Stone Calculator
Estimate how much crushed landscape stone you need for a bed, path or border.
Stone needed
1.11 cubic yards
- US tons
- 1.35 tons
- Cubic feet
- 30.0 ft³
- Area covered
- 120.0 sq ft
You need about 1.11 cubic yards of crushed limestone, which weighs about 1.35 US tons, to cover 120 sq ft at 3 in deep.
Calculation breakdown
| Step | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 10 × 12 | 120.00 sq ft |
| Depth in feet | 3 in ÷ 12 | 0.2500 ft |
| Volume | 120 × 0.25 | 30.00 ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 30 ÷ 27 | 1.11 yd³ |
| Weight | 1.11 yd³ × 1.215 tons/yd³ | 1.35 tons |
How it works
Enter the area, the depth of the stone layer and the type of stone. Add a price per ton to see the cost.
The calculator uses the middle of each published density range, such as 90 pounds per cubic foot for crushed limestone (published as 85 to 95).
Worked example
A bed 12 ft by 18 ft with a 3 inch layer of crushed limestone:
- Volume: 12 × 18 × (3 ÷ 12) = 54 cubic feet
- Cubic yards: 54 ÷ 27 = 2 cubic yards
- Weight: 54 × 90 = 4,860 lb = 2.43 US tons
Rounding
Quantities are shown to two decimal places. Round up when you order, and ask your supplier for their own weight per cubic yard.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much stone I need?
Multiply the length, width and depth, all in feet, to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply the cubic yards by the stone's weight per cubic yard to get tons. A bed 12 ft by 18 ft and 3 inches deep is 2 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of crushed stone weigh?
It depends on the stone. At the midpoint of published bulk densities, a cubic yard of crushed limestone or marble weighs about 1.2 tons, and crushed slate or sandstone a little less. Moisture and stone size change the weight, so use your supplier's figure when you order.
How deep should landscape stone be?
It depends on the use, because a thin decorative layer needs less stone than a path or a drainage bed. Your supplier or landscaper can recommend a depth for the stone size you choose. The calculator accepts any depth, so you can compare options.
Why do suppliers quote a different weight?
The densities here are typical published values for crushed stone. Suppliers weigh their own stock, which varies with the size of the pieces, how wet they are and how tightly they pack. Ask for tons per cubic yard and convert with the cubic yards shown here.
Does this work for river rock?
It is built for crushed stone, using the density of the types listed. River rock and pebbles have different densities, so use the cubic yards result and your supplier's weight per cubic yard instead of the tons.
Estimates only. Bulk density varies by supplier, so confirm tons per cubic yard before you order.