Rock Calculator — Landscaping Rock & Gravel

Free landscaping rock calculator. Calculate how much rock, gravel, or decorative stone you need in tons and cubic yards for your landscape project.

Calculate Rock & Gravel

Area unit:
Depth unit:

How to Use

Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you need to cover.

Select your material type (gravel, river rock, etc.) and optionally enter a price per ton.

Click Calculate to see cubic yards, tons, pounds, and estimated cost.

What is a Rock Calculator?

A rock calculator helps you figure out how much landscaping rock, gravel, or stone you need for a project. It calculates the volume and weight based on the area dimensions and depth, using the density of the specific material type. This prevents over-ordering or under-ordering and helps you estimate costs before purchasing. It works for driveways, garden beds, pathways, drainage areas, and any landscaping project that uses bulk stone materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is tonnage calculated?
First we calculate the volume in cubic yards (length × width × depth ÷ 27). Then we multiply by the rock density to get the weight in tons.
What density should I use?
It depends on the material. Gravel is around 1.35 tons/yd³, crushed stone 1.4, river rock 1.5, decomposed granite 1.3, and lava rock 0.5. We provide presets for common types.
How deep should landscape rock be?
For decorative ground cover, 2-3 inches is typical. For driveways and paths, 4-6 inches. For drainage, 6-12 inches depending on the application.
What is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a volume measurement equal to 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet (27 cubic feet). It is the standard unit used for ordering bulk landscape materials.
How many tons do I need for my driveway?
Measure the length and width of your driveway in feet, set the depth to 4-6 inches, and select "Crushed Stone" as the material. The calculator will give you the exact tonnage.

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