ganak.appStone Calculator
Free stone calculator. Estimate crushed stone, river rock, or gravel in tons, cubic yards, and bags. 12 stone types, 3 shapes, waste factor, and cost estimator.
Driveways, base & fill. Density: 100 lb/ft³.
Recommended depths:
Driveway: 4–6" · Walkway: 2–3" · Patio: 3–4" · Ground cover: 1–2"
Recommended: 5–10% for stone projects
Material price, delivery, and tax.
Auto-set by stone type. Override if needed.
Includes 5% waste · 1 section
Project summary
Volume, weight, bags, truck loads & cost at a glance
What Is a Stone Calculator?
Overview of the tool and what it helps you estimate.
A Stone Calculator helps you estimate the volume and weight of crushed stone, gravel, river rock, or decorative stone needed for landscaping, driveways, patios, drainage, and construction projects.
Enter your area dimensions and stone type to get results in cubic yards, tons, and bags. The calculator accounts for material density, waste factor, and provides cost estimates to help you order the right amount.
This calculator supports 12 stone types with accurate density values, 3 area shapes (rectangle, circle, L-shape), imperial and metric units, and cost estimation with 11 currencies.
How to Calculate How Much Stone You Need
Core formulas used for stone volume, weight, and bags.
Stone estimation uses a simple volume-to-weight conversion:
Formulas:
Volume = Length × Width × Depth
Cubic Yards = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Volume (ft³) × Density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000
Example: Stone Driveway
A driveway 20 ft × 10 ft × 3 in deep with crushed stone (#57, 100 lb/ft³):
- Volume = 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 ft³ (1.85 yd³)
- With 5% waste = 50 × 1.05 = 52.5 ft³
- Weight = 52.5 × 100 / 2,000 = 2.63 tons
Example: Circular Patio
A circular patio with 12 ft diameter × 2 in deep with pea gravel (96 lb/ft³):
- Area = π × 6² = 113.1 ft²
- Volume = 113.1 × 0.167 = 18.9 ft³ (0.70 yd³)
- Weight = 18.9 × 96 / 2,000 = 0.91 tons
Stone Type & Density Reference
How stone type affects weight and material needs.
| Stone Type | lb/ft³ | kg/m³ | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone (#57) | 100 | 1,602 | ¾"–1" |
| Crushed Limestone | 95 | 1,522 | ½"–1½" |
| Pea Gravel | 96 | 1,538 | ⅜"–½" |
| River Rock | 96 | 1,538 | 1"–3" |
| Bank / Pit Run Gravel | 105 | 1,682 | Mixed |
| Marble Chips | 93 | 1,490 | ½"–1" |
| Lava Rock | 50 | 801 | ¾"–2" |
| Decomposed Granite (DG) | 100 | 1,602 | ¼" & fines |
| Slate Chips | 95 | 1,522 | ½"–1½" |
| Quartzite Gravel | 95 | 1,522 | ¾"–1½" |
| Rip Rap | 105 | 1,682 | 3"–8" |
| Stone Dust / Screenings | 90 | 1,442 | <¼" |
The calculator automatically sets the density when you choose a stone type. You can override the density if you have a specific measurement from your supplier. Lava rock is notably lighter — it covers more area per ton than denser stones.
Recommended Stone Depth by Project Type
Choosing the right depth for your project to avoid over- or under-ordering.
| Project | Depth (Imperial) | Depth (Metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 4–6" | 10–15 cm |
| Walkway / Path | 2–3" | 5–8 cm |
| Patio | 3–4" | 8–10 cm |
| Ground Cover | 1–2" | 3–5 cm |
| French Drain | 6–12" | 15–30 cm |
| Retaining Wall Backfill | 12+" | 30+ cm |
These are minimum recommended depths for finished surfaces. For driveways with heavy traffic, consider a multi-layer approach: 3–4 inches of larger base stone topped with 2–3 inches of #57 crushed stone.
Common Mistakes When Estimating Stone
Quick checklist to prevent ordering errors.
Mixing up inches and feet
3 inches is 0.25 feet, not 3 feet. This mistake inflates your order by 12×. Always double-check your depth units.
Using the wrong depth
Driveways need 4–6 inches minimum, but decorative landscaping only needs 1–2 inches. Too little stone leads to bare spots.
Ignoring compaction
Crushed stone compacts 10–15% after tamping. If you need a finished depth of 3 inches, order enough for 3.5 inches of loose stone.
Confusing tons and cubic yards
Stone is sold by weight (tons) but calculated by volume. 1 yd³ of lava rock weighs far less than 1 yd³ of crushed stone.
Skipping the waste factor
Always add 5–10% extra for uneven ground, spillage, and settling. Sloped or irregular areas may need 10–15%.
Ordering exact amounts
Always round up to avoid a second delivery charge. Bulk delivery fees can exceed material cost on small reorders.
Pro Tips for Ordering Stone
Practical advice for accurate material estimates.
Buy bulk, not bags
Bulk stone costs a fraction of bagged stone per ton. Buying in bulk can save over 3× per ton compared to retail bags.
Plan truck access
A standard dump truck holds 15–25 tons of stone depending on your region. Plan for adequate gate clearance and driveway access.
Coverage rule of thumb
One ton of crushed stone covers roughly 80 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 160 sq ft at 1.5 inches.
Order by weight, not volume
Buy stone by the ton — volume shifts during transport and settling, but weight stays constant.
Prep the base first
Compact and level the ground. Remove debris and weeds. Use landscape fabric to prevent growth through stone.
Get multiple quotes
Prices vary dramatically by supplier, location, and season. Get quotes from 2–3 local suppliers before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and detailed answers
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Last updated Apr 8, 2026