How to use it
- Enter the length of the area in feet.
- Enter the width of the area in feet.
- Enter the desired depth of rock in inches.
- Click calculate to see cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet.
This calculator tells you exactly how much landscape rock you need for any rectangular area. Just enter the length and width in feet, plus the depth in inches, and it instantly returns three numbers: cubic yards, approximate tons, and cubic feet. The tonnage uses the standard industry estimate of 1.4 US tons per cubic yard, so you can plan deliveries and budgets with confidence. Knowing cubic yards helps you compare supplier quotes; tons helps you estimate truck weight and spreading effort; cubic feet is handy for smaller orders. For example, a 10-foot by 10-foot area at 3 inches deep gives you about 0.93 cubic yards and roughly 1.3 tons. Always round up when ordering to avoid running short. Whether you're mulching a flower bed, building a path, or prepping a drainage layer, this gives you a clean, practical starting point—before you spend money on stone.
Pro tips
- Add 10–15% extra for waste, settling, and irregular shapes—rock often gets displaced.
- Round up to the nearest half cubic yard when ordering; suppliers usually charge per yard.
- Depth matters: 2 inches for paths, 3–4 inches for driveways, 1–2 inches for decorative mulch.
- Don't confuse tons with cubic yards—this calculator uses 1.4 tons/yard³, but verify with your supplier.
Real-life examples
- Planning a pea gravel patio and need to know how much to order for a 12x15 ft space.
- Calculating river rock for a drainage trench around your foundation.
- Estimating decomposed granite for a walkway before starting the weekend project.
Case study
Maria wanted a 20x12 ft rock garden at 3 inches deep. She used the calculator: 2.22 cubic yards, about 3.1 tons. She ordered 2.5 cubic yards with waste, avoided an extra delivery fee, and finished on budget with stone to spare.