Calculators / Mulch, gravel and soil
Rock calculator: how many tons?
Measure the area and pick the rock. You'll get tons, since that's how the stone yard sells it, plus the cubic yards.
Updated · How we check our numbers
Order this much
1.5 tons
That's 0.8 cubic yards of crushed stone, with 10% extra for packing down.
- Area
- 80 sq ft
- Depth
- 3 in
- Cubic yards
- 0.8 yd
- Tons
- 1.5
Estimate for planning only, not professional advice. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, your local code and a licensed professional before you buy, build or install. Use at your own risk. Terms.
area = 20 ft × 4 ft = 80 sq ft
volume = 80 sq ft × 3 in ÷ 12 = 20 cu ft = 0.7 cu yd
with 10% for compaction = 0.7 × 1.1 = 0.8 cu yd
tons = 0.8 × 1.4 t/yd = 1.1, rounded up to 1.5
We used 1.4 tons a yard for crushed stone. Stone runs 1.3 to 1.6 depending on size and how wet it is. Ask the yard what theirs weighs.
Put woven geotextile fabric down first. It keeps the stone from sinking into the mud and cuts down on weeds.
See woven geotextile fabric on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How we work it out
Rock gets measured by volume and sold by weight. We work out the cubic yards, add 10% for packing down, then turn it into tons.
cubic yards = sq ft × depth in inches ÷ 12 ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × 1.1 × rock weight
We use 1.4 tons a yard for crushed stone, 1.35 for pea gravel, 1.3 for river rock and 1.5 for crusher run. The yard weighs theirs on a scale, so ask for their number. Tons get rounded up to the half ton.
Paths and beds take 2 to 3 in. A driveway needs at least 4 in, and round rock doesn't belong under tires.
Where the numbers come from
Not sure of the size?
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