Calculate Your Landscape Material Materials
Calculate cubic yards, tons, and bags for gravel, crushed stone, sand, decomposed granite, river rock, lava rock, topsoil, riprap, and landscape boulders — all in one tool.
Go to Landscape Material Calculator →Cubic yards = (Length_ft × Width_ft × Depth_in) ÷ 324. Multiply by the per-yard density (crushed stone 1.35 t/yd³, pea gravel 1.40 t/yd³, river rock 1.30 t/yd³, lava rock 0.65 t/yd³, screened topsoil 1.10 t/yd³) to get tons for ordering. Compactable materials need 15–25% extra loose volume; decorative rounded stone gets a flat 5–10% waste factor only. Bag-vs-bulk break-even is roughly 2 cubic yards.
Need exact quantities for your project? Use the landscape material calculator to generate cubic yards, tons, bag counts, and a bagged-vs-bulk-vs-tandem-dump recommendation for any combination of gravel, crushed stone, sand, decomposed granite, river rock, lava rock, topsoil, riprap, and landscape boulders.
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View Product (paid link)📐 The K = 324 Formula
Almost every volumetric landscape calculation reduces to one formula. The constant 324 is (27 ft³/yd³) × (12 in/ft) folded together — it converts a footprint in square feet plus a depth in inches directly to cubic yards in one step. Every other formula in this guide is a shape variant of the same idea.
Rectangle / square
yd³ = (L_ft × W_ft × Depth_in) ÷ 324
Example: 20 × 10 ft at 3″ deep = (20 × 10 × 3) ÷ 324 = 1.85 yd³
Circle
yd³ = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Depth_in ÷ 324
Example: 10 ft diameter at 4″ deep = π × 25 × 4 ÷ 324 = 0.97 yd³
Triangle
yd³ = (Base × Height ÷ 2) × Depth_in ÷ 324
Example: 10 ft base × 6 ft height at 3″ = (30) × 3 ÷ 324 = 0.28 yd³
Annulus / ring (mulch around a tree)
yd³ = π × ((D_outer ÷ 2)² − (D_inner ÷ 2)²) × Depth_in ÷ 324
Example: 8 ft outer × 2 ft inner ring at 3″ = π × (16 − 1) × 3 ÷ 324 = 0.44 yd³
Tons from cubic yards
Tons = yd³ × (lb-per-yd³ ÷ 2,000)
Example: 1.85 yd³ × 1.35 t/yd³ (crushed stone) = 2.50 tons
📊 Material Density Master Table
Density is the single most variable number in landscape materials. A cubic yard of lava rock weighs less than half what a cubic yard of river rock weighs, so quoting per ton alone hides which product is cheaper for your project. The table below uses defensible mid-range planning weights — supplier tickets in your area will fall within the published range.
| Material | Density (lb/yd³) | Tons/yd³ | Compactable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone (#57, #67) | 2,700 (range 2,565–2,835) | 1.35 | Yes (20%) |
| Crusher run / DGA / road base | 3,000 (2,835–3,105) | 1.50 | Yes (25%) |
| Pea gravel | 2,800 (2,565–2,835) | 1.40 | No |
| Decomposed granite (loose) | 2,800 (2,400–3,000) | 1.40 | Yes (25%) |
| River rock 1″–2″ | 2,600 (2,430–2,700) | 1.30 | No |
| River rock 2″–4″ | 2,400 (2,295–2,565) | 1.20 | No |
| Lava rock | 1,300 (1,100–1,500) | 0.65 | No — half the weight of river rock |
| Concrete sand (ASTM C33) | 2,700 (2,565–2,970) | 1.35 | Yes (17%) |
| Mason sand (ASTM C144) | 2,500 (2,400–2,700) | 1.25 | No — narrow gradation |
| Topsoil — screened, damp | 2,200 (2,000–2,300) | 1.10 | Settles (15%) |
| Topsoil — saturated (rain) | 2,700–3,100 | 1.35–1.55 | Settles (15%) |
| Compost / garden mix | 1,500–1,700 | 0.75–0.85 | Settles (10%) |
| Fill dirt | 2,500 (2,295–2,835) | 1.25 | Yes (20%) |
| Riprap (R-3 to R-8) | 2,800–3,100 | 1.40–1.55 | No (15–20% waste) |
| Landscape boulders (granite) | ~3,000 in pile | ~1.50 | No (20% waste) |
🧮 Coverage Per Cubic Yard at Common Depths
Coverage per cubic yard is material-independent — it's pure geometry. A cubic yard of any material covers 108 sq ft at 3″ deep. Coverage per ton, however, is density-dependent: a ton of lava rock covers about 2.4× the area of a ton of river rock.
| Depth | Sq ft |
|---|---|
| 1″ | 324 sq ft |
| 2″ | 162 sq ft |
| 3″ | 108 sq ft |
| 4″ | 81 sq ft |
| 6″ | 54 sq ft |
| 12″ | 27 sq ft |
| Material | Sq ft |
|---|---|
| Crushed stone (2,700 lb/yd³) | 80 sq ft |
| Crusher run (3,000) | 72 sq ft |
| Pea gravel (2,800) | 77 sq ft |
| River rock 1″–2″ (2,600) | 83 sq ft |
| Lava rock (1,300) | 166 sq ft |
| Mason sand (2,500) | 86 sq ft |
| Topsoil damp (2,200) | 98 sq ft |
🪨 Crushed Stone — ASTM D448 / AASHTO M43 Gradations
The numbered "stone sizes" (#57, #8, #67, #10) are not random — they're standard gradations defined by ASTM D448 and AASHTO M43, identical specs used by every U.S. quarry and DOT. The number describes the sieve range, not the grade. A "#57 stone" from a Pennsylvania limestone quarry and a "#57 stone" from a Texas granite quarry meet the same gradation but have different per-cubic-foot densities and abrasion resistance.
| Size # | Nominal Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 3½″–1½″ | Large ballast, riprap-adjacent fill |
| #2 | 2½″–1½″ | Subbase, large French-drain fill, PICP No. 2 layer |
| #3 | 2″–1″ | Drainage, rail ballast, large culverts |
| #4 | 1½″–¾″ | Drainage, large driveway base |
| #5 | 1″–½″ | Drainage, decorative landscape |
| #57 | 1″–#4 | Most common US landscape grade — French drains, driveway top, concrete |
| #67 | ¾″–#4 | Concrete, asphalt, slab base, drainage |
| #7 | ½″–#4 | Asphalt, fine drainage |
| #8 | 3/8″–#8 | Pea-gravel-equivalent for concrete; bedding under pavers |
| #9 | #4–#16 | Joint fill, fine bedding |
| #10 (screenings) | #4–0 | Stone dust; paver setting bed; pathway compaction |
🗺️ Regional Naming for the Same Material
The single most common ordering mistake on landscape and driveway projects is asking for the wrong product because of regional naming. Well-graded compactable base aggregate (a #57-sized top with stone dust fines, designed to compact tightly) is the workhorse of every driveway and patio install. It has at least six different names depending on where you live — but it's the same material.
| Region / DOT | Product Name |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (PennDOT Pub 408 §703) | 2A / 2A-Modified · 2RC (recycled concrete blend) |
| Carolinas (NCDOT) | ABC stone (Aggregate Base Course) |
| Minnesota (MnDOT) | Class 5 |
| Illinois / Indiana (IDOT) | CA-6 |
| Texas (TxDOT) | Grade 4 / Grade 5 flex base |
| National generic | Crusher run · crush-and-run · ¾″ minus · road base · DGA · QP · #411 |
⚙️ Compaction & Waste Factors
Two separate multipliers, not one. Compaction is the loose-to-compacted multiplier — order more loose volume so the in-place compacted depth matches your spec. Waste covers spillage, edge tolerance, and irregular shapes. Apply both: Order = Calculated × (1 + Compaction%) × (1 + Waste%).
Compaction defaults
Decorative rounded stone doesn't compact — particles are too round to interlock.
Waste factor by scenario
Worked example: 5 yd³ compacted DG path
Final compacted volume = 5.00 yd³
Compaction adjustment: 5.00 × 1.25 = 6.25 yd³ loose
Waste adjustment: 6.25 × 1.10 = 6.88 yd³
Order: 7 yd³ loose (round up to nearest tandem-deliverable yard)
🏖️ Sand Types — ASTM C33 vs C144
The most common sand-related ordering error: substituting mason sand (ASTM C144) for concrete sand (ASTM C33) on a paver base. They look similar but have very different gradations — C33 is well-graded for compaction; C144 is narrow-gradation sand that will never compact tightly enough to support pavers.
| Sand Type | ASTM Spec | Use | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete sand ("sharp", "river") | ASTM C33 fine aggregate | Concrete mix; paver base under bedding layer | 2,600–2,800 lb/yd³ |
| Mason sand | ASTM C144 | Mortar; paver joint sand; sandbox | 2,400–2,600 lb/yd³ |
| Paver / leveling sand | C33 (base) or C144 (joints) | 1″ uniform bedding under pavers | 2,500–2,700 lb/yd³ |
| Play sand | Washed, screened, ~C144 | Sandboxes, volleyball | 2,400–2,600 lb/yd³ |
| Fill sand / all-purpose | Lower spec | General fill, pipe bedding | 2,400–2,800 lb/yd³ |
🌱 Topsoil vs Fill Dirt — USDA Distinction
Two soil products that look similar coming off the truck but serve completely different roles. Topsoil is the upper soil horizon (USDA "A horizon") containing 1–6% organic matter — it supports plant growth. Fill dirt is subsoil from the B/C horizon — low organic content, intended for structural fill only. Plants grow poorly in fill dirt.
Topsoil grades
Fill dirt
🪨 Riprap Classification — Two Incompatible Systems
Riprap (large stone for erosion control, channel protection, and shoreline stabilization) is classified by two different systems depending on which state DOT spec your engineer references. Both describe the same physical stone — only the naming differs.
| Class | Stone Size | d50 |
|---|---|---|
| R-3 | 2″–6″ | 3.5″ |
| R-4 | 3″–12″ | 7″ |
| R-5 | 4″–18″ | 11″ |
| R-6 | 9″–24″ | 14″ |
| R-7 | 12″–30″ | 20″ |
| R-8 | 15″–42″ | 28″ |
| Class | Weight Range | d50 |
|---|---|---|
| Class AI | 25–75 lb | ~11″ |
| Class I | 50–150 lb | ~13″ |
| Class II | 150–500 lb | ~19″ |
| Class III | 500–1,500 lb | ~26″ |
| Type I | 1,500–4,000 lb | ~34″ |
| Type II | 6,000–20,000 lb | ~54″ |
📦 Bagged vs Bulk — The 2-Yard Break-Even
Bagged decorative stone at Home Depot or Lowe's translates to roughly $300–$600 per ton equivalent (Bovees 2026 cost data); bulk delivered runs $25–$55 per ton. Even after the $50–$150 delivery fee, bulk is 5×–24× cheaper per unit at any meaningful project size. The Hello Gravel and YardCalc 2026 analyses both place the crossover at "around 2 cubic yards."
Bulk delivery minimums (1–3 yd³) and per-load fees ($50–$150) make small bulk uneconomical. Buy bagged, haul yourself.
Either format works. Small-bulk-delivery suppliers (1-yd³ minimums) save 5×–10× per unit if available locally.
Single-axle dump (5–8 yd³) or tandem (10–14 yd³) is dramatically cheaper. Above 6 yd³, tandem is cheaper than two single-axle loads.
Bag size reference
🚛 Truck Capacities — Volume vs Weight Limits
Density determines actual load. A tandem dump truck can volumetrically hold 14 yd³ of mulch but legally only carry ~12 yd³ of crushed stone. Always confirm with the supplier whether your quote is in tons (weight) or yards (volume) — they're not interchangeable for heavy materials.
| Vehicle | Volume | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ½-ton pickup (F-150) | ≤ 0.5 yd³ | ≤ 1,000 lb | Bagged products only |
| ¾-ton pickup | ~ 1 yd³ | ~ 1,500 lb | 1 yd³ light material (mulch, lava rock) |
| 1-ton pickup / dump | 1–1.5 yd³ | ~ 3,000 lb | Single small delivery |
| 5×8 single-axle trailer | 1 yd³ | 2,500–3,000 lb | DIY haul of 1 yd³ aggregate |
| Single-axle dump truck | 5–8 yd³ | 8–12 tons | Small driveway |
| Tandem-axle dump (10-wheeler) | 10–14 yd³ | 12–16 tons | Standard residential bulk |
| Tri-axle dump | 14–18 yd³ | 18–25 tons | Bulk driveway, large landscape |
💵 Regional Pricing Position (2025–2026)
Aggregate prices track quarry density, transport distance, and environmental permitting. The same yard of crushed stone can cost 2–5× more across the country. Per the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025, the average crushed stone unit value rose from $12.69/metric ton in 2020 to $17.50 in 2024 — a 38% increase over four years driven by IIJA highway funding.
| Region | Position vs National Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY/NJ/PA/CT/MA) | +15 to +25% | Limited urban quarry density, high transport |
| Mid-Atlantic (VA/MD/NC) | At national average | Abundant limestone & granite |
| Southeast (FL/GA/AL/SC) | −10 to −15% | Abundant limestone, shell aggregate |
| Midwest (OH/IN/IL/MI) | At national average | Strong quarry coverage |
| Texas / South-Central | At national average | Abundant limestone in central TX |
| Mountain West (CO/UT/AZ/NM) | At national to +10% | Sparse quarry coverage in some sub-regions |
| Pacific Coast (CA/OR/WA) | +10 to +20% | Long haul distances; environmental permitting |
🔢 Manual Calculation Walkthrough
Example: 200 sq ft DG path, 3″ compacted depth
Step 1 — Cubic yards in place
(200 × 3) ÷ 324 = 1.85 yd³ compacted
Step 2 — Compaction adjustment (DG = 25%)
1.85 × 1.25 = 2.31 yd³ loose
Step 3 — Waste adjustment (10%)
2.31 × 1.10 = 2.54 yd³ loose
Step 4 — Tons
2.54 × 1.40 t/yd³ = 3.56 tons
Order: 2.5 yd³ or 3.6 tons (whichever your supplier prices)
Format: bulk delivery (single-axle dump). DIY pickup is risky — 7,000+ lb load.
Quick formulas reference
yd³ = (L_ft × W_ft × Depth_in) ÷ 324
yd³ (circle) = π × (D ÷ 2)² × Depth_in ÷ 324
yd³ (ring) = π × (R_outer² − R_inner²) × Depth_in ÷ 324
tons = yd³ × (lb-per-yd³ ÷ 2,000)
Order = Calculated × (1 + Compaction%) × (1 + Waste%)
Sq ft per ton @ depth = (2,000 ÷ lb-per-yd³) × (324 ÷ depth_in)
📚 Industry Standards Reference
ASTM D448 — Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction
The canonical reference for "stone numbers" #1 through #10. Specifies percent passing by mass through each named sieve. Source for #57, #67, #8, #10 (screenings), and every other numbered gradation used by U.S. quarries.
AASHTO M43 — Standard Specification for Sizes of Aggregate
AASHTO companion to ASTM D448 — identical sizes #1 through #10. Used by every state DOT. State DOTs add proprietary blends (PennDOT 2A, NCDOT ABC, TxDOT Grade 4, IDOT CA-6) on top of M43 reference sizes.
ASTM C33 — Concrete Aggregates
References D448 sizes but adds quality and durability requirements: deleterious materials limits, soundness (sodium sulfate), abrasion resistance (LA Abrasion ASTM C131). Concrete sand and pea gravel both specified here.
ASTM C144 — Aggregate for Masonry Mortar
Defines mason sand gradation — narrower than C33, concentrated on #50 and #100 sieves. Workability for mortar bond — but will NOT compact as a paver base.
USDA NRCS Soil Survey — A Horizon vs B/C Horizons
Federal soil classification distinguishing topsoil (A horizon, supports plant growth) from fill dirt (B/C horizon, structural fill only). Drives the topsoil-vs-fill-dirt choice for grade-change projects.
PennDOT Pub 408 §703 / NCSA — R-Class Riprap
Defines R-3 through R-8 riprap classes by stone size and sieve percent passing. National Crushed Stone Association reference, adopted by most northeastern, midwestern, and several southern states.
VDOT Drainage Manual — Class AI/I/II/III + Type I/II Riprap
Virginia DOT's incompatible riprap classification — specified by individual stone weight rather than diameter. Used in VA and parts of the Southeast.
NSSGA / USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association represents 90% of U.S. crushed stone production. USGS publishes annual production tonnage and unit-value data — the authoritative price benchmark for bulk aggregate.
AASHTO M288 — Geotextile Specification
Class 2 non-woven geotextile required as the separation layer under riprap and structural aggregate. Prevents the soil subgrade from migrating up into the open voids of the stone over time.
⚠️12 Common Landscape Material Ordering Mistakes
❌ Asking for the wrong regional name — calling for "PennDOT 2A" in North Carolina or "ABC stone" in Pennsylvania. Describe the application and let the supplier translate.
❌ Substituting mason sand for concrete sand on a paver base — C144 sand has narrow gradation and won't compact tightly. Use C33 concrete sand for the structural base.
❌ Comparing lava rock prices in tons — at half the density of river rock, a ton covers 2.4× the area. Compare per cubic yard.
❌ Skipping the compaction multiplier — ordering compacted-volume yards of crushed stone, crusher run, or DG ends in a path that's 20–25% under spec depth.
❌ Adding compaction to decorative rounded stone — pea gravel, river rock, lava rock, and beach pebbles get 0% compaction. Adding a multiplier means over-ordering.
❌ Using the dry topsoil planning weight after rain — saturated topsoil runs 10–25% heavier. Truck legal payload limits halve when you ignore this.
❌ Using fill dirt as a topsoil substitute for plant beds — plants grow poorly in subsoil. Fill 60–70% of grade with fill dirt; cap with 4–6″ topsoil.
❌ Buying bagged for any project > 2 yd³ — bagged is $300–$600/ton equivalent vs $25–$55/ton bulk. Even $150 in delivery fees is a huge net win.
❌ Buying bulk for any project < 0.5 yd³ — supplier minimums and per-load fees swamp the unit savings. Buy bagged.
❌ Skipping geotextile under decorative rock — leaves and debris press through the rock and bond to the soil within 2 seasons. Use 4–6 oz commercial-grade landscape fabric (or AASHTO M288 Class 2 non-woven for riprap).
❌ Installing Mexican beach pebbles less than 3″ deep — they slide and the substrate shows through. Minimum 3″ depth.
❌ Loading 1.5 yd³ of crushed stone in a ½-ton pickup — 4,000+ lb load on a 1,000 lb payload truck. Plan delivery for any aggregate / sand / topsoil order over ½ yard.
Ready to calculate your project?
The landscape material calculator applies every formula and adjustment in this guide automatically. Pick the shape, enter dimensions and depth, choose a material from the unified picker, and get cubic yards, cubic feet, tons (with low/high range), bag counts at every retail bag size, and a bagged-vs-bulk-vs-tandem-dump recommendation in one click.
Pair with the paver calculator for hardscape projects, the concrete calculator for slabs and footings, or the mulch calculator for organic ground cover.
Calculate Your Landscape Material Materials
Calculate cubic yards, tons, and bags for gravel, crushed stone, sand, decomposed granite, river rock, lava rock, topsoil, riprap, and landscape boulders — all in one tool.
Go to Landscape Material Calculator →