Estimate the cubic yards of decorative rock, river rock, crushed stone, or drainage rock needed for a landscape bed or project area.
Quick answer: Area in square feet × depth in feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards of landscape rock.
Bed dimensions
Rectangle is the default; circle and triangle cover round beds and corners
2–3 in for decorative beds, deeper for drainage
Weight changes with type; volume does not
Added to the order quantity
e.g. 3 identical beds
Cost estimate
Stone yards sell rock by the ton
Estimate
Cubic yards1.85
Cubic meters1.42
Weight4.17 tons
Tonnes3.78
With 10% overage2.04 yd³
Overage weight4.58 tons
0.5 ft³ bags (50 lb)111
Weight uses 4,500 lbs per cubic yard for the selected rock type. Confirm your stone's density with the supplier if it isn't listed.
Bags are approximate — 50-lb bags average ~0.5 ft³; bulk stone varies.
Ballpark, not gospel. Confirm the stone type and its approximate weight per cubic yard — and whether your supplier sells by yard, ton, or both.
Rock coverage by depth
Depth
Coverage per cubic yard
Typical use
2 inches
162 sq ft
Light decorative coverage
3 inches
108 sq ft
Landscape beds and borders
4 inches
81 sq ft
Heavier beds and pathways
6 inches
54 sq ft
Drainage and structural base
Before ordering rock
Confirm the stone type and its approximate weight per cubic yard.
Measure depth after edging and base preparation are complete.
Ask whether the supplier sells by cubic yard, ton, or both.
Check delivery access and minimum order requirements.
Questions people actually ask
Straight answers, no fluff. Then run your own numbers above.
How do I calculate landscape rock?
Multiply the landscape area by the planned depth in feet, then divide by 27.
How deep should landscape rock be?
Many decorative rock beds use 2 to 3 inches. Driveway and drainage applications may need a deeper base.
How much does landscape rock weigh?
Rock density varies by stone type. This calculator uses a planning estimate of 4,500 lbs per cubic yard for dense stone — lighter decorative rock can weigh 2,500 to 3,000 lbs per yard, so confirm with your supplier.
Should I add overage to landscape rock?
Yes. Add about 10 percent for uneven ground, settling, and small measuring differences.