How Much Does 17 Tons of Limestone Screenings Cover?
How much does 17 tons of limestone screenings cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, 17 tons is roughly 12.1 cubic yards. Spread 2 inches deep, that covers about 1,967 square feet. Every added inch of depth cuts the coverage noticeably.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 17 ÷ 1.4 = 12.1 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 328 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 2 inches (0.167 ft), 328 ÷ 0.167 = 1,967 sq ft.
Coverage of 17 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 3,934 | 437 |
| 2 in | 1,967 | 219 |
| 3 in | 1,311 | 146 |
About limestone screenings
Limestone screenings are the fine dust and chips left after crushing limestone. They pack very tight, which makes them a common setting bed for pavers and flagstone and a surface for paths. Weight runs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
Putting 17 tons to use
For delivery, 17 tons means multiple trips or a larger truck. 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.
Good and poor uses for limestone screenings
Works well for:
- Paver and flagstone setting beds
- Firm walking paths
- Top-dressing a compacted stone base
Poor fit for:
- Deep layers on their own
- Low spots that collect water
- Under heavy vehicle traffic without a base
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.43 tons of limestone screenings (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.3 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 20x25 area at 4 inches takes about 8.6 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Where estimates go wrong
- Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
- 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.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 17 tons of limestone screenings?
About 12.1 cubic yards at 1.4 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 17 tons of limestone screenings cover at 2 inches?
About 1,967 square feet.
How many square feet does 17 tons cover at 1 inches?
About 3,934 square feet.
How much does a yard of limestone screenings weigh?
About 1.3 to 1.5 tons.
Will 17 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
- #10 Stone (Stone Dust): Size, Uses and How Many Tons
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
- How Much Does 15 Tons of Limestone Screenings Cover?
- How Much Does 16 Tons of Limestone Screenings Cover?
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.