Rock
River Rock Calculator
Calculate river rock coverage in cubic yards, tons, and truckloads for landscaping and drainage projects.
Inputs
1–2-inch river rock is commonly used for landscape beds, borders, and low-flow drainage areas.
Live estimate
Material needed
5.09 cu yd
- Area
- 500 sq ft
- Cubic feet
- 125
- Cubic yards
- 4.63
- Estimated tons
- 7.64
- Estimated truckloads
- 0.42
- Material cost
- $458
- Total cost
- $458
Diagram
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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) × 1.5.
Truckloads = cubic yards (with waste) ÷ truck capacity.
Total cost = cubic yards (with waste) × price per cubic yard + delivery.
Professional guidance
When to use river rock
Low-maintenance beds, dry creek beds, French drains, and around downspouts.
Recommended depth
2–3 inches over landscape fabric for beds; 4–6 inches for drainage swales.
Pro tip
Larger 3–5 inch stone stays in place on slopes better than pea-sized stone.
Common mistakes
Skipping edging — round stone migrates fast into lawns and mulch beds without a firm border.
Material assumptions
- River rock density: about 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
- Common sizes: 1–3 inch and 3–5 inch smooth stone.
- Recommended depth: 2–3 inches for coverage, 4–6 inches for dry creeks.
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.