River Rock Calculator
Estimate river rock for borders, dry creek beds and drainage features.
Assumed density: 2,600 lbs/cu yd. Actual density varies by supplier and moisture content.
You need approximately
3.53 tons
- Recommended with 10% waste
- 2.72 cu yd
- Cubic yards (no waste)
- 2.47 cu yd
- Area
- 200 sq ft
Estimated material cost
$194
How we calculate this
River rock is larger than pea gravel — typically 1–3 inches or bigger — and sold by size grade at around 2,600 lbs per cubic yard. It's used more for decorative borders, dry creek beds, and drainage features, where individual stones stay visually distinct.
Example
Common mistakes
- Using too shallow a fill depth for a drainage feature, which reduces its ability to handle runoff.
- Not laying landscape fabric first, which lets weeds grow up through the rock.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should river rock be for a dry creek bed?
4–6 inches is typical, enough to handle moderate runoff while staying visually full.
What size river rock should I use for a border?
Larger stones (2–4 inches) tend to look better and stay in place longer for borders; smaller sizes work well for filled drainage channels.
Related calculators
Estimates are provided for planning purposes. Actual material requirements may vary based on supplier specifications, compaction, site conditions, installation method, waste, and local code.