Find out how much river rock you need in cubic yards and tons. Enter your project dimensions below and get an instant estimate for ground cover, dry creek beds, and garden borders.
River rock is sold in several size grades. The size you choose determines both the visual effect and how much material you need to achieve full coverage. Smaller stones fill in gaps more efficiently, while larger stones create a bolder, more natural appearance.
| Size Grade | Diameter | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 0.5-1" | Ground cover, mulch replacement, between pavers |
| Medium | 1-2" | Garden beds, borders, pathway edging |
| Standard | 2-3" | Dry creek beds, water features, general landscaping |
| Large | 3-5" | Accent pieces, drainage channels, pond borders |
| Cobble | 5-12" | Focal features, retaining borders, stream beds |
Smaller river rock (under 2 inches) works well as a pea gravel alternative in patios and walkways. Larger sizes are better suited for areas where you want individual stones to be visible, such as dry creek beds and water feature borders.
Because river rock is rounded, it does not pack as tightly as angular crushed stone. This means you generally need slightly more material to achieve complete coverage. Use the table below to estimate square footage per ton at common depths.
| Rock Size | 2" Depth (sq.ft./ton) | 3" Depth (sq.ft./ton) | 4" Depth (sq.ft./ton) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2" | 130 | 85 | 65 |
| 2-3" | 120 | 80 | 60 |
| 3-5" | 100 | 65 | 50 |
Coverage values assume consistent spreading. Irregularly shaped areas or slopes may reduce effective coverage by 10-15%.
The right depth depends on the purpose of your river rock installation. Too shallow, and the ground beneath will show through. Too deep, and you waste material and money without gaining any functional benefit.
For a detailed breakdown of recommended depths across all project types, see our gravel depth guide.
River rock typically costs between $45 and $80 per cubic yard, depending on size, color, and regional availability. Here is a general pricing breakdown:
| Quantity | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per cubic yard | $45-80 | Bulk delivery from a landscape supply yard |
| Per ton | $55-100 | Common for quarry and aggregate suppliers |
| Per bag (0.5 cu.ft.) | $5-10 | Home improvement stores; best for small projects |
Delivery fees typically range from $50 to $150 depending on distance and order size. Most suppliers offer free delivery above a certain minimum, often 5-10 cubic yards. For budget comparisons across different stone types, try our cost calculator.
A cubic yard of river rock weighs approximately 2,500 pounds or 1.25 tons. River rock is slightly lighter than crushed gravel because the rounded stones leave more air gaps between them, reducing the overall density per cubic yard.
For most landscaping applications, 2-3 inches of river rock is recommended. Use 2 inches for decorative ground cover in garden beds, 3 inches for pathways and areas with foot traffic, and 4-6 inches for dry creek beds and drainage features where water flow is a factor.
For a dry creek bed, use a depth of 4-6 inches with 2-4 inch river rock. For example, a creek bed 20 feet long by 3 feet wide at 4 inches deep requires: 20 × 3 × 4 ÷ 324 = 0.74 cubic yards, or about 0.93 tons of river rock. Add 10-15% extra for natural variations in width and depth.
Enter your project dimensions in the calculator above to get an instant estimate. Works for garden beds, dry creek beds, pathways, and any river rock project.
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