About Limestone Use and Weight Estimation
Limestone is a durable sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It’s widely used in construction, road building, landscaping, and cement manufacturing. The density and weight of limestone depend on its type and moisture content.
Common Limestone Densities
- Crushed Limestone – ~1550 kg/m³
- Fine Limestone Dust – ~1450 kg/m³
- Limestone Gravel – ~1600 kg/m³
- Dense Grade Aggregate (DGA) – ~1750 kg/m³
- Agricultural Lime – ~1300 kg/m³
Coverage Guide
| Depth | Coverage (m² per 1 m³) | Coverage (ft² per 1 yd³) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 cm (2 in) | 20 m² | 215 ft² |
| 10 cm (4 in) | 10 m² | 108 ft² |
| 15 cm (6 in) | 6.6 m² | 71 ft² |
Example Calculation
For a driveway 5 m long, 3 m wide, and 0.1 m deep: Volume = 5 × 3 × 0.1 = 1.5 m³ Weight (using crushed limestone 1550 kg/m³) = 1.5 × 1550 = 2325 kg (≈2.3 tons).
Conversions
- 1 cubic meter (m³) of limestone ≈ 1.5–1.8 tons
- 1 cubic yard (yd³) ≈ 1.25–1.35 tons
- 1 ton ≈ 0.6–0.7 m³ (22–25 ft³)
Tips for Using Limestone
- Use crushed limestone for driveways and base layers.
- Add 5–10% extra for compaction or uneven surfaces.
- Fine limestone dust improves compaction and leveling before paving.
Environmental & Cost Insights
Limestone is abundant, recyclable, and energy-efficient. Using local sources reduces transportation costs and carbon footprint.