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Landscape rock calculator
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Weight uses Inch Calculator's published density range for gravel (¼–2 in). Ask your supplier for their exact density per yard.
Don't know the area? Measure it on satellite imagery instead. Free, no signup.
Measure on the mapThe formula
cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324324 = 12 inches per foot × 27 cubic feet per cubic yard. The same formula as mulch.
tons = cubic yards × density (tons per yd³)Most gravel is 1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard; larger 2–6 in rock is lighter per yard (1.1–1.4) because of the gaps between stones.
order = tons × (1 + extra %)Inch Calculator suggests about 10% extra for loss in transport and placement; compacted gravel bases can need more.
m³ = area (m²) × depth (cm) ÷ 100Metric: multiply m³ by the density in tonnes per m³ (1.4 tons/yd³ ≈ 1.66 tonnes/m³).
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft bed along the foundation, filled with ¾ in gravel at 3 inches deep.
- Area: 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft
- Volume: 200 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.85 yd³
- Weight: 1.85 × 1.4 to 1.85 × 1.7 = 2.6 to 3.1 tons
- With 10% extra: about 2.25 yd³ to order, or 2.9 to 3.5 tons
Rock density table
| Material | lb per yd³ | Tons per yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel (¼–2 in) | 2,800–3,400 | 1.4–1.7 |
| Pea gravel | 2,500–3,000 | 1.25–1.5 |
| Rock (2–6 in) | 2,200–2,800 | 1.1–1.4 |
Installing rock for customers? Measure beds on satellite imagery and quote river rock or decorative stone with your own rates →
Related
Sources
- Inch Calculator: Gravel calculator (material density table), accessed October 12, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a yard of gravel?
Most gravel weighs 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard (2,800–3,400 lb), according to Inch Calculator's material table. Pea gravel is about 1.25–1.5 tons per yard, and larger 2–6 in rock about 1.1–1.4 tons.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover at 3 inches deep?
At 1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard, a ton of gravel is about 0.59–0.71 cubic yards, which covers roughly 64–77 sq ft at 3 inches deep (cubic yards × 324 ÷ depth in inches).
Should I order extra landscape rock?
Yes. Inch Calculator suggests ordering about 10% extra for material lost in transport and placement, and notes that compacting a gravel base can reduce its volume by about 30%.
Is landscape rock sold by the ton or by the yard?
Suppliers sell landscape rock either by the ton or by the cubic yard. Ask which, and ask for their density, then convert with tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard.
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