How Much Does 13 Tons of #57 Stone Cover?
How much does 13 tons of #57 stone cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, 13 tons is roughly 9.6 cubic yards. Spread 4 inches deep, that covers about 780 square feet. Go thinner and it covers more; go deeper and it covers less.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 13 ÷ 1.35 = 9.6 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 260 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 4 inches (0.333 ft), 260 ÷ 0.333 = 780 sq ft.
Coverage of 13 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 1,560 | 173 |
| 3 in | 1,040 | 116 |
| 4 in | 780 | 87 |
| 6 in | 520 | 58 |
About #57 stone
Since #57 is washed and open-graded, it moves a little underfoot. Many installers put it over a compacted base of a dense-graded stone rather than straight on soil. Weight runs about 1.3 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
Putting 13 tons to use
For delivery, 13 tons is in the range of one full tandem load. Ask the supplier how they will split it. Spread from the pile with a loader, skid steer or wheelbarrow, then rake to depth before compacting if the material calls for it.
- Check depth as you go. Stakes marked at the target depth help keep the spread even.
- Expect some loss. Compaction and uneven ground use more than the flat-math figure. Keep about 10 percent in reserve.
- Ask about moisture. Wet material weighs more, so a ton of it covers less.
To run your own numbers, use the volume and tonnage calculator.
Where #57 stone fits
Best suited to:
- French drains and drainage layers
- The top course of a gravel driveway
- Under sheds where water needs to drain away
Less suited to:
- 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 14x28 area at 3 inches takes about 4.9 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.
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 13 tons of #57 stone?
About 9.6 cubic yards at 1.35 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 13 tons of #57 stone cover at 4 inches?
About 780 square feet.
How many square feet does 13 tons cover at 2 inches?
About 1,560 square feet.
How much does a yard of #57 stone weigh?
About 1.3 to 1.45 tons.
Will 13 tons fit in one truck?
It depends on the truck. Single-axle dump trucks often carry under 10 tons and tandems around 13 to 16; your supplier will know their limits.
Related guides
- Number 57 Stone: Size, Weight, Uses, and Coverage
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
- How Much Does 11 Tons of #57 Stone Cover?
- How Much Does 12 Tons of #57 Stone Cover?
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