Free Stone Calculator: Estimate Your Needs in Seconds
Starting a landscape project is exciting, but one critical question can bring everything to a halt: exactly how much stone do I need? Guessing can be a costly mistake, leaving you with a mountain of excess material or forcing you to stop work and place a second, expensive order.
Our free stone calculator eliminates all the guesswork. This powerful tool provides a precise estimate for any project, whether you are building a stone patio, laying a gravel driveway, or creating a decorative rock garden. Instantly find out the exact amount of crushed stone, flagstone, or decorative rock you need in both tons and cubic yards, so you can budget accurately and buy with total confidence.
How to Use Our Stone Calculator in 3 Simple Steps
Our stone estimator is designed for speed and simplicity. You only need a few basic measurements to get an accurate calculation for your order.
Step 1: Measure Your Project Area
First, grab a tape measure and get the dimensions of the space you need to fill.
- For Squares and Rectangles: Measure the length and width.
- For Circles: Measure the diameter (the distance across the center).
- For Irregular Shapes: Break the area into smaller, regular shapes like rectangles and circles. Calculate each one separately and add them together for your total.
Step 2: Determine Your Ideal Stone Depth
Next, decide how deep your stone layer needs to be. The right depth is vital for stability, drainage, and a professional look. A heavy-duty driveway requires a much thicker base than a simple garden path. We cover all the recommended depths for different projects below.
Step 3: Get Your Instant Stone Estimate
Enter your length, width, and depth measurements into the fields in the stone calculator. The tool will instantly process the numbers and give you the total volume in cubic yards and the total weight in tons you need to order.
Understanding Your Calculation: Volume, Weight, and Density
The calculator provides two key figures: volume and weight. Landscape suppliers use these measurements to price and sell materials, so understanding them is important.
What are Cubic Yards?
Volume is the amount of space your stone will occupy. It is measured in cubic feet, which are then converted to cubic yards for bulk orders. One cubic yard is a cube measuring 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. Since there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard, this is the standard unit for selling bulk materials like stone and soil.
Why is Weight in Tons Important?
While volume tells you how much space the stone fills, weight is how suppliers price and deliver it. Stone is almost always sold by the ton (2,000 pounds). Knowing the total weight is essential for budgeting and placing your order correctly.
How Stone Density Affects Your Order
The weight of one cubic yard of stone can vary. This is due to its density. Porous, lightweight stones like lava rock weigh less than dense materials like granite. Our stone calculator uses industry-standard density values to give you a reliable weight estimate for most common landscape stones.
How to Calculate Stone Needs Manually (For Any Shape)
If you prefer to do the math yourself, you can calculate your stone needs with a few simple formulas.
Formula for Square or Rectangular Areas
For rectangles, multiply the three dimensions. Make sure all your measurements are in feet. To convert depth from inches to feet, simply divide by 12 (e.g., 6 inches = 0.5 feet).
- Volume in Cubic Feet = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)
Formula for Circular Areas
For circles, the formula is slightly different. You will need the radius, which is half of the diameter.
- Volume in Cubic Feet = Pi (π) x Radius (ft)² x Depth (ft)
- (Pi is approximately 3.14)
Converting Volume to Weight (The Final Step)
Once you have the volume in cubic feet, divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Then, multiply by the stone’s density to find the weight in tons. A good average density for most crushed stone is 1.4 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard.
- Weight in Tons = (Volume in Cubic Yards) x (Density)
Recommended Stone Depth for 10+ Common Landscape Projects
Using the correct stone depth is the key to a long-lasting, stable project. This table breaks down the ideal depths for the most popular uses.
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Key Details |
| Patios & Walkways | 4–6 inches | Use a 4-inch compacted base of paver base, plus a 1-inch layer of sand for leveling flagstone or pavers. |
| Gravel Driveways | 10–12 inches | Build in layers. Start with a 6-inch sub-base of larger #3 crushed stone, then top with 4 inches of #57 driveway gravel. |
| Garden Beds | 2–3 inches | For decorative ground cover and weed suppression, a 2 to 3-inch layer is plenty. |
| Retaining Wall Base | 6–8 inches | A 6-inch compacted crushed stone base provides a stable foundation and ensures excellent drainage to prevent failure. |
| French Drains | 12+ inches | Fill the trench with clean drainage rock (like #57 stone) to surround the perforated pipe and promote water flow. |
| Shed Foundation | 4–6 inches | A compacted gravel pad creates a level, durable foundation that allows for drainage and prevents the shed from sinking. |
| Fire Pit Area | 4–6 inches | A solid base of compacted stone creates a safe, stable surface that will not shift under the heat or weight of the fire pit. |
| Pool Surrounds | 3–4 inches | A well-drained stone base under decking or pavers prevents water logging and movement. |
| Gabion Walls | Varies | The stone size must match the gabion basket openings. The volume is calculated based on the basket dimensions. |
| Dry Stream Beds | 4–6 inches | Use a mix of river rocks and boulders over a base of smaller stone to create a natural, layered look. |
15 Best Types of Landscape Stone
The stone you choose defines your project’s look and function. This table compares the top options.
| Stone Type | Best For | Key Features |
| Crushed Stone #57 | Driveways, Drainage, Bases | Angular ¾-inch stone. Interlocks and compacts well for a stable surface. Excellent drainage. |
| Crushed Stone #3 | Driveway Sub-Base | Larger 2 to 4-inch stone. Creates a very strong, stable foundation for high-traffic areas. |
| Pea Gravel | Walkways, Patios, Playgrounds | Small, rounded, smooth stones. Comfortable underfoot but can shift. Not for driveways. |
| River Rock | Decorative Beds, Borders | Smooth, rounded stones in various sizes and colors. Creates a natural, water-washed look. |
| Boulders | Accent Pieces, Retaining Walls | Large, impactful stones that serve as focal points or create naturalistic walls. |
| Flagstone | Patios, Walkways, Pool Decks | Flat, natural stone slabs. Provides an elegant, durable, and non-slip surface. |
| Lava Rock | Garden Beds, Mulch | Lightweight, porous rock in red or black. Retains moisture in soil and is easy to spread. |
| Decomposed Granite | Paths, Patios, Driveways | Fine, sandy texture. Compacts into a firm yet permeable surface with a rustic look. |
| Marble Chips | Decorative Ground Cover | Bright white, sparkling chips. Creates a high-end, clean look that brightens shady areas. |
| Riprap | Erosion Control, Slopes | Large, heavy, angular rocks. Used to stabilize shorelines and steep banks. Very durable. |
| Gabion Stone | Retaining Walls | Clean, angular 4 to 8-inch stone. Sized specifically to fill wire gabion baskets for modern walls. |
| Paver Base | Paver & Flagstone Foundations | A mix of ¾-inch crushed stone and stone dust. Compacts into a very tight, smooth base. |
| White Limestone | Driveways, Paths, Accents | Bright white crushed stone. Creates a formal, crisp appearance and stays cooler in the sun. |
| Jersey Shore Gravel | Paths, Patios, Decorative | A mix of small, smooth tan and yellow stones. Provides a soft, beach-like aesthetic. |
| Slate Chips | Walkways, Patios, Mulch | Flat, dark-colored chips in gray, blue, or purple. Creates a modern, textured look. |
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Stone
Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do. Avoid these common and costly errors.
- Forgetting to Order Extra: Always add 10-15% to your final calculation. This buffer covers measurement inaccuracies, compaction, and uneven ground, saving you from a last-minute shortage.
- Ignoring Site Preparation: Dumping stone on unprepared dirt leads to weeds, sinking, and an unstable surface. Always clear, grade, and compact the area first.
- Choosing the Wrong Stone Type: Using rounded pea gravel for a driveway will result in ruts and scattered stones. Using large riprap for a path is unsafe. Match the stone to the project’s function.
- Underestimating the Depth: A shallow base for a patio or driveway will fail. It will shift, crack, and not last. Do not cut corners on depth to save money—it will cost more in the long run.
- Not Preparing for a Bulk Delivery: A dump truck is large and heavy. Know exactly where you want the stone dropped, ensure the area is accessible, and protect your lawn or driveway if needed.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Site Preparation
The success of your project depends entirely on the quality of its foundation. Follow these steps for a result that lasts for decades.
Step 1: Clear, Mark, and Excavate
Remove all grass, weeds, and topsoil from the designated area. Use stakes and string to mark the exact perimeter. For patios and driveways, excavate the soil down to your required depth.
Step 2: Grade for Proper Drainage
Ensure the cleared area has a gentle slope, about a 1-inch drop for every 4 feet. This directs water away from your home’s foundation and prevents pooling on the stone surface.
Step 3: Compact the Subgrade Soil
Once the area is cleared and graded, use a hand tamper or plate compactor to pack down the exposed soil. A firm subgrade prevents the entire project from settling or sinking over time.
Step 4: Install Geotextile Fabric
Roll out a high-quality, non-woven geotextile fabric over the compacted soil. This landscape fabric is critical. It separates your stone from the soil, prevents weeds, and adds stability.
With your estimate from our stone calculator and this guide, you have everything you need to start your project. For more expert tips and landscaping tools, explore our resources on our homepage
FAQs
How much does one ton of stone cover?
The coverage of one ton of stone depends on the desired depth. For a standard 2-inch depth, one ton of stone will typically cover about 100 square feet. For a 4-inch depth, it would cover about 50 square feet.
What is the cheapest type of landscaping stone?
Crushed stone and decomposed granite are usually the most affordable options. Their low cost and excellent performance as a base material make them a top choice for large projects like driveways and foundations.
Is it cheaper to buy stone in bags or in bulk?
Buying stone in bulk by the ton or cubic yard is significantly cheaper than buying it in bags. Bagged stone from a retail store is only cost-effective for extremely small decorative jobs, like filling a single planter.
Do I really need to use landscape fabric under stone?
Yes, using a geotextile fabric is a critical step for a long-lasting project. It prevents weeds, stops the stone from mixing with the soil, and improves the overall stability of the base.
What is the best stone for a driveway?
The best driveways use a two-layer system. Start with a 6-inch compacted sub-base of larger #3 crushed stone. Then, top it with a 4-inch layer of smaller #57 stone, which locks together to form a stable driving surface.
How do you keep landscape stone in place?
The most effective way to contain stone is with a durable edging material like steel, aluminum, stone, or heavy-duty plastic. For driveways, using interlocking plastic paver grids also helps lock the stones and prevents them from spreading.
What is the difference between crushed stone and river rock?
Crushed stone is man-made and has angular, jagged edges that allow it to lock together and compact tightly. River rock is naturally rounded and smooth from water, making it decorative and comfortable to walk on but unstable as a base.
How much does a truckload of stone cost?
The cost varies widely based on your location, the type of stone, and delivery fees. A standard dump truck holds about 10-15 tons, and the total cost can range from $300 to over $1,000. Always get quotes from multiple local suppliers.
What is the best stone for around a fire pit?
Smaller, angular gravel like pea gravel or crushed stone in the ¾-inch range is best. These materials create a stable, level surface. Avoid using river rocks, as they can hold moisture and potentially crack or explode when exposed to high heat.
Can you put flagstone directly on dirt?
No, you should never lay flagstone directly on dirt. Without a proper base of compacted crushed stone and a leveling layer of sand, the flagstones will shift, sink, and become a tripping hazard.