How Much Does 20 Tons of Crusher Run Cover?
How much does 20 tons of crusher run cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.55 tons per cubic yard, 20 tons is roughly 12.9 cubic yards. Spread 6 inches deep, that covers about 697 square feet. Halve the depth and you roughly double the area.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 20 ÷ 1.55 = 12.9 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 348 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 6 inches (0.500 ft), 348 ÷ 0.500 = 697 sq ft.
Coverage of 20 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 1,394 | 155 |
| 4 in | 1,045 | 116 |
| 6 in | 697 | 77 |
| 8 in | 523 | 58 |
About crusher run
The fines in crusher run fill the gaps between stones, so it weighs more per yard than clean stone once compacted. Plan on rolling or plate-compacting it in lifts. 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 20 tons to use
For delivery, 20 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.
When to choose crusher run
Best suited to:
- 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 10x20 area at 2 inches takes about 1.9 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.55 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.
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 20 tons of crusher run?
About 12.9 cubic yards at 1.55 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 20 tons of crusher run cover at 6 inches?
About 697 square feet.
How many square feet does 20 tons cover at 3 inches?
About 1,394 square feet.
How much does a yard of crusher run weigh?
About 1.5 to 1.7 compacted tons.
Will 20 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
- How Much Does 18 Tons of Crusher Run Cover?
- How Much Does 19 Tons of Crusher Run Cover?
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