Free Calculator
Limerock Calculator — How Much Limerock Base Do I Need?
Tons of FDOT-spec limerock base, with delivered Florida pricing.
3. Enter Dimensions
Your order summary lands here
As soon as the dimensions are valid, you will see the recommended quantity, truckload count, and the ZIP pricing step.
Limerock base is the compactable Florida base course under driveways, slabs, and parking pads. It hardens like concrete under traffic. Use this calculator to size tons for your project.
How to use this limerock calculator
- 1
Measure the area
Length × width in feet for the area you are basing.
- 2
Pick a depth
4 inches under residential driveways. 6 inches for heavy vehicles or soft subgrade. 4–6 inches under concrete slabs and pads.
- 3
Add compaction
Limerock base compacts about 25%. The calculator buffer handles this — order as recommended, not the strict math.
- 4
Enter your ZIP
Florida ZIPs return delivered pricing per ton.
How the math works
Volume in cubic yards equals Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27. Limerock base has a density around 1.6 tons per cubic yard at delivered moisture.
Limerock compacts hard. Order to your loose-laid depth — the calculator already adjusts for the compaction factor (about 25% reduction from loose to compacted thickness).
For driveway builds, plan a second layer of #57 stone or asphalt millings on top of the limerock base. See the driveway gravel calculator for the full two-layer estimate.
How much does limerock cover?
Quick reference for how much area one ton and one cubic yard cover at common depths.
| Depth | 1 ton covers | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 231 sq ft | 324 sq ft |
| 2" | 116 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 3" | 77 sq ft | 108 sq ft |
| 4" | 58 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| 6" | 39 sq ft | 54 sq ft |
| 12" | 19 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
Assumes a density of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, typical for #57 limerock and most washed gravels. Denser crushed stone covers slightly less per ton.
Typical quantities by project
| Project | Depth | Area | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential drive 100 ft × 12 ft | 4" | 1,200 sq ft | ~24 tons |
| Heavy-vehicle drive 100 ft × 12 ft | 6" | 1,200 sq ft | ~36 tons |
| Pole barn pad 30 ft × 50 ft | 6" | 1,500 sq ft | ~45 tons |
| Shed pad 12 ft × 16 ft | 4" | 192 sq ft | ~4 tons |
| RV pad 12 ft × 40 ft | 6" | 480 sq ft | ~15 tons |
Common ordering mistakes
From real deliveries, these are the mistakes we see most often. Avoiding any one of them saves a callback order.
Too thin under a driveway
4 inches compacted is the minimum residential spec. Below that, the drive ruts under any weight.
No top course
Bare limerock base ages to a dusty, flaky surface. Top with #57 stone or asphalt millings for a finished, water-shedding wear surface.
Limerock on top of organic soil
Strip topsoil and any organic matter before laying base. Limerock over soft organics will sink for years.
No fabric
Geotextile fabric between the subgrade and the limerock keeps soil fines from migrating up into the base. Without fabric you lose 1 inch of base per year to pumping.
Skipping compaction
A loose limerock base is not a base. Vibrate or roll each lift before the next material goes on.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to see delivered pricing?
Jump back to the calculator to price the exact quantity for your ZIP, or request a manual quote if the project needs special handling.