How Much #57 Stone for 500 Square Feet?
How much #57 stone for 500 square feet depends on depth. At 4 inches you need about 6.17 cubic yards, roughly 8.3 tons at 1.35 tons per yard. Each inch of depth over 500 square feet adds about 1.54 yards.
Volume and tonnage calculator →#57 stone for 500 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 3.09 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| 3 in | 4.63 | 6.3 | 6.9 |
| 4 in | 6.17 | 8.3 | 9.2 |
| 6 in | 9.26 | 12.5 | 13.8 |
Working it out
- 500 sq ft × (4 ÷ 12) ft = 166.7 cubic feet.
- ÷ 27 = 6.17 cubic yards.
- × 1.35 tons per yard = 8.3 tons.
About #57 stone
#57 stone is a clean crushed stone in roughly the 1/2 to 1 inch range with very few fines. It drains fast, which suits drainage layers and the top of a gravel drive, but it does not pack into a hard crust by itself. Most suppliers will quote 1.3 to 1.45 tons per yard for this material.
Getting the order right
- Measure odd shapes in pieces. Split curves and L-shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Add a margin. About 10 percent covers compaction and low spots.
- Bulk or bags. Bulk delivery is the practical choice here.
- Prep first. Remove sod, compact the subgrade and set edging before the stone arrives.
Use the volume and tonnage calculator for any other size.
Good and poor uses for #57 stone
Best suited to:
- French drains and drainage layers
- The top course of a gravel driveway
- Under sheds where water needs to drain away
Poor fit for:
- A standalone base, since it does not pack hard without fines
- Paver setting beds
- Walk paths meant for strollers or wheelchairs
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.42 tons of #57 stone (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.2 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 10x20 area at 4 inches takes about 3.3 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Common estimating mistakes
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
Questions people ask
How many tons of #57 stone for 500 square feet?
About 8.3 tons at 4 inches deep.
How many cubic yards of #57 stone for 500 square feet?
About 6.17 yards at 4 inches.
How much #57 stone for 500 square feet at 2 inches?
About 4.2 tons, or 3.09 cubic yards.
How much does a yard of #57 stone weigh?
About 1.3 to 1.45 tons.
Should I add extra?
Yes, about 10 percent is a common allowance.
Related guides
- Number 57 Stone: Size, Weight, Uses, and Coverage
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- How Much #57 Stone for 300 Square Feet?
- How Much #57 Stone for 400 Square Feet?
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.