Groundlane

Stone Calculator

Estimate landscaping stone including flagstone, river rock and rip rap.

ft
ft
in
%
$/ton

You need approximately

0.59 tons

Recommended with 10% waste
0.43 cu yd
Area
64 sq ft

Estimated material cost

$23

How we calculate this

Landscaping stone volume uses length × width × depth ÷ 27, converted to tons using a density specific to the stone type — river rock, flagstone fines, and rip rap all pack differently.

Example

An 8 ft × 8 ft patio base at 2 inches deep needs about 0.4 cubic yards of crushed stone before waste.

Measuring tips

For decorative beds, 2–3 inches of stone is typical. For structural base layers (patios, walkways), depth depends on your specific installation method.

Common mistakes

  • Using crushed stone density for larger, more angular material like rip rap.
  • Not accounting for landscape fabric or edging, which is separate from the stone volume.
  • Underestimating for irregularly shaped beds — measure the actual footprint, not just one dimension.

Frequently asked questions

What stone types does this calculator support?

Crushed stone, river rock, flagstone/stone dust, rip rap, and decomposed granite — each with its own default density you can override.

Do I need landscape fabric under stone?

Fabric or weed barrier is commonly used under decorative stone to reduce weed growth, though it is a separate material from the stone volume calculated here.

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.