How Much Does 18 Tons of Crusher Run Cover?
How much does 18 tons of crusher run cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.55 tons per cubic yard, 18 tons is roughly 11.6 cubic yards. Spread 6 inches deep, that covers about 627 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: 18 ÷ 1.55 = 11.6 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 314 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 6 inches (0.500 ft), 314 ÷ 0.500 = 627 sq ft.
Coverage of 18 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 1,254 | 139 |
| 4 in | 941 | 105 |
| 6 in | 627 | 70 |
| 8 in | 470 | 52 |
About crusher run
Crusher run (also sold as crush and run, dense-grade aggregate or QP in some regions) mixes stone with stone dust. It compacts into a firm, nearly solid layer, which makes it the usual base under pavers, asphalt and gravel drives. Weight runs about 1.5 to 1.7 compacted tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
Putting 18 tons to use
18 tons will usually take two or more truck loads, though legal limits vary by truck and state. 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 crusher run fits
Good uses:
- Base under asphalt, pavers or concrete
- Gravel drives that need a firm, packed surface
- Shed pads and equipment pads
Think twice for:
- Drainage layers, since the fines slow water
- Decorative beds
- Spots where you want water to soak straight through
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.48 tons of crusher run (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.8 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 12x24 area at 2 inches takes about 2.8 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.55 tons per cubic yard.
Common estimating mistakes
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
- 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 18 tons of crusher run?
About 11.6 cubic yards at 1.55 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 18 tons of crusher run cover at 6 inches?
About 627 square feet.
How many square feet does 18 tons cover at 3 inches?
About 1,254 square feet.
How much does a yard of crusher run weigh?
About 1.5 to 1.7 compacted tons.
Will 18 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
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
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