Stone Calculator
Typical depths: paths 2–3 in, driveways 4–6 in, drainage 8–12 in
10% recommended to account for spillage and uneven spreading
Add 20–30% if material will be mechanically compacted
Optional: Pricing
Enter Your Project Dimensions
Select a shape, enter your area dimensions and depth, choose your stone type, and see volume, weight, bag count, and cost instantly.
How to Use the Stone Calculator
Select Your Area Shape
Choose the shape that best matches your project area: Rectangle for patios, driveways, and square garden beds; Circle for round features; Triangle for wedge-shaped areas; Trench for drainage channels or linear fills. Then enter the corresponding dimensions (length and width for rectangles, diameter for circles, base and height for triangles).
Enter Depth and Choose Stone Type
Enter the desired depth or thickness in your preferred unit. Common depths are 2–3 inches for decorative paths, 4–6 inches for driveways, and 8–12 inches for drainage. Select your stone or aggregate type from the dropdown to apply the correct bulk density. If your supplier lists a specific density, select Custom and enter it in pounds per cubic yard.
Adjust Waste and Compaction Factors
Leave the waste factor at the default 10% for most projects — this covers spillage during delivery and uneven spreading. If your stone will be mechanically compacted (road bases, patio sub-layers), add a compaction factor of 20–30% to ensure you have enough material after the plate compactor runs. Decorative surface applications do not need a compaction factor.
Add Pricing for Cost Estimate
Optionally enter your supplier's unit price per ton or per cubic yard to see a total material cost. Add a delivery fee and any applicable sales tax to get the full landed cost. Results update instantly. Use the Export CSV button to save your results for a project spreadsheet, or print a summary to share with your contractor or supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of stone do I need for a 10x10 area at 4 inches deep?
A 10x10 foot area with a 4-inch (0.333 ft) depth requires 33.33 cubic feet of stone, which is 1.23 cubic yards (33.33 ÷ 27). With the standard 10% waste factor, you should order approximately 1.35 cubic yards. At a typical crushed stone density of about 1.55 tons per cubic yard, that works out to roughly 2.1 short tons. Always round up to the nearest half cubic yard when ordering to avoid running short on site. Use this calculator with your exact dimensions for a precise number before calling your supplier.
How many tons of gravel do I need per cubic yard?
The weight of gravel per cubic yard depends on the specific material. Standard gravel and crushed stone typically weighs 1.4 to 1.7 short tons per cubic yard, with 1.5 tons being the most common rule of thumb for general planning. Lighter materials like lava rock weigh around 0.78 tons per cubic yard, while denser materials like rip rap can exceed 1.85 tons per cubic yard. Always use the correct density for your specific material. This calculator includes preset densities for 16 common stone and aggregate types, or you can enter a custom density if your supplier provides one.
What is a standard waste factor for stone and gravel projects?
The industry-standard waste factor for stone and gravel projects is 10%, and this is the default used by most professional estimating tools. This accounts for material lost during delivery (the truck cannot place every stone perfectly), uneven spreading at the edges, and settling after the first rains or foot traffic. For complex shapes with many curves, difficult site access, or projects where stone must be cut around obstacles, increasing the waste factor to 12–15% is reasonable. Conservative projects with experienced crews and precise delivery may use 5–6%. For initial planning and supplier quotations, always use at least 10% to avoid running short.
What is the difference between a short ton and a metric tonne?
A short ton, used in the United States, equals 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne, used in most of the rest of the world and in scientific contexts, equals 1,000 kilograms or approximately 2,204.6 pounds. When ordering stone in the US, suppliers quote prices in short tons. When using metric units, quantities are in metric tonnes. The difference is about 10%: one metric tonne is roughly 1.1 short tons. This calculator shows results in both units so you can communicate clearly with suppliers regardless of which unit system they use. Always confirm with your supplier whether they quote in short tons or metric tonnes to avoid confusion when ordering.
How do I calculate how much stone I need for a French drain?
A French drain is calculated as a trench: multiply the trench length by its width and depth. For example, a French drain that is 50 feet long, 12 inches (1 foot) wide, and 12 inches (1 foot) deep requires 50 cubic feet of stone, or 1.85 cubic yards. A 10% waste factor brings this to about 2.04 cubic yards. At a crushed stone density of 1.55 tons per cubic yard, that is approximately 3.2 short tons. French drains typically use clean crushed stone or washed gravel in the 3/4 to 1.5 inch size range to allow water to flow freely around the perforated pipe while resisting soil infiltration. Select this calculator's Trench mode and enter your drain dimensions for an accurate material estimate.
How much does a truckload of gravel or crushed stone cost?
Gravel and crushed stone prices vary significantly by region, material type, and market conditions. In general, crushed stone costs between $25 and $55 per ton delivered, while pea gravel and river rock may range from $40 to $75 per ton due to additional processing. A standard dump truck carries approximately 13 to 15 short tons, so a single truckload of crushed stone typically costs $400 to $825 for material plus a $50 to $150 delivery fee, depending on distance. Premium decorative stones like lava rock or river rock can cost $75 to $120 per ton or more. Always get at least three quotes from local suppliers, as quarry proximity has a major impact on delivered price.