Rock Yardage and Weight Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the amount of rock, gravel, or crushed stone you'll need for your landscaping or construction project, along with its estimated weight and cost.
Calculation Results:
Total Volume: 0 Cubic Feet
Total Volume: 0 Cubic Yards
Total Weight: 0 Tons
Estimated Cost: $0.00
Understanding Your Rock and Gravel Needs: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you're planning a new driveway, a decorative garden path, or a drainage solution, accurately calculating the amount of rock, gravel, or crushed stone you need is crucial. Over-ordering leads to wasted money and materials, while under-ordering can cause project delays and additional delivery fees. This guide, along with our Rock Yardage and Weight Calculator, will help you get it right the first time.
What is a Cubic Yard?
Rock and gravel are typically sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. A cubic yard is a unit of volume, representing a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. This equals 27 cubic feet (3 x 3 x 3 = 27). Understanding this unit is fundamental to calculating your material needs.
Why Use a Rock Calculator?
Our calculator simplifies the process of determining the exact volume and weight of rock required for your project. It takes into account the dimensions of your area and the desired depth, providing you with precise figures in both cubic feet and cubic yards. Furthermore, it estimates the total weight in tons and even calculates the approximate cost if you know the price per ton.
Key Factors in Rock Calculation
- Area Dimensions (Length and Width): Measure the length and width of the area you plan to cover in feet. For irregular shapes, break the area down into smaller rectangles or squares and sum their individual volumes.
- Desired Depth: This is how thick you want your layer of rock to be. Depths are usually measured in inches. Common depths range from 2-4 inches for decorative paths to 6-12 inches for driveways or drainage beds.
- Rock Density: This is a critical factor for determining the weight of your rock. Different types of rock have different densities (weight per unit of volume). Density is typically measured in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/cu ft) or pounds per cubic yard (lbs/cu yd). Knowing the density helps you understand the total weight, which is important for delivery logistics and cost, as many suppliers sell by the ton.
- Cost per Ton: If you know the price your supplier charges per ton, the calculator can provide an estimated total cost for your project.
Typical Rock Densities (Approximate)
The density of rock can vary based on the type, moisture content, and how finely it's crushed. Here are some common approximate densities in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/cu ft):
- Crushed Stone/Gravel (e.g., #57, #8): 90 – 100 lbs/cu ft
- River Rock/Decorative Stone: 95 – 105 lbs/cu ft
- Decomposed Granite (DG): 80 – 90 lbs/cu ft
- Sand: 80 – 100 lbs/cu ft
- Limestone: 90 – 100 lbs/cu ft
Always confirm the exact density with your supplier, as this will give you the most accurate weight and cost estimates.
How to Use the Calculator: Step-by-Step
- Measure Your Area: Use a tape measure to find the length and width of the area you want to cover in feet.
- Determine Desired Depth: Decide how deep you want the rock layer to be in inches.
- Find Rock Density: Ask your supplier for the density of the specific rock product you plan to purchase (in lbs/cu ft). If unavailable, use an average value from the list above.
- Enter Cost per Ton (Optional): If you have a quote for the cost per ton, enter it to get an estimated total cost.
- Click "Calculate": The calculator will instantly display the volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, the total weight in tons, and the estimated cost.
Considerations for Your Project
- Compaction: Some materials, especially crushed stone, will compact over time or with mechanical compaction. You might need to order slightly more than the calculated amount to account for this, especially for driveways or heavily trafficked areas.
- Waste: Account for a small percentage of waste due to spillage or uneven spreading. Adding 5-10% to your total volume is a good practice.
- Delivery Minimums: Many suppliers have minimum delivery quantities (e.g., 1 or 2 tons/yards). Factor this into your planning.
- Accessibility: Consider how the rock will be delivered and where it will be dumped.
By using this calculator and understanding the factors involved, you can confidently plan your rock and gravel projects, ensuring you order the right amount of material every time.