How Much Does Crushed Concrete Weigh per Yard?
How much does crushed concrete weigh? Crushed concrete aggregate typically weighs about 2,400 to 2,700 pounds per loose cubic yard, or roughly 1.2 to 1.35 tons, and somewhat more once compacted. It is a bit lighter than crushed limestone or natural gravel because old concrete contains porous mortar. Exact weight varies with particle size, moisture, and how much brick, asphalt, or fines are mixed in.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Weight comparison
| Material | Approximate loose weight per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Crushed concrete | About 2,400 to 2,700 lb |
| Crushed limestone | About 2,600 to 2,900 lb |
| Natural gravel | About 2,700 to 3,000 lb |
| Crushed asphalt or millings | About 2,000 to 2,500 lb |
Coverage
At about 1.25 tons per yard, a ton of crushed concrete covers roughly 100 square feet at about 3 inches deep, before compaction.
| Area | 4 inches compacted | 6 inches compacted |
|---|---|---|
| 200 sq ft | About 3.1 to 3.4 tons | About 4.6 to 5.1 tons |
| 500 sq ft | About 7.7 to 8.5 tons | About 11.6 to 12.7 tons |
| 1,000 sq ft | About 15.4 to 17 tons | About 23 to 25.5 tons |
These assume roughly 1.25 to 1.4 tons per compacted yard. The base calculator can run your numbers.
Common uses
- Driveway and parking base. Recycled concrete aggregate compacts well and is often cheaper than virgin stone.
- Gravel driveway surface, sometimes topped with a finer material.
- Base under slabs and pavers, where allowed.
- Trench backfill and fill.
- Construction entrances using larger crushed pieces.
See recycled concrete under asphalt for paving use.
Pros and cons
Pros: often less expensive, compacts tightly, keeps material out of landfills, and some cementitious particles help bind the base.
Cons: may contain rebar bits, brick, or debris if poorly processed; can be alkaline, so runoff near sensitive plants or water deserves care; and quality varies by recycler.
Ask whether the material is screened and sized, such as 1.5-inch minus or 3/4-inch minus.
Crushed concrete vs crushed asphalt
Crushed asphalt binds as the residual asphalt softens in the sun, while crushed concrete binds through compaction and fines. See crushed asphalt vs crushed concrete.
Bottom line
Crushed concrete weighs about 2,400 to 2,700 pounds per loose cubic yard, slightly lighter than limestone or gravel. Plan on roughly 1.25 to 1.4 tons per compacted yard, buy screened material from a reputable recycler, and compact it in lifts for a solid base.
Questions people ask
How much does a yard of crushed concrete weigh?
About 2,400 to 2,700 pounds loose, or roughly 1.2 to 1.35 tons.
Is crushed concrete lighter than gravel?
Usually slightly lighter, because old concrete contains porous mortar.
How much area does a ton of crushed concrete cover?
Roughly 100 square feet at about 3 inches deep, before compaction.
Is crushed concrete good for a driveway?
Yes. It compacts well and is a common, economical driveway base.
Does crushed concrete contain rebar?
Well-processed material has most steel removed, but small bits can remain. Ask the supplier.
Related guides
- Crushed Asphalt vs Crushed Concrete for a Driveway
- Recycled Concrete as a Base Under Asphalt
- How Much Does a Yard of Gravel Weigh? Tons per Yard by Stone Type
- Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: Conversion and Examples
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