Garden Rock Calculator

Calculate volume, weight, and coverage for gravel, river rock, boulders, and landscape stone

Imperial (ft, in)
Metric (m, cm)

🪨 Step 1. Select the Shape & Enter Area Dimensions

Rectangle
Square
Circle
Triangle

📏 Step 2. Enter Depth / Thickness

Total Rock Volume Needed
4.2 cu ft
cu ft
cu yd
cu m
L
gal

⚖️ Step 3. Waste Factor & Adjustments

🪨 Step 4. Select Rock Type & Size

1.0
Affects weight calculation
100 sq ft @ 2″

Rock Calculations

4.2 cu ft
Rock Volume: 4.2 cu ft
315 lbs
Estimated Weight
Tons Needed: 0.16 tons
Area Covered: 50 sq ft
1/2″ depth: 100 sq ft
1″ depth: 50 sq ft
2″ depth: 25 sq ft
3″ depth: 16.7 sq ft
Bags Needed (0.5 cu ft bags):
Number of Bags: 9 bags

Rock Weight Guide

• Gravel: 2,800-3,000 lbs/cu yd

• River rock: 2,700-2,900 lbs/cu yd

• Boulders: 2,500-2,700 lbs/cu yd

• Lava rock: 1,500-1,800 lbs/cu yd

Coverage Estimates

• 1 ton covers: 100 sq ft @ 2″

• 1 cu yd covers: 160 sq ft @ 2″

• Add 10% for waste

• Deeper = less coverage

Rock Sizing Tips

• Small gravel: Walkways

• Medium rock: Drainage

• Large rock: Decorative

• Boulders: Focal points

Rock Landscaping Tips

Use landscape fabric under rock to prevent weeds. For pathways, choose angular gravel that locks together. River rock works well for dry creek beds. Boulders should be buried 1/3 to 1/2 for stability. Order 10-15% extra to account for compaction and waste. Consider delivery costs – rock is heavy! For large areas, ordering by the ton is usually more economical than by the bag.