ConstructionInstant Tool
Rock Calculator
Accurate rock volume, tonnage, and bag calculations for landscaping and driveways
Rock Estimator
Calculate cubic yards, tons, and 0.5 cubic foot bags needed
How Rock Calculator Works
Cubic Yards = Length × Width × Depth in Feet / 27 × 1 + Waste Factor; Tons = Cubic Yards × Rock DensityCalculates the cubic yard volume of your coverage area by multiplying length by width and depth in feet, divided by 27. Bulk weight is then calculated by multiplying cubic yards by the specific material density in tons per yard.
Example Calculation
20 by 10 Foot Rock Bed at 3 Inch Depth
A homeowner installs a crushed stone pathway measuring 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 3 inches deep with 10 percent settling allowance.
- Area equals 20 multiplied by 10 which equals 200 square feet
- Depth in feet equals 3 divided by 12 which equals 0.25 feet
- Volume in cubic feet equals 200 multiplied by 0.25 which equals 50 cubic feet
- Net cubic yards equals 50 divided by 27 which equals 1.85 cubic yards
- Adding 10 percent settling equals 2.04 cubic yards total
- Tons equals 2.04 multiplied by 1.35 tons per yard which equals 2.75 tons
Result:2.04 Cubic Yards or 2.75 Tons
Landscape Rock Material Weight and Coverage
| Rock Type | Density Tons per Yard | Pounds per Yard | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | 1.35 tons | 2700 lbs | 2 to 3 inches |
| River Rock | 1.30 tons | 2600 lbs | 3 to 4 inches |
| Pea Gravel | 1.40 tons | 2800 lbs | 2 to 3 inches |
| Drain Rock | 1.45 tons | 2900 lbs | 4 to 6 inches |
| Lava Rock | 0.75 tons | 1500 lbs | 2 to 3 inches |
| Rip Rap | 1.50 tons | 3000 lbs | 6 to 12 inches |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard of rock?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard of rock or gravel.
How much does one cubic yard of rock weigh?
A cubic yard of standard landscape rock weighs between 2600 and 2800 pounds, roughly 1.3 to 1.4 tons depending on moisture and stone size.
How deep should landscape rock be?
Most decorative landscape stone beds should be installed 2 to 3 inches deep for small gravel and 3 to 4 inches deep for larger river rock.
Should I order rock in tons or cubic yards?
Landscape supply yards sell bulk rock either by cubic yard or by ton. Knowing both measurements ensures seamless pricing comparisons.
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