# Stone Calculator

Calculate how much stone or rock you need for landscaping. Get estimates in cubic yards, tons, and cost for river rock, crushed stone, lava rock, and more.

## What this calculates

Different stone types vary wildly in weight, so ordering the right amount means knowing both the volume you need and the density of your chosen material. Enter your project area, depth, and stone type to get accurate estimates in cubic yards, tons, and dollars.

## Inputs

- **Length** (ft) — min 0
- **Width** (ft) — min 0
- **Depth** (in) — min 0, max 24 — Ground cover: 2-4 in, pathways: 3-4 in, drainage: 6-12 in
- **Stone Type** — options: Crushed Stone (~2,800 lbs/yd³), River Rock (~2,700 lbs/yd³), Lava Rock (~1,500 lbs/yd³), Limestone (~2,700 lbs/yd³), Granite (~2,900 lbs/yd³)
- **Price Per Ton** ($) — min 0

## Outputs

- **Coverage Area** (ft²)
- **Volume** (ft³)
- **Volume** (yd³)
- **Weight** (tons) — Order this amount from a supplier
- **Estimated Cost** — formatted as currency

## Details

## How the Stone Calculator Works

The math starts with basic volume: **Length x Width x Depth = Cubic Feet**. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Then the calculator multiplies by the density of your chosen stone type to convert to weight in tons, since most suppliers sell stone by the ton.

## Stone Density by Type

| Stone Type | Weight per yd3 | Weight per Ton Coverage (2" deep) |
|-----------|----------------|----------------------------------|
| Crushed Stone | ~2,800 lbs | ~80 ft2 |
| River Rock | ~2,700 lbs | ~83 ft2 |
| Lava Rock | ~1,500 lbs | ~150 ft2 |
| Limestone | ~2,700 lbs | ~83 ft2 |
| Granite | ~2,900 lbs | ~77 ft2 |

Lava rock is dramatically lighter than other options, which means you get more coverage per ton but may need a deeper layer for full ground coverage since the pieces are more porous.

## Recommended Depths

- **Ground cover and decorative beds:** 2-4 inches
- **Walkways and pathways:** 3-4 inches
- **Drainage areas:** 6-12 inches
- **Driveway base:** 4-8 inches

## Ordering Tips

Always order **5-10% more** than calculated to account for uneven terrain and settling. Stone doesn't compact as much as soil or mulch, but irregular ground still eats up material faster than flat areas.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How much does a cubic yard of stone weigh?**

A: It depends on the stone type. Crushed stone and limestone weigh about 2,700-2,800 lbs per cubic yard (roughly 1.4 tons). River rock is similar at 2,700 lbs/yd3. Lava rock is much lighter at about 1,500 lbs/yd3.

**Q: How deep should landscaping stone be?**

A: For decorative ground cover, 2-4 inches is standard. Walkways should be 3-4 inches deep. Drainage areas need 6-12 inches. Using landscape fabric underneath helps prevent stone from sinking into the soil over time.

**Q: How many tons of rock do I need for 100 square feet?**

A: At 3 inches deep, 100 square feet needs about 0.93 cubic yards of material. For crushed stone, that is roughly 1.3 tons. For lava rock, it is about 0.7 tons due to the lighter weight.

**Q: What is the cheapest landscaping stone?**

A: Crushed stone and pea gravel are typically the most affordable options at $30-50 per ton. River rock runs $50-100 per ton, and decorative stones like lava rock or polished granite cost $75-150+ per ton depending on your area.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/construction/stone
Category: Construction
Last updated: 2026-04-08