🪨 Stone Calculator
Work out how much decorative or landscaping stone to order for a bed, border, walkway, or base layer, in cubic yards and tons.
How the Stone Calculator Works
This calculator finds the volume of stone needed by multiplying the length and width of your area by the depth of the layer you plan to lay, then converts that volume into cubic yards, the standard unit most stone and landscaping suppliers use for pricing and delivery. Depth is entered in inches because decorative stone beds, borders, and walkway bases are usually only 2 to 4 inches deep, while base layers under pavers or walls may be deeper.
From Volume to Weight
Because stone is typically sold and hauled by the ton, the calculator also converts your volume estimate into weight using an average density for the stone type you select. Density varies by material — lighter lava rock weighs less per cubic yard than dense granite or rip rap — so the figures used here (roughly 1.2 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard) are standard industry averages rather than exact values for every quarry.
Tips for Ordering
- A waste allowance is included by default to account for uneven ground, spillage, and settling over time.
- Larger stone (rip rap, boulders) settles with more air gaps, so actual coverage can vary more than with fine crushed stone.
- Enter a price per ton if you have a supplier quote to get a rough total material cost estimate.
- Always confirm exact density and pricing with your supplier before placing a large order.
Provided for general planning and educational purposes only.