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Free estimator
Stone Calculator
Use this calculator for crushed stone, river rock, and decorative landscape stone. Outline the area on a satellite map or enter the dimensions, choose a depth, and get cubic yards plus an approximate weight in tons.
Stone Calculator
How would you like to estimate?
Choose the method that works best for your project
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Trace from Satellite
Draw shapes on aerial view of your property
Manual Dimensions
Enter length and width measurements directly
All estimates are approximate and should be verified before purchase.
How Deep to Spread Stone
- Landscape beds over fabric
- 2 to 3 inches
- Dry creek beds and swales
- 3 to 4 inches
- French drains and foundation drainage
- fill the trench
- Crushed stone driveway surface
- 3 to 4 inches
What One Yard of Stone Covers
- 2 inches deep
- about 162 sq ft per cubic yard
- 3 inches deep
- about 108 sq ft per cubic yard
- 4 inches deep
- about 81 sq ft per cubic yard
- Weight
- about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, varies by stone type
Getting the Stone Estimate Right
Stone size changes the depth
Larger stone needs more depth to cover the ground beneath it. A layer of 3/8 inch stone looks complete at 2 inches, while 1 to 2 inch river rock needs closer to 3 inches before soil or fabric stops showing through the gaps.
Weight depends on the rock
Most crushed limestone and granite weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Lava rock is the exception at roughly half that weight, which is why it suits rooftops and slopes. If your supplier sells by the ton, ask which stone the conversion assumes.
Stone Calculator Questions
How much stone do I need for a landscape bed?
Measure the bed in square feet and plan on 2 to 3 inches deep over landscape fabric. At 3 inches, one cubic yard covers about 108 square feet.
How many tons is a yard of crushed stone?
About 1.4 tons for most crushed stone. Base stone with fines runs a little heavier, and lava rock runs much lighter.
Is stone or gravel better for drainage?
Clean, angular crushed stone with the fines washed out, such as #57, drains best and locks in place. Rounded river rock also drains well and looks better where it shows.