How to use it
- Enter length in feet
- Enter width in feet
- Enter depth in inches
- Read cubic yards, tons and cubic feet results
What it does – You enter length, width and depth of the rock area and the tool returns three numbers: total cubic feet, cubic yards and an approximate tonnage (1 yard = 1.4 US tons). Why it matters – Knowing volume helps you order the right amount of material, avoid over‑paying for excess and plan site logistics. How to read – Cubic feet is the raw volume, divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 to see the weight in tons. Use the ton figure when requesting quotes from suppliers; most quote by the ton. Most projects add a 5‑10% waste factor to cover breakage and compaction. If your depth is given in inches, the calculator converts it to feet automatically, so you don’t need to do the math yourself. The result is displayed instantly, letting you compare quotes side‑by‑side. Remember that the ton estimate is approximate; supplier densities can vary slightly, but 1.4 tons per cubic yard is the industry standard for loose rock.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for breakage and compaction
- Round up to the nearest whole yard for ordering
- Check supplier density specs; 1.4 tons/yd³ is a baseline
- Enter depth in inches; the tool handles conversion
Real-life examples
- A homeowner planning a new patio needs to know how much rock base to order
- A landscaper estimating material for a garden retaining wall
- A contractor quoting a client for a driveway sub‑base
Case study
Jane entered her 12 ft × 8 ft area with a 4‑inch depth, got 11.3 cubic yards and 15.8 tons, ordered 12 yards, and avoided a costly shortage, finishing her patio on schedule.