How Much Does One Cubic Yard Of Crusher Run Weigh? A Comprehensive Guide

In the realms of construction, landscaping, and civil engineering, accurately estimating material weight is not merely a matter of curiosity—it is a fundamental requirement for project planning, budgeting, and safety. Among the most common and versatile materials used is crusher run, a composite aggregate known for its durability and excellent compaction properties. A question that consistently arises for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts is: How much does one cubic yard of crusher run weigh?

The seemingly simple answer is that one cubic yard of crusher run typically weighs between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds (1.2 to 1.5 tons). However, this range is not arbitrary. To understand why the weight varies and to make precise calculations for your specific project, it is essential to delve into the composition, properties, and external factors that influence this critical measurement.

Understanding Crusher Run: Composition and Function

Before analyzing its weight, one must first understand what crusher run is. Also known as quarry process (QP), dense grade aggregate (DGA), or 3/4-inch minus, crusher run is a blended mixture of coarse and fine aggregate materials. It is produced in a quarry by crushing stone, such as limestone, granite, or trap rock, down to a specific size distribution.

The key characteristic of crusher run is its gradation. It contains stone fragments ranging from relatively large sizes (typically up to 3/4-inch or 1 inch in diameter) down to stone dust or “fines.” This blend is deliberate and functional:

• The Coarse Aggregate: The larger stones interlock with one another when compacted, creating a solid, stable mechanical structure that resists shifting and settling.
• The Fines: The stone dust and smaller particles fill the voids between the larger stones. When compacted and sometimes moistened, these fines create a nearly solid slab-like surface that is semi-impermeable and exceptionally strong.

This combination makes crusher run an ideal material for foundational layers under patios, driveways, roads, and parking lots. Its self-compacting nature and excellent load-bearing capacity are why it’s often the go-to material for sub-base applications.

The Primary Factors Influencing Weight

The weight range of 2,400 to 3,000 lbs per cubic yard exists due to several variable factors. Treating this weight as a single number can lead to significant miscalculations.

1. Material Density (Parent Rock Type):
The geological origin of the stone is the most significant factor determining density.

• Limestone Crusher Run: This is one of the most common types. Limestone has a density of approximately 135 to 160 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). Calculated for a cubic yard (27 cubic feet), this places limestone crusher run in the 2,400 to 2,800 lbs/cy range.
• Granite Crusher Run: Granite is generally denser and heavier than limestone. Its density can range from 160 to 185 pcf. Consequently, granite crusher run can weigh between 2,800 and 3,000 lbs/cy, sometimes even slightly more.
• Trap Rock Crusher Run: Trap rock (a form of basalt) is known for its exceptional hardness and density. It often sits at the higher end of the spectrum or exceeds it.
• Other Materials: Less common types like sandstone or recycled concrete will have their own distinct densities based on their mineral composition.

2. Moisture Content:
Water has mass—approximately 62.4 pounds per cubic foot—and it can significantly increase the weight of bulk materials.

• Bone-Dry Material: Aggregate straight from the crusher on a dry day will be at its lightest.
• Damp Material: Material stored outside that has absorbed ambient moisture from rain or humidity will be heavier.
• Saturated Material: If left in standing water or after heavy rain before delivery or installation.

A high moisture content can easily add hundreds of pounds to a cubic yard of material due to water filling the pores between the particles.

3. Gradation and Fines Content:
While all crusher run contains fines by definition,the exact percentage can vary between quarries based on their crushing process.

• Higher Fines Content: A mix with more stone dust will generally be heavier per cubic yard because it packs more densely; there are fewer air voids compared to a mix with more coarse aggregate relative to fines.
• Lower Fines Content: A mix with less dust may be slightly lighter but could compact less effectively.

4. Compaction Level:
This factor relates directly to how you measure it.

• Loose Volume: A cubic yard dumped from a truck bed is in its “loose” state with many air pockets between particles.This will be at the lower end of any weight estimate.
• Compacted Volume: After being spread out with machinery like a vibratory plate compactor or roller,the same amount of material occupies less volume because air voids are expelled.The mass remains constant,but now it’s packed into perhaps only 0.8 or 0 .9ofa cubicyard space.This dramatically increasesits density,and thereforeitsweightpercompactedcubicyard.Itis crucialto clarifywhethertheweightbeingdiscussedisforlooseorin-placecompactedmaterial.Forplanningpurposes,thelooseweightisusedforhaulinganddeliverycalculationswhilethecompacteddensityisusedforstructuralengineeringcalculations

Practical Application: Calculating Weight for Your Project

To ensure accuracy in your project planning,follow these steps:

Step1: Consult Your Local Supplier
Thisisthemostreliablemethod.Differentquarrieshavedifferentgeologyandproductionmethods.Call your local sandandgravelquarryorlandscapingsupplierandaskforthe”unitweight”or”bulkdensity”oftheircrusherrunspecifically.Theywillprovideyouwiththemostaccuratefigureforyourlocalmaterialwhichmayfallwithinthegeneralrangebutcouldbeaprecisevalue like2 ,700lbsperloosecubicyard

Step2: AccountforMoisture
IfthematerialhasbeenexposedtorainorisdampacknowledgethatitwillbeheavierthanadryquotedfigureWhenorderingadeliverytruckconsiderthatawetloadcouldexceedthelegalloadlimitsofthetruckitself

Step3: CalculateTotalWeight
Onc e youhavetheunitweightfromyoursuppliercalculatingthetotalweightforyourprojectissimplemath
TotalWeight(pounds)=Volume(cubicyards)×UnitWeight(poundspercubicyard)

Example:
Youneed5cubicyardsoflimestonecrusherruntodeliveredyoursupplierquotesaunitweightof2 ,500lbs/cy
TotalWeight=5cy×2 ,500lbs/cy=12 ,500lbs(or6 .25tons)

Thiscalculationiscriticalfor:

• Hauling:Doyouneedapickuptruckasmalldump truckoralargecommercialvehicle?
• StructuralConsiderations:Canyourdrivewayorbridge supportthedeliverytruck’saxleload?Willthesubgradebeneathacompactedcrusherrunsubbasesupportthefinalweight?
• Budgeting:Materia lsisoften soldbytheton soaccuratelyconvertingfromvolumetoweightisessentialforcostestimation

Conclusion

While providing an average figure—such as “about one ton”—can serve as an initial mental model,a professional approach demands greater precision.The weightofonecubicyardofcrusherruncanvarysystematicallyfromapproximately2 ,400toover3 ,000poundsprimarilydictatedbythetypeofrockitsmoisturecontentanditslevelofcompactionRelyingonageneralestimatecanleadtoinaccurateprojectquotationsimproperequipmentselectionandevenstructuralissuesThereforeforthesakeofefficiencysafetyandeconomicsthebestpracticeistoalwaysconsultwithyourmaterialsupplierforthespecificunitweightoftheircrusherruntailoringyourcalculationstotheuniquematerialthatwillarriveonyoursiteThisattentiontodetailensuresthatyourfoundationwhetherforadrivewayapatiooraroadisbuiltonaccuratedata