How many tons of 304 limestone do I need for a 100-foot driveway?

For a 100 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches compacted depth: area = 1,200 ft², loose volume ≈ 20 yd³, weight ≈ 28 tons. At 4 inches deep, a 12 ft wide driveway needs approximately 0.28 tons per linear foot of length. A 100-foot driveway requires roughly 28 tons. Most delivery trucks carry 16–22 tons, so plan for 2 loads. A 6-inch deep base (recommended for clay soils) increases this to about 40 tons.

What is the difference between 304 and 57 limestone?

304 limestone (also called 3/4-inch minus or crush-and-run) contains fines and dust that allow it to compact and lock together — ideal for driveways and base layers. 57 limestone is a clean, washed 3/4-inch nominal stone with no fines — it stays loose and drains freely, making it better for drainage layers, French drains, and decorative uses. 57 stone does NOT compact and pack down like 304; if you're building a driveway surface, you need 304 or its equivalent.

Do I need a geotextile fabric under 304 limestone?

On stable sandy or gravelly soil, fabric is optional but extends driveway life. On clay, silt, or soft organic soil, a non-woven geotextile fabric (6 oz/yd² minimum) is strongly recommended — it prevents the limestone from migrating into the subgrade and the subgrade from pumping up into the stone. The fabric costs $0.15–$0.40/ft² and adds years to the driveway life. It should be installed before placing any 304 limestone.

How many inches of 304 limestone do I need for a residential driveway?

The minimum recommended depth for a residential driveway with cars only (no heavy trucks) is 4 inches compacted. On clay or expansive soils, use 6 inches. If the area has poor drainage or receives delivery trucks, use 8 inches. For unstable soil, consider placing a 3–4 inch layer of larger base stone (21A or #2 stone) first, compacting it, then adding 3–4 inches of 304 on top. Compacting in 3-inch lifts with a plate compactor produces better results than compacting the full depth at once.

304 Limestone Calculator: Tons, Cubic Yards, and Cost Estimator

Calculate how much 304 limestone you need for a driveway or base layer — in loose cubic yards, compacted tons, and total material cost — from project area and depth.

Related Calculators

304 Limestone Calculator
Estimate #304 limestone volume, weight and material cost from project area, compacted depth, density, compaction allowance and price per ton.

What Is 304 Limestone?

304 limestone is a crushed stone blend graded to approximately 3/4-inch minus with dust and fines. The fines (limestone dust) allow the material to compact and bind, making it ideal for: - Driveway base and surface - Parking area subbase - Trench backfill - Barn lots and stable areas

The "304" designation refers to the Ohio Department of Transportation gradation specification that became the industry standard name.

Volume and Weight Calculation

Loose volume (yd³) = Area (ft²) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27

304 limestone has a compaction ratio of approximately 1.3–1.4 (30–40% compaction from loose to compact):

Loose volume = Compacted volume × Compaction factor

Weight (tons) = Loose volume (yd³) × Density (tons/yd³)

304 limestone density: approximately 1.35–1.45 tons per loose cubic yard (typical: 1.4 t/yd³)

Quick Reference: 304 Limestone per 100 ft²

Compacted Depth	Loose Volume	Weight
2 in	0.86 yd³	1.2 tons
3 in	1.29 yd³	1.8 tons
4 in	1.72 yd³	2.4 tons
6 in	2.57 yd³	3.6 tons
8 in	3.43 yd³	4.8 tons

Worked Example — Residential Driveway

Driveway: 60 ft long × 12 ft wide = 720 ft²

Target compacted depth: 4 inches (standard for light-vehicle driveways)

Loose volume = 720 × 4 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.35 (compaction factor) = 12 yd³ loose

Weight = 12 yd³ × 1.4 t/yd³ = 16.8 tons

At $20/ton for 304 limestone: $336 in material

Delivery: typically $50–$150 per truck (up to 16–20 tons per semi-load)

Recommended Depths by Application

Application	Compacted Depth	Notes
Pedestrian path	3–4 in	1–2 in topped with finer stone
Residential driveway	4–6 in	6 in on clay or unstable soil
Commercial parking	6–8 in	Over geotextile fabric
Heavy equipment area	8–12 in	Farm equipment, loaded trucks
Trench backfill	Fill to grade	Compact in 6-in lifts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons of 304 limestone do I need for a 100-foot driveway?: For a 100 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches compacted depth: area = 1,200 ft², loose volume ≈ 20 yd³, weight ≈ 28 tons. At 4 inches deep, a 12 ft wide driveway needs approximately 0.28 tons per linear foot of length. A 100-foot driveway requires roughly 28 tons. Most delivery trucks carry 16–22 tons, so plan for 2 loads. A 6-inch deep base (recommended for clay soils) increases this to about 40 tons.
What is the difference between 304 and 57 limestone?: 304 limestone (also called 3/4-inch minus or crush-and-run) contains fines and dust that allow it to compact and lock together — ideal for driveways and base layers. 57 limestone is a clean, washed 3/4-inch nominal stone with no fines — it stays loose and drains freely, making it better for drainage layers, French drains, and decorative uses. 57 stone does NOT compact and pack down like 304; if you're building a driveway surface, you need 304 or its equivalent.
Do I need a geotextile fabric under 304 limestone?: On stable sandy or gravelly soil, fabric is optional but extends driveway life. On clay, silt, or soft organic soil, a non-woven geotextile fabric (6 oz/yd² minimum) is strongly recommended — it prevents the limestone from migrating into the subgrade and the subgrade from pumping up into the stone. The fabric costs $0.15–$0.40/ft² and adds years to the driveway life. It should be installed before placing any 304 limestone.
How many inches of 304 limestone do I need for a residential driveway?: The minimum recommended depth for a residential driveway with cars only (no heavy trucks) is 4 inches compacted. On clay or expansive soils, use 6 inches. If the area has poor drainage or receives delivery trucks, use 8 inches. For unstable soil, consider placing a 3–4 inch layer of larger base stone (21A or #2 stone) first, compacting it, then adding 3–4 inches of 304 on top. Compacting in 3-inch lifts with a plate compactor produces better results than compacting the full depth at once.

Last updated 8/8/2026