How much stone dust do I need?
Stone dust, also called screenings or fines, is used as a leveling layer under pavers and as a firm path surface.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area above. The calculator shows cubic yards, cubic feet, an estimated weight in tons, and the number of 0.5 cubic foot bags if you buy bagged stone dust. Add a price per cubic yard and it also estimates the cost.
Cubic yard calculator for stone dust
This cubic yard calculator for stone dust works for any shape. Pick rectangle for most beds and slabs, circle for round areas, or trench for narrow runs. Open the price estimator under the calculator to add your supplier price, delivery fee, and tax. For a full cost breakdown, see the cubic yard price estimator.
Stone Dust weight and bags per cubic yard
A planning value for stone dust is 2,800 pounds per cubic yard, which is 1.40 US tons. Moisture, particle size, and compaction move that number, so treat it as a starting point.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Pounds per cubic yard | 2,800 |
| US tons per cubic yard | 1.40 |
| Kilograms per cubic yard | 1,270 |
| Cubic yards per US ton | 0.71 |
| Cubic feet per US ton | 19.29 |
| 0.5 cubic foot bags per cubic yard | 54.0 |
How far does a cubic yard of stone dust go?
Coverage depends only on depth. The deeper the layer, the less area a cubic yard covers. The suggested depth for stone dust is 1 to 3 inches, and 2 inches is a common choice.
| Depth (inches) | Square feet covered | Square yards covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 324 | 36.0 |
| 2 | 162 | 18.0 |
| 3 | 108 | 12.0 |
| 4 | 81 | 9.0 |
| 6 | 54 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 40 | 4.5 |
| 12 | 27 | 3.0 |
Stone Dust needed for common areas at 2 inches deep
| Area | Square feet | Cubic yards | US tons | 0.5 cubic foot bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 ft | 25 | 0.15 | 0.22 | 9 |
| 8 by 10 ft | 80 | 0.49 | 0.69 | 27 |
| 10 by 10 ft | 100 | 0.62 | 0.86 | 34 |
| 10 by 20 ft | 200 | 1.23 | 1.73 | 67 |
| 12 by 12 ft | 144 | 0.89 | 1.24 | 48 |
| 15 by 20 ft | 300 | 1.85 | 2.59 | 100 |
| 20 by 20 ft | 400 | 2.47 | 3.46 | 134 |
| 20 by 30 ft | 600 | 3.70 | 5.19 | 200 |
| 30 by 40 ft | 1,200 | 7.41 | 10.37 | 400 |
| 50 by 50 ft | 2,500 | 15.43 | 21.60 | 834 |
Worked example: 20 by 4 feet at 2 inches
The area is 20 feet times 4 feet, or 80 square feet. A depth of 2 inches is 0.17 feet. Volume is 80 times 0.17, which is 13.33 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 0.49 cubic yards. At 2,800 pounds per cubic yard that weighs about 0.69 US tons. With 10 percent extra, order 0.54 cubic yards.
Tips for ordering stone dust
- Spread a 1 to 2 inch layer for paver leveling and screed it smooth.
- Compact it in thin lifts, because it packs very hard.
- It can wash away on slopes, so edge the area well.
Stone dust compacts so tightly that water drains slowly, so plan for runoff.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of stone dust do I need?
Multiply length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 20 by 4 foot area at 2 inches deep needs about 0.49 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of stone dust weigh?
About 2,800 pounds, or 1.40 US tons, as a planning value. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How deep should stone dust be?
Most projects use 1 to 3 inches. 2 inches is a common choice.
How many square feet does a cubic yard of stone dust cover?
162 square feet at 2 inches deep, and 324 square feet at 1 inch.
How many bags of stone dust make a cubic yard?
About 54 bags of the 0.5 cubic foot size, which yields about 0.5 cubic feet each.