How to use it
- Enter the length of the area in feet
- Enter the width of the area in feet
- Enter the depth of rock in inches
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet
This calculator tells you exactly how much 2 inch river rock you need for any project. Enter your area's length, width, and desired depth, and you'll get three results: cubic yards (the unit suppliers use), approximate tons (based on a standard weight of 1.4 US tons per cubic yard), and cubic feet (useful for small jobs). The depth you choose matters — 2 inches is a common decorative depth, but paths or drainage may need more. The cubic yard number is what you'll use to order; the ton estimate helps you compare quotes and plan delivery. Always round up slightly when ordering, and remember that river rock is sold by volume, not weight. This tool takes the guesswork out of your landscaping math, so you buy the right amount the first time.
Pro tips
- Add 5–10% extra for waste and settling, especially on uneven ground
- Round up to the nearest half cubic yard when ordering — most suppliers won't deliver fractions
- Order by cubic yard, not ton, to match how river rock is sold
- Don't confuse rock size (2 inch) with depth — depth is how thick you want the layer
Real-life examples
- Planning a 2-inch deep river rock bed for a garden border
- Calculating how much 2 inch rock is needed for a dry creek bed
- Estimating river rock for a walkway or patio base layer
Case study
Mark measured his 12×20 ft side yard and wanted a 2-inch rock layer. He entered the numbers and saw he needed 1.48 cubic yards and about 2.07 tons. He ordered 1.6 cubic yards with waste built in, and the job came out perfectly — no extra trips to the supply yard.