Calculate cubic yards, tons, and cost for river rock, limestone, rip rap, crusher run, and other landscape stone. Enter your project dimensions below.
Choosing the right rock depends on your project goals, budget, and the look you want. Each type has distinct characteristics that make it suited for specific applications.
| Rock Type | Typical Size | Best Uses | Density (t/yd³) | Price Range (/yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Rock | 1-3" | Garden beds, dry creek beds, borders | 1.25 | $45-80 |
| Limestone | 1-4" | Driveways, walkways, retaining walls | 1.50 | $35-65 |
| Rip Rap | 6-24" | Erosion control, shoreline stabilization | 1.35 | $25-50 |
| Crusher Run | Dust to 1.5" | Base layer, compacted surfaces | 1.50 | $20-40 |
| Road Base | Dust to 2" | Driveways, parking pads, foundations | 1.55 | $18-35 |
| Crushed Stone | 0.5-1.5" | Drainage, base material, backfill | 1.35 | $30-55 |
| Crushed Concrete | 0.75-2" | Driveways, fill, base layer | 1.30 | $15-30 |
Prices are approximate and vary by region, supplier, and quantity ordered.
Estimating rock for a landscaping project uses the same volume formula as other bulk materials. The key difference is accounting for the specific density of your chosen rock type, since heavier stones like limestone require more tonnage per cubic yard than lighter options like river rock.
The formula: Volume (cubic yards) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
Once you have the volume in cubic yards, convert to weight by multiplying by the rock's density factor. For instance, limestone at 1.50 tons per cubic yard weighs significantly more than river rock at 1.25 tons per cubic yard. This matters because many suppliers sell by the ton, not by the yard.
If you need rock for multiple beds or areas around your property, use our calculator's "Add Another Area" feature to total everything at once.
Smaller rocks provide more uniform coverage per ton because they pack together more tightly. Larger rocks leave more gaps, so you may need additional material or a thicker layer for full coverage.
| Rock Size | Coverage at 2" Deep (sq.ft./ton) | Coverage at 3" Deep (sq.ft./ton) | Coverage at 4" Deep (sq.ft./ton) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5-1" (small) | 120 | 80 | 60 |
| 1-2" (medium) | 110 | 75 | 55 |
| 2-4" (large) | 100 | 65 | 50 |
| 4-8" (extra large) | 80 | 55 | 40 |
Coverage values are estimates and vary based on rock shape and packing density. Round river rocks leave more voids than angular crushed stone.
Suppose you are installing decorative river rock in a landscape bed measuring 20 feet long by 8 feet wide, with a 3-inch layer of stone.
At an average price of $60 per cubic yard for river rock, this project would cost roughly $98 for material alone, before delivery. Compare that with crushed stone at $30-55 per cubic yard if budget is a primary concern.
Measure the length and width of your area in feet and decide on a depth (typically 2-4 inches for decorative rock). Use the formula: Length × Width × Depth (inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Then multiply by the material density to get tons. Add 10% extra for uneven ground and waste.
At a 2-inch depth, you need about 0.008 tons per square foot of standard landscape rock. At 3 inches, that increases to about 0.012 tons per square foot. The exact figure depends on the rock type and its density. Use our calculator above for precise results.
Rip rap consists of large, angular stones (typically 6-24 inches) used for erosion control along shorelines, slopes, and drainage channels. Landscape rock is a broader category that includes decorative stones like river rock, limestone, and flagstone used primarily for aesthetic purposes in gardens, beds, and pathways.
For most decorative landscape rock, 2-3 inches is sufficient. Larger rocks (3-5 inches in diameter) can be placed in a single layer about 3-4 inches deep. For weed suppression, use landscape fabric beneath the rock and maintain at least 2 inches of coverage. Functional base layers typically need 4-6 inches. See our gravel depth guide for more detail.
Enter your project dimensions in the calculator above to get an instant estimate for cubic yards, tons, and cost. No sign-up required.
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