Landscaping Stone Calculator
Decorative stone and river rock are popular choices for garden beds, pathways, drainage channels, and accent areas. Ordering the right amount is important: too little means a return trip to the supplier, and too much wastes money on material and disposal. This calculator converts the dimensions of your area (length, width, and desired depth) into the volume of stone needed in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus an approximate weight in tons. The weight estimate uses 1.5 tons per cubic yard, which is a typical figure for river rock and standard decorative stone. Heavier stone types such as granite or basalt may be closer to 1.6 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard, so verify with your supplier. Most stone suppliers sell by the cubic yard for bulk delivery and by the bag (often 0.5 cubic feet) for smaller quantities. For areas under 2 cubic yards, bagged stone may be more practical. For larger areas, a bulk delivery is usually more cost-effective. A depth of 2 to 3 inches is standard for decorative beds; drainage channels often require 4 to 6 inches.
How the stone volume is calculated
Cubic feet = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)
Cubic yards = Cubic feet / 27
Tons = Cubic yards x Weight per cubic yard
Worked example
Area: 10 ft x 10 ft, depth 3 inches (0.25 ft), stone weight 1.5 tons/cu yd.
- Cubic feet = 10 x 10 x 0.25 = 25.00 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 25 / 27 = 0.93 cu yd
- Tons = 0.93 x 1.5 = 1.39 tons
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of stone do I need?
Multiply the length (ft) by width (ft) by depth (ft) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For example, a 10 ft x 10 ft area at 3 inches deep needs 10 x 10 x 0.25 = 25 cubic feet, which is about 0.93 cubic yards.
How many tons is a cubic yard of landscaping stone?
Decorative stone and river rock typically weigh about 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. This calculator uses 1.5 tons per cubic yard as a reasonable estimate. Heavier stone like granite or basalt can be closer to 1.6 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard. Check with your local supplier for the exact weight.
How deep should decorative stone be?
For weed suppression and a finished appearance, 2 to 3 inches is the standard recommended depth for most decorative stone applications. River rock used in drainage channels is often placed 4 to 6 inches deep. Pathways work well at 2 to 4 inches.
How much does landscaping stone cost?
Decorative stone pricing varies widely by stone type and region. River rock can range from $50 to $150 per ton, while specialty stones cost more. Bulk delivery (by the cubic yard) is generally more economical than bags for areas over 5 cubic yards.
Should I add a weed barrier under landscaping stone?
Yes. A landscape fabric or weed barrier laid beneath the stone helps suppress weed growth and prevents stone from sinking into the soil over time. Overlap seams by at least 6 inches and secure the edges.
Sources
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Soil Erosion.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. Weight estimates are typical values; confirm with your supplier.