use 4–6 inches of compacted crusher run for a car driveway and 6–8 inches for trucks, RVs, or soft soil. A paver patio or walkway base needs 4–6 inches, and a shed pad needs 4–6 inches. Spread it in lifts of no more than 4 inches and compact each lift.
Is crush and run gravel the same as crusher run?
Yes. Crush and run, crushed run, and crusher run are spelling and regional variations of the same product: crushed stone mixed with stone dust, usually sold as 3/4-inch minus.
How much crusher run do I need for a 10 by 50 foot driveway?
At 6 inches deep, a 10 by 50 foot driveway is 9.26 cubic yards finished. Add 15% for compaction and 5% for waste, and you should order about 11.2 cubic yards, or roughly 15.7 tons at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Do I need to add water when compacting crusher run?
Yes, lightly. Damp crusher run compacts better than dry stone, and highway specs aim for moisture close to the optimum level. Too much water turns the dust to mud and the layer pumps under the compactor, so stop when the surface looks damp, not wet.
Can I use crusher run for a French drain?
No. The fines that lock the stone together also plug the gaps water needs to move through. Use clean #57 stone for French drains and wall backfill, and keep crusher run for driveways, pads, and bases.
Can I put pavers directly on crusher run?
No. Compact 4–6 inches of crusher run first, then add a 1-inch layer of coarse bedding sand on top so the pavers sit level.
Do I need geotextile fabric under crusher run?
It is not required, but it is a good idea on soft or clay soil. Fabric keeps the base from mixing with the ground and slows weeds. A well-compacted layer also resists most weeds, though persistent ones can still push through over time.