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Stone Calculator

Calculate stone for landscaping and hardscaping

Stone Needed

2.75 tons

Volume

1.85 yd³

Area

200.0 sq ft

Cost

$206.25

Units

Auto-updated based on stone type

10%
$
Weight

2.75 tons

Cubic Yards

1.85

Area

200.0 sq ft

Est. Cost

$206.25

Volume Breakdown

Area200.0 sq ft
Depth3 in
Volume1.85 yd³

Weight Breakdown

Base (no waste)2.50 tons
Waste (+10%)0.25 tons
Total Weight2.75 tons
Estimated Cost$206.25

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How do you calculate stone needed for landscaping?

Measure the area (Length × Width) and desired depth. Volume = L × W × Depth in feet. Convert to tons: Volume × density / 2000. Add 10% waste. For a 100 sq ft area at 3" deep with crushed stone: 25 cu ft × 100 / 2000 = 1.25 tons + 10% = 1.38 tons.

  • Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) / 12
  • Convert to tons: Volume (cu ft) × density (lbs/cu ft) / 2,000
  • 1 cubic yard = 27 cu ft ≈ 1.35 tons of crushed stone
  • Add 10% waste for regular shapes, 15% for irregular or curved areas
  • Most suppliers sell by the ton; minimum delivery is typically 1–2 tons
Q

How much does landscape stone cost per ton?

Landscape stone costs $50-200+ per ton depending on type. Crushed stone: $50-75/ton, River rock: $100-150/ton, Flagstone: $150-350/ton, Decorative granite: $100-200/ton. Delivery adds $50-150.

  • Crushed gravel (#57 stone): $50–75 per ton — most affordable
  • Pea gravel (3/8”): $60–85 per ton — popular for paths
  • River rock (1–3”): $100–150 per ton — decorative ground cover
  • Flagstone: $150–350 per ton — premium patio/walkway material
  • Delivery typically $50–150 flat fee; some charge $5–10 per loaded mile
Stone TypeCost/TonDensity (lbs/ft³)Best Use
Crushed stone (#57)$50–75100Driveways, base layer
Pea gravel$60–8595Paths, drainage, fill
River rock$100–150110Decorative beds, dry creeks
Flagstone$150–350150Patios, walkways, stepping stones
Decomposed granite$40–65100Paths, ground cover
Q

How many square feet does a ton of stone cover?

A ton of stone covers roughly 80-120 sq ft at 2" depth depending on type. Crushed stone: ~100 sq ft/ton at 2", River rock: ~80 sq ft/ton at 2", Flagstone: ~70 sq ft/ton at 1.5" thickness.

  • Crushed stone: ≈100 sq ft per ton at 2” depth
  • Pea gravel: ≈90 sq ft per ton at 2” depth
  • River rock: ≈80 sq ft per ton at 2” depth
  • Flagstone: ≈70 sq ft per ton at 1.5” average thickness
  • At 4” depth, coverage is cut in half compared to 2” depth
Stone TypeCoverage at 2”Coverage at 3”Coverage at 4”
Crushed stone100 sq ft/ton67 sq ft/ton50 sq ft/ton
Pea gravel90 sq ft/ton60 sq ft/ton45 sq ft/ton
River rock80 sq ft/ton53 sq ft/ton40 sq ft/ton
Flagstone70 sq ft/ton47 sq ft/ton35 sq ft/ton
Q

What depth of stone do I need for landscaping?

For landscaping ground cover, use 2-4 inches of stone. Walkways: 2-3 inches, Garden beds: 2-3 inches, Driveways: 4-6 inches, Drainage areas: 4-6 inches.

  • Garden bed ground cover: 2–3” over landscape fabric
  • Walkways and paths: 2–3” compacted depth
  • Driveways: 4–6” total depth (4” base + 2” surface)
  • Drainage and French drains: 4–6” of 3/4” crushed stone
  • Under pavers: 4” compacted base + 1” leveling sand

Example Calculations

1Garden Path with Flagstone (20 × 3 ft, 2 inches deep)

Inputs

Length20 ft
Width3 ft
Depth2 inches
Stone TypeFlagstone (150 lbs/ft³)
Waste10%
Cost per Ton$200

Result

Stone Needed0.83 tons
Area60.0 sq ft
Cubic Yards0.37
Base (no waste)0.75 tons
Estimated Cost$165

Volume = 20 × 3 × (2/12) = 10 cu ft. Base tons = (10 × 150) / 2000 = 0.75. With 10% waste = 0.75 × 1.1 = 0.83 tons. Cost = 0.83 × $200 = $165.

2Driveway with Crushed Stone (30 × 12 ft, 4 inches deep)

Inputs

Length30 ft
Width12 ft
Depth4 inches
Stone TypeCrushed Stone (100 lbs/ft³)
Waste10%
Cost per Ton$60

Result

Stone Needed6.60 tons
Area360.0 sq ft
Cubic Yards4.44
Base (no waste)6.00 tons
Estimated Cost$396

Volume = 30 × 12 × (4/12) = 120 cu ft. Base tons = (120 × 100) / 2000 = 6.00. With 10% waste = 6.00 × 1.1 = 6.60 tons. Cost = 6.60 × $60 = $396.

Formulas Used

Volume

Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × (Depth / 12)

Calculates volume in cubic feet from area dimensions and depth in inches.

Where:

Length= Area length in feet
Width= Area width in feet
Depth= Stone depth in inches

Tons with Waste

Tons = (Volume × Density / 2000) × (1 + Waste% / 100)

Converts volume to tons and adds waste factor.

Where:

Density= Stone density in lbs/cu ft (varies by type)
Waste%= Extra material for waste (typically 10-15%)

Understanding Stone Calculations

Stone is sold by the ton or cubic yard. Each type has a different density, so the same volume weighs different amounts depending on the stone selected.

Always add waste factor (10-15%) for irregular shapes, cutting, breakage, and settling. Natural stone like flagstone requires more waste than uniform crushed stone.

Consider stone thickness when ordering. Flagstone is typically 1-2 inches thick, while river rock and crushed stone are measured by coverage depth.

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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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