Enter your area’s dimensions to estimate decorative rock in cubic yards, tons, and bags. Choose river rock, crushed stone, or lava rock — each weighs differently per cubic yard, and this calculator accounts for that.
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How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width in feet and the depth in inches.
- Pick your rock type — density affects the tonnage suppliers quote.
- Adjust waste/settling and optionally add a price per ton for cost.
The math behind it
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27, plus waste. Tons = cubic yards × density: river rock ≈ 1.40, crushed stone ≈ 1.50, lava rock ≈ 0.80 tons per cubic yard.
FAQs
How deep should decorative rock be?
2–3 inches over landscape fabric for beds; 4+ inches for drainage areas and French drains.
River rock vs crushed stone?
River rock is smooth and decorative; crushed stone locks together, so it’s better for paths and driveways that take weight.
How much does a ton cover?
Roughly 80–100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, depending on rock size and type.