Rock
Drain Rock Calculator
Calculate the drain rock needed for French drains, foundation drainage, and dry wells.
Inputs
3/4-inch drain rock is the standard for French drains and foundation drainage — angular washed stone that locks together.
Live estimate
Material needed
20.37 cu yd
- Area
- 500 sq ft
- Cubic feet
- 500
- Cubic yards
- 18.52
- Estimated tons
- 28.52
- Estimated truckloads
- 1.7
- Material cost
- $1,324
- Total cost
- $1,324
Diagram
Smart tips
- You're just over one truckload — a slightly larger truck could save a delivery fee.
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How it's calculated
Area is derived from your shape inputs and converted to sq ft.
Depth is converted to feet; cubic feet = area × depth.
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27, then × (1 + waste %) × (1 + compaction %).
Estimated tons = cubic yards (with waste) × 1.4.
Truckloads = cubic yards (with waste) ÷ truck capacity.
Total cost = cubic yards (with waste) × price per cubic yard + delivery.
Professional guidance
When to use drain rock
French drains, foundation footing drains, dry wells, and subgrade drainage for retaining walls.
Recommended depth
12+ inches of stone in French drains, wrapped in filter fabric. 6 inches minimum under retaining walls.
Pro tip
Always wrap drain rock in non-woven filter fabric to prevent silt from clogging the voids.
Common mistakes
Using pea gravel — the small size clogs. Use ¾–1½ inch angular washed rock.
Material assumptions
- Drain rock density: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
- Typical sizes: ¾–1½ inch angular washed stone.
- French drains: 12 inches of stone around perforated pipe.
Frequently asked questions
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Related calculators
These results are estimates only. Confirm quantities, compaction, waste, and delivery requirements with your supplier or project professional before ordering materials.