Stone Needed
2.50 tons
Area
200.0 sq ft
Cubic Yds
1.85
Cost
$150
2.50 tons
1.85
200.0 sq ft
$150
Inputs
Result
Area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Volume = 200 × (3/12) = 50 cu ft. Cubic yards = 50 / 27 = 1.85. Tons = (50 × 100) / 2000 = 2.50. Cost = 2.50 × $60 = $150.
Inputs
Result
Area = 30 × 4 = 120 sq ft. Volume = 120 × (4/12) = 40 cu ft. Cubic yards = 40 / 27 = 1.48. Tons = (40 × 96) / 2000 = 1.92. Cost = 1.92 × $60 = $115.
Multiply length x width to get the area in square feet. Multiply by the depth in feet to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Most decorative stone covers about 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep per ton.
It depends on the stone type. River rock and crushed granite weigh about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is about 1.3 tons. Lava rock is much lighter at about 0.67 tons per cubic yard.
| Stone Type | Density (lbs/ft³) | Tons per Cu Yard | Coverage at 3" (sq ft/ton) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 96 | 1.30 | ~105 |
| River Rock | 100 | 1.35 | ~100 |
| Crushed Granite | 100 | 1.35 | ~100 |
| Flagstone | 160 | 2.16 | ~65 |
| Lava Rock | 50 | 0.67 | ~200 |
| Marble Chips | 95 | 1.28 | ~105 |
For decorative ground cover, use 2-3 inches of stone. For walkways and paths, use 3-4 inches. For drainage areas, use 4-6 inches. Heavier traffic areas need deeper coverage.
| Application | Recommended Depth | Stone Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden bed cover | 2–3" | 3/4"–1.5" | Decorative, minimal traffic |
| Walkway / path | 3–4" | 3/8"–3/4" | Foot traffic, use compactable stone |
| Driveway base | 4–6" | 1"–2" | Vehicle loads, compact in lifts |
| French drain | 6–12" | 3/4"–1.5" | Surrounds perforated pipe |
Pea gravel and crushed granite are the most affordable at $30-60 per ton. River rock costs $50-100 per ton. Flagstone and marble chips are the most expensive at $100-300 per ton depending on source.
| Stone Type | Cost per Ton | Cost per Cu Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Granite | $30–$50 | $40–$65 | Paths, driveways, base |
| Pea Gravel | $30–$60 | $35–$75 | Garden beds, walkways |
| River Rock | $50–$100 | $65–$130 | Decorative borders, dry creek beds |
| Lava Rock | $75–$150 | $50–$100 | Lightweight coverage, xeriscaping |
| Flagstone | $150–$300 | $300–$650 | Patios, stepping stones |
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Last Updated: Mar 11, 2026
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