Landscape rock and gravel sold by the ton
Rock Calculator
Rock is usually sold by the ton, so the key number is weight: cubic yards (length × width × depth in feet ÷ 27) times about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for gravel. A 20 ft × 10 ft bed covered 3 inches deep needs roughly 2.7 tons of gravel with a 5% allowance.
Tons to order
2.72 US tons
- Cubic yards to order
- 1.94 yd³
- Exact volume, before extra
- 1.852 yd³
- Cubic feet
- 52.50 ft³
- Cubic meters
- 1.487 m³
- Estimated cost
Worked examples
Decorative rock bed along a house
A bed 30 ft × 3 ft covered 3 inches deep with river rock, 5% extra.
1.22 US tons · ≈ 0.88 yd³
Gravel path
A path 50 ft long and 4 ft wide with 3 inches of gravel, 10% extra.
2.85 US tons · ≈ 2.04 yd³
Gravel parking pad
A pad 20 ft × 12 ft with 4 inches of gravel, 10% extra.
4.56 US tons · ≈ 3.26 yd³
Good for
- Decorative beds along foundations where you want rock, not mulch
- Paths and pads where suppliers quote crushed stone by the ton
- Comparing river rock vs gravel coverage at the same depth
- Checking whether a “2-ton minimum delivery” will actually cover your bed
Common mistakes
- Ordering by the yard when the ticket is priced per ton without converting
- Putting only 1 inch of rock and wondering why fabric and weeds show through
- Skipping edging so rock migrates into the lawn after the first mower pass
- Using decorative rock depth math for a structural driveway base
How to calculate how much rock you need
- Measure length and width in feet. For a round area use π × (diameter ÷ 2)².
- Choose a depth and convert it to feet (inches ÷ 12).
- Multiply to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add a small allowance, since rock sinks into soft ground and spreads unevenly.
- Multiply cubic yards by the rock’s weight per cubic yard (about 1.3–1.5 tons for common gravel and river rock) to get tons.
Different rock types weigh different amounts, so the same cubic yards can be a different number of tons. Ask your supplier for the weight of the exact product you plan to buy.
Square feet covered by one ton of rock
Calculated from the typical weights used on this page. Real coverage varies with rock size and supplier.
| Rock type | At 2 in deep (sq ft) | At 3 in deep (sq ft) | At 4 in deep (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | 120 | 80 | 60 |
| Gravel / crushed stone | 116 | 77 | 58 |
| River rock / landscape rock | 116 | 77 | 58 |
Approximate weight per cubic yard
Typical values used by this calculator.
| Material | US tons per cubic yard (typical range) | Value used here |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | 1.2 – 1.5 | 1.35 |
| Gravel / crushed stone | 1.3 – 1.5 | 1.4 |
| River rock / landscape rock | 1.3 – 1.5 | 1.4 |
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of rock do I need?
Work out cubic yards first (length × width × depth in feet ÷ 27), then multiply by the rock’s weight per cubic yard. For common gravel that is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should landscape rock be?
For decorative beds, 2–3 inches is commonly used because it covers the soil without wasting rock. Paths and driveways typically need more, often 4 inches or more. Check what your supplier or local guidance recommends for the rock size you choose.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
With the typical weight used here, about 116 square feet at 2 inches deep, 77 at 3 inches and 58 at 4 inches. The table above shows each rock type.
Should I put landscape fabric under the rock?
Fabric can slow weeds and keep rock from mixing into soil, but it is optional and does not change how much rock you need. Rock that sinks into soft ground is why a small extra allowance helps.
Is river rock heavier than gravel?
Their weights per cubic yard are close, in the same general 1.3–1.5 ton range. Larger rounded stones leave more air gaps, so check the weight of the specific product with your supplier.
Sources and updates
Last reviewed .
- NIST – Unit conversion factors – Length definitions used for unit conversion.
- Rock densities and depth guidance – Typical supplier ranges. Replace with named sources before launch.
Estimates for planning. Rock weight and coverage vary by product, so confirm with your supplier.