DIY CalculatorAs a rule of thumb, lay river rock about twice as deep as the average stone size so the ground doesn’t show through — about 2–3 inches for 1–2 inch stones.
How much river rock do you need?
- Small river rock (3/4–1 inch): 2 inches deep.
- Medium (1–3 inch): 3 inches deep.
- Large (3–5 inch) for dry creek beds: 4–6 inches.
- Put landscape fabric underneath to keep weeds and soil out.
How much river rock for common areas (cubic yards / tons, no extra added)
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ / 0.8 t | 0.93 yd³ / 1.2 t | 1.23 yd³ / 1.6 t |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 yd³ / 1.6 t | 1.85 yd³ / 2.41 t | 2.47 yd³ / 3.21 t |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ / 4.01 t | 4.63 yd³ / 6.02 t | 6.17 yd³ / 8.02 t |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ / 8.02 t | 9.26 yd³ / 12.04 t | 12.35 yd³ / 16.05 t |
Tons assume 2,600 lb per cubic yard. Add extra for waste and settling when you order.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width (or the diameter of a round area). Use any unit — feet, inches, yards or meters.
- Split odd shapes into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each one with “Add another area”.
- Enter the depth. Results update as you type: cubic yards, tons and bags.
- Optionally enter a price to estimate the cost.
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Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a ton of river rock cover?
About 83 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 125 square feet at 2 inches, for typical 1–3 inch river rock.
How much does river rock weigh?
Roughly 2,500–2,700 lb per cubic yard. Larger stones leave more air gaps, so a yard of big rock can weigh a little less.
Is it cheaper to buy bags or bulk?
For anything over about 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper per cubic yard than bags, though you pay a delivery fee. Bags make sense for small jobs, top-ups and places a truck can’t reach.