Get Accurate Stone, Gravel, and Sand Estimates

Calculate your project's material needs in a few simple steps. Choose material, enter dimensions, and get instant results.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Select project type

Pick driveway, patio, walkway or custom — each option pre-fills recommended depths and compaction guidelines.

2. Enter dimensions

Provide length, width and depth or area + depth for irregular shapes — toggle units and we handle conversions.

3. Choose material & compaction

Select crushed stone, gravel or sand and set compaction percent to reflect installation practice.

4. Review volume & conversions

Instant cubic feet, cubic yards and tonnage. Choose supplier units to avoid rework during ordering.

5. Get supplier-ready estimates

Download or copy exact quantities formatted for suppliers — include waste allowance and delivery notes.

6. Order, track & adjust

Place orders, track delivered tonnage and refine future estimates with real-world delivery data.

Tip: Add 5–10% extra for compaction and waste. Include delivery and labour costs for professional quotes.

Explore Our Full Suite of Calculators

From foundational bases to decorative finishes, find the right tool for your specific needs.

Driveways & Foundations

Calculate base layers for heavy-duty projects.

Patios & Pavers

Estimate materials for patios, walkways, and flatwork.

Walls & Veneers

Plan your vertical projects, from retaining walls to facades.

Landscaping & Borders

For fire pits, garden beds, and decorative edging.

Weight & Unit Conversion

Convert between volume, weight, and specialty units.

Budgeting & Costing

Estimate the total material cost for your project.

Regional coverage

Trusted in US, UK, Canada & India

Accurate unit conversions, local supplier-friendly outputs, and regional guidance so you order the right amount every time.

United States

Imperial units, cubic yards & tons — supplier-ready outputs.

View tools · Local tips

United Kingdom

Metric standard, kg conversions & UK supplier considerations.

Local units · Ordering advice

Canada

Hybrid units, local supplier notes, and metric pricing.

Conversions · Supplier tips

India

Metric units, kg pricing & local procurement guidance.

Regional guidance · Unit support

Why Stone-Calculator Is the Most Reliable Stone Estimator for Landscapers & DIYers

Fast, accurate material estimates, regional unit support and supplier-ready outputs to reduce waste and cut ordering costs.

Calculate exact material quantities

Instantly compute volume in cubic feet and yards, then convert to supplier tonnes using material density. Includes waste allowance recommendations based on project type (typically 5–10%).

Tip: For compacted bases add the compaction allowance before converting to supplier units.

Industry-grade unit conversions

Accurate unit math for imperial and metric systems: ft/m, cubic feet/yards/meters, and tons/tonnes. Uses standard density tables (editable) so your supplier quantities match their delivery units.

Note: densities vary by material and moisture — prefer supplier-provided density when available.

Material & layer breakdowns

Break down material by layer (sub-base, base, bedding, surface) with recommended depths for common projects. Outputs separate quantities per layer so you can order each material and avoid mixing errors on-site.

Best practice: order base and surface from separate product codes to ensure correct gradation and delivery.

Customizable, project-specific inputs

Enter exact shapes (rectangles, circles, polygons), depth per layer, and compaction allowance. Save presets for recurring project types and toggle unit systems for multi-region jobs.

Pro tip: use the template presets for driveways and patios to auto-apply typical depths and compaction percentages.

Instant supplier-ready results

Formatted outputs (cubic yards, tonnes, and supplier units) with waste allowance and delivery notes ready to copy or export. Reduces miscommunication and helps suppliers quote and schedule deliveries accurately.

Export: CSV / print-ready summary includes layer breakdowns and suggested delivery quantities.

Designed for pros and DIYers

Workflows for quick estimates and detailed quotes — includes guidance on compaction, equipment, and typical labor assumptions so both contractors and homeowners can plan effectively.

Checklist: site prep, compaction method, delivery access, and recommended overage to avoid reorders.

Mastering Your Landscape Project: A Deep Dive into Stone Calculation

A stone calculator is an indispensable tool for any landscaping or construction project. It eliminates guesswork, prevents waste, and saves money. This definitive guide breaks down every variable, from shapes and materials to the core formulas that power your estimate.

The Core Formulas: From Area to Weight

Our calculator does the heavy lifting, but understanding the math empowers you. Here are the three key calculations that turn your measurements into an actionable order.

Step 1: Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet

Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)

This is the foundational measurement of your project's three-dimensional space.

Step 2: Convert to Cubic Yards

Cubic Feet ÷ 27

Since there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard, this conversion is essential for ordering.

Step 3: Convert to Tons

Cubic Yards × Material Density

This final step converts volume to weight, which is how most suppliers sell material.

Understanding Stone, Gravel & Project Depths

The type of material you choose and the depth you lay it are critical to your project's longevity and appearance. Not all stones are created equal—their weight and recommended use vary significantly.

Material Density: The Weight Factor

Density is the crucial link between volume and weight. Here are the standard densities our material comparison calculator uses to ensure accuracy:

Crushed Stone: ~1.4 to 1.5 tons/yd³
Gravel: ~1.3 to 1.4 tons/yd³
River Rock: ~1.5 tons/yd³
Sand: ~1.6 tons/yd³

Recommended Depths for Common Projects

Applying the correct depth is non-negotiable for a professional result.

Driveways: A solid 4–6 inches is required to support vehicles without rutting.
Walkways & Paths: A depth of 2–3 inches provides a stable, comfortable surface.
Landscaping & Garden Beds: A decorative layer only needs to be 1–2 inches deep.
Patios: A base of 3–4 inches ensures a level and safe recreational area.

Cost Estimation & Professional Tips

Estimating Your Budget

Our calculator can provide a cost estimate if you input a price per ton or per cubic yard. Remember that this is the material cost only. For a complete budget, you must also account for:

Delivery Charges: These can be significant and vary by supplier and distance.
Labor Costs: If you're not doing the work yourself.
Tool & Equipment Rental: Such as a plate compactor for bases.

Pro Tip

Always order 5-10% more material than you calculate. This "waste factor" accounts for compaction, uneven ground, and minor spillage. A second delivery fee for a small amount of material is far more expensive than having a little extra on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you buy stone by the yard or by the ton?

Most bulk suppliers sell by the ton. Bagged options are sold by weight (e.g., 40-60 lbs). Always confirm with your local supplier how they price their materials.

Is stone better than mulch for landscaping?

It depends on your goal. Stone is a durable, long-lasting ground cover that requires minimal replacement. Mulch, on the other hand, improves soil health and retains moisture, making it better for areas with plants.

How many 40lb bags of stone are in one ton?

A ton is 2,000 pounds. Therefore, one ton is equivalent to fifty 40lb bags. For any large area, ordering in bulk is almost always more cost-effective than buying individual bags.

Fun Fact: Precision is key in big projects, from landscaping to space exploration! Check out NASA’s Mars Rover Mission for a look at calculations on a cosmic scale.

How do I account for cost and waste?

Our calculator can estimate material costs if you provide a price. It's wise to add a 5-10% waste factor to your total volume to account for compaction and uneven ground.

Pro Tip: For large renovation projects, manage your overall budget with personal finance tools like Mint .