Landscape Rock Calculator

How to Calculate Landscaping Rock

Calculating the amount of landscaping rock needed for your project area is made simple with our Landscape Rock Calculator. Follow these steps to accurately determine how much material is required:

1. Measure the Area: Begin by measuring the square footage, including the length and width of the area where you plan to install the landscaping rock. Use a tape measure or any other appropriate measuring tool to obtain accurate dimensions of the needed coverage area.
2. Determine the Depth: Decide on the desired depth of the rock layer as one layer might not be enough. It could be a thin layer for decorative purposes or a thicker layer for practical applications like weed suppression or erosion control.
3. Input the Measurements: Enter the measured length, width, and desired depth into the corresponding fields of our calculator. Make sure to use consistent units of measurement, such as feet or meters.
4. Calculate the Total Area: The calculator will process the entered measurements and provide you with the total area in square feet. This value represents the surface area that needs to be covered with landscaping rock.
5. Calculate the Total Rock Needed: Next, the calculator will estimate the total amount of landscaping rock required in cubic yards. This calculation takes into account the total area and the desired depth, ensuring an accurate estimation of the volume of rock needed.

The Landscape Rock Formula

Here's the formula to calculate the total amount of landscaping rock needed:

Total Landscaping Rock Needed (in cubic yards) = (Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) x Depth (in feet)) / 27

This formula takes the length, width, and depth measurements in feet and calculates the volume of rock needed in cubic yards. Dividing by 27 converts the volume from cubic feet to cubic yards, as there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.

Rectangle Area: Real-World Calculation Example

Let's say you have a rectangular patio area in your backyard that measures 20 feet in length and 15 feet in width. You want to create a rock layer with a depth of 2 inches. How much rock will you need? Here's a rectangular calculations length.

1. Measure the Area: Length = 20 feet Width = 15 feet
2. Determine the Depth: Desired Depth = 2 inches
3. Input the Measurements into the Formula: Total Area (in square feet) = Length x Width Total Area = 20 feet x 15 feet = 300 square feet
4. Calculate the Total Rock Needed: Total Landscaping Rock Needed (in cubic yards) = (Total Area x Depth) / 27 Total Landscaping Rock Needed = (300 square feet x 2 inches) / 27

Note: Remember to convert the depth from inches to feet (divide by 12) before using the formula.

Total Landscaping Rock Needed = (300 square feet x (2 inches / 12 feet)) / 27 Total Landscaping Rock Needed ≈ 2.78 cubic yards

Based on this calculation, you would require approximately 2.78 cubic yards of landscaping rock to cover the rectangular patio area with a depth of 2 inches.

Triangle Area: Real-World Calculation Example

You have a triangular garden bed in your front yard with a base width of 12 feet and a height of 8 feet. You want to create a rock layer with a depth of 3 inches.

1. Measure the Area: Base Width = 12 feet Height = 8 feet
2. Determine the Depth: Desired Depth = 3 inches
3. Input the Measurements into the Formula: Total Area (in square feet) = (Base Width x Height) / 2 Total Area = (12 feet x 8 feet) / 2 = 48 square feet
4. Calculate the Total Rock Needed: Total Landscaping Rock Needed (in cubic yards) = (Total Area x Depth) / 27 Total Landscaping Rock Needed = (48 square feet x 3 inches) / 27

Note: Remember to convert the depth from inches to feet (divide by 12) before using the formula.

Total Landscaping Rock Needed = (48 square feet x (3 inches / 12 feet)) / 27 Total Landscaping Rock Needed ≈ 0.33 cubic yards

Based on this calculation, you'd require approximately 0.33 cubic yards of landscaping rock to cover the triangular garden bed with a depth of 3 inches.

Circle Area: Real-World Calculation Example

You have a circular flower bed in your backyard with a diameter of 10 feet. You want to create a rock layer with a depth of 4 inches.

1. Measure the Area: Diameter = 10 feet Radius (half of the diameter) = 10 feet / 2 = 5 feet
2. Determine the Depth: Desired Depth = 4 inches
3. Input the Measurements into the Formula: Total Area (in square feet) = π (Pi) x (Radius^2) Total Area = 3.14 x (5 feet)^2 ≈ 78.5 square feet
4. Calculate the Total Rock Needed: Total Landscaping Rock Needed (in cubic yards) = (Total Area x Depth) / 27 Total Landscaping Rock Needed = (78.5 square feet x 4 inches) / 27

Note: Remember to convert the depth from inches to feet (divide by 12) before using the formula.

Total Landscaping Rock Needed = (78.5 square feet x (4 inches / 12 feet)) / 27 Total Landscaping Rock Needed ≈ 0.77 cubic yards.

Based on this calculation, the project requires approximately 0.77 cubic yards of landscaping rock to cover the circular flower bed with a depth of 4 inches.

How Much Landscaping Rock Do I Need?

To determine how much landscaping rock you'll need, it's important to consider the weight of the material per cubic yard. Here are some common landscaping rock materials and their approximate* weight range:

• Sand: 1.10 - 1.25 tons (2,200 - 2,500 lb.) per cubic yard.
• Landscape Gravels: The weight can vary depending on the specific type of gravel. It generally ranges from 1.25 - 1.35 tons (2,500 - 2,700 lb.) per cubic yard.
• Washed Gravel: The weight of washed gravel can range from 1.4 - 1.6 tons (2,800 - 3,200 lb.) per cubic yard.
• Lava Rock: Lava rock can weigh approximately 1.2 - 1.4 tons (2,400 - 2,800 lb.) per cubic yard, depending on its size and density.
• Pea Gravel: Pea gravel typically weighs about 1.4 - 1.6 tons (2,800 - 3,200 lb.) per cubic yard.
• River Rock: The weight of river rock can vary depending on the size and density of the stones. On average, river rock weighs around 2,800 - 3,500 lb. (1.4 - 1.75 tons) per cubic yard.
• Crushed Stone: The weight of crushed stone can range from 2,700 to 3,400 lb. (1.35 to 1.7 tons) per cubic yard, depending on the type and size of the stones.

*Please note that the weights provided are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as moisture content and compaction. It's always recommended to consult with your supplier or refer to a reliable material weight reference for accurate estimations specific to the material and source you're using.

Use this formula to calculate how much gravel and landscaping rocks you need:

Tons = Cubic Yards * Weight per Cubic Yard

Example:

For example, let's say you have calculated that you need 3 cubic yards of a specific material, and you know that the weight per cubic yard of that material is 1.5 tons. The calculation would be:

Tons = 3 cubic yards * 1.5 tons per cubic yard tons = 4.5 tons

Recommended Depths for General Landscaping

Recommended Depths for Walkway and Driveway Foundations

• Crushed Limestone/Paver Base/Traffic Bond: When installing paver paths, walkways, and driveways, it is recommended to use crushed limestone, paver base, or traffic bond as a base material. Install it at a depth of 4 to 6 inches to provide a stable foundation.
• Concrete Sand: On top of the paver base foundation, spread a layer of 1 inch of concrete sand. This layer allows for easy leveling of paver stones or bricks, ensuring a smooth and even surface.
• Compact Decomposed Granite: For pathways and other decorative landscape areas, compact decomposed granite to a minimum depth of 2 inches. This will create a stable surface. For driveways, a minimum depth of 4 inches is recommended to ensure durability under vehicle traffic.

Following these recommended depths will help ensure the stability, functionality, and visual appeal of your landscaping projects. Of course, adjustments may be needed based on specific project requirements or local guidelines, so you'll want to consult with professionals or local resources to help you figure out precise recommendations.