Estimate the cubic yards, tons, pounds, bags, and material cost required to cover a rectangular or circular landscaping area.
Choose an area shape and enter the required dimensions.
Start by calculating the surface area. Multiply the area by the required rock depth to determine the volume in cubic feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to convert the result to cubic yards.
To estimate weight, multiply the cubic yards by the river rock density in tons per cubic yard.
Suppose a rectangular landscaping bed measures 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, with a desired river rock depth of 3 inches.
Complete the measurements and material details to estimate volume, weight, bags, and cost.
Select a rectangular or circular area and enter the required measurements in feet.
Enter the desired installation depth in inches and adjust the rock density when necessary.
See estimated cubic yards, tons, pounds, bags, extra material, and optional project cost.
The correct depth depends on rock size, ground conditions, and the purpose of the landscaping area.
| Project Type | Common Depth | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative garden bed | 2–3 inches | Suitable for many small and medium river rocks. |
| Walkway or path | 3–4 inches | A compacted base may be required below the rock. |
| Drainage area | 4–6 inches | Depth depends on water flow and drainage design. |
| Large decorative stones | 3–5 inches | Use a depth that provides consistent visual coverage. |
| Erosion control | 4–8 inches | Professional site assessment may be required. |
Find answers to common questions about river rock volume, coverage, weight, bags, and installation depth.
Calculate the area in square feet, multiply it by the desired depth in feet, and divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Then multiply cubic yards by the rock density to estimate tons.
A depth of 2 to 3 inches is commonly used for landscaping beds and decorative coverage. Areas with larger stones or heavier use may require a greater depth.
River rock commonly weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard. The exact weight depends on stone size, moisture, material composition, and how tightly the rock is packed.
Yes. You can enter a waste percentage to account for uneven ground, settling, spillage, compaction, and measurement differences.
Coverage depends on the depth and material density. At a shallow depth, one ton covers more area than it does at a deeper installation depth.
Yes. Select the circular area option and enter the diameter of the area along with the desired rock depth.
The calculator converts the estimated rock weight to pounds and divides it by the selected bag weight. The result is rounded up to the next full bag.
Yes. Enter the supplier price per ton, and the calculator will multiply that price by the estimated number of tons required.