How Much Does 4 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
How much does 4 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, 4 tons is roughly 3.1 cubic yards. Spread 4 inches deep, that covers about 249 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: 4 ÷ 1.3 = 3.1 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 83 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 4 inches (0.333 ft), 83 ÷ 0.333 = 249 sq ft.
Coverage of 4 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 332 | 37 |
| 4 in | 249 | 28 |
| 6 in | 166 | 18 |
About recycled concrete aggregate
Recycled concrete aggregate is crushed old concrete. It compacts well and often costs less than virgin stone, which makes it a common driveway and pad base. Weight runs about 1.2 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
What 4 tons looks like on site
4 tons is a light load that a single-axle dump truck can often handle, 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 recycled concrete aggregate fits
Works well for:
- Driveway and pad bases
- Temporary construction entrances
- Fill under slabs when compacted in lifts
Poor fit for:
- Near ponds, streams or sensitive plants, since fresh crush can raise pH
- Decorative top layers
- Drainage layers, unless the product is clean and screened
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.40 tons of recycled concrete aggregate (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.0 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 14x28 area at 3 inches takes about 4.7 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Common estimating mistakes
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 4 tons of recycled concrete aggregate?
About 3.1 cubic yards at 1.3 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 4 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover at 4 inches?
About 249 square feet.
How many square feet does 4 tons cover at 3 inches?
About 332 square feet.
How much does a yard of recycled concrete aggregate weigh?
About 1.2 to 1.4 tons.
Will 4 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 2 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
- How Much Does 3 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.