AGGREGATE SPEC: Subsurface Yard Drainage, Foundation Waterproofing, Swale Interceptor

French Drain Gravel Trench Calculator

A 60-foot long trench measuring 12 inches wide by 18 inches deep holds 90 cubic feet of total volume. Deducting the displacement of a 4-inch perforated drain pipe leaves 3.14 cubic yards of net void space, requiring approximately 4.4 tons of washed #57 clean stone and 270 square feet of non-woven filter fabric.

AREA MEASUREMENTS60 SQ FT
Compaction settling factor:+10%
Standard waste tolerance:+10%
Aggregates Profile & Compaction
60' × 1' (18" Depth)
Aggregate profile for #57 Crushed Stone (Limestone/Granite) 60' x 1'10% COMPACTION SETTLING FACTOR18" DEPTH#57 CRUSHED STONE (LIMESTONE/GRANITE)DENSITY: 1.4 TONS/YD³HEAVY-DUTY DRIVEWAY FABRIC
Compacted Volume:4 cu yds
Total Mass Needed:5.6 Tons
Delivery Size:Tandem Dump
Yield Summary (60' × 1')
RETAIL BAG EQUIVALENT
224 Bags
50 lb bags from home improvement center
Total Weight:11,200 lbs
BULK QUARRY DUMP TRUCK
5.6 Tons
1 Tandem dump truckload(s)
Compacted Volume:4 cu yds
Est. Quarry Cost:$252

Frequently Asked Questions: French Drain Gravel Trench Calculator

What type of gravel is best for a French drain?

Always use washed #57 crushed granite or river stone (1/2" to 1" angular). Never use crusher run or gravel with fines, as the rock dust will wash into the pipe and permanently clog the system.

How many tons of gravel for a 60-foot French drain?

A 60-foot trench at 12" wide and 18" deep with a 4" pipe requires approximately 4.4 tons of washed drainage stone.