Landscape Stone Calculator
Calculate yards and tons of decorative landscape stone by type.
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Currency: Amounts are calculated in the currency you select; this site does not convert between currencies and does not use live exchange rates.
What this tool does
This tool estimates decorative stone for beds and borders — lava rock, marble chips, slate, decomposed granite and more — accounting for the very different weights of each stone.
How to use the Landscape Stone Calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area.
- Enter the depth you want to fill.
- Choose the material so the correct density is used.
- Enter your supplier's price per ton.
- Order the volume or tonnage shown, rounded up.
Formula
yd³ = L × W × (D ÷ 12) ÷ 27; tons = yd³ × density ÷ 2,000
- L, W
- Length and width in feet
- D
- Depth in inches
- density
- Material weight in lb per cubic yard
Densities are typical loose values; moisture and gradation change actual weight by ±10%.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft area filled 2 in deep with marble chips.
Inputs
- Length20 ft
- Width10 ft
- Depth2 in
- MaterialMarble chips (2,700 lb/yd³)
- Price per ton$120
Result
- Volume needed1.23 cu yd
- Weight1.67 US tons
- Volume33.33 cu ft
- Area covered200 sq ft
- Estimated cost$200.00
Material density (per cubic yard)
| Material | Weight | US tons |
|---|---|---|
| Lava rock | 1,000 lb | 0.50 tons |
| Marble chips | 2,700 lb | 1.35 tons |
| Slate chips | 2,500 lb | 1.25 tons |
| Decomposed granite | 2,800 lb | 1.40 tons |
| River rock (1–3 in) | 2,600 lb | 1.30 tons |
| Pea gravel | 2,600 lb | 1.30 tons |
Results explained
- Volume needed
- Cubic yards to order (how most yards sell bulk material).
- Weight
- Tons, for quarries that sell by weight and to check truck capacity.
- Volume (cu ft)
- Same volume in cubic feet, useful for bagged products.
- Area covered
- Surface area of the bed or base.
- Estimated cost
- Tons × your price per ton, before delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Find cubic yards from L × W × depth, then multiply by the stone's density; lava rock is much lighter than marble.
2 inches for small stone (under 1 in); 3 inches for larger stone.
It weighs about 1,000 lb per yard — less than half of most stone — so tonnage is misleading.
Rock costs more upfront but doesn't decompose, so it can be cheaper over many years.
Light rock reflects heat but dark rock can raise soil temperature near plants.