Landscape Material Calculator

How much landscape material do you actually need? This free landscape material calculator gives DIYers and contractors a complete take-off — cubic yards, cubic feet, tons, bag counts at every retail bag size, and a truck-size and order-format recommendation — for every common landscape material in one tool. Crushed stone (#57, #67, #8, crusher run / road base), pea gravel, decomposed granite (natural / stabilized / resin), river rock (½"–8"), Mexican beach pebbles, lava rock, ASTM C33 concrete sand, ASTM C144 mason sand, play sand, fill sand, screened topsoil, loam, garden mix, compost, fill dirt, and PennDOT R-3 through R-8 riprap and one/two/three-man landscape boulders.

Three things separate the materials and trip up almost everyone the first time. First, density: a yard of crushed stone weighs about 2,700 lb but a yard of lava rock weighs only 1,300 lb — comparing per-ton prices alone makes lava rock look expensive when in cubic yards it's competitive. Second, compaction: crushed stone, crusher run, and decomposed granite shrink 15–25% during install, so you have to order more loose volume to land at the spec depth — the calculator handles this automatically. Third, the bag-vs-bulk break-even: under ½ yard, bagged from Home Depot is the right call; over 2 yards, bulk delivery saves $300–$600 per ton vs bagged retail.

Built on ASTM D448 / AASHTO M43 aggregate sizes, ASTM C33 (concrete aggregates) and ASTM C144 (mortar sand), USDA NRCS soil definitions, NCSA / PennDOT Pub 408 §703 R-class riprap and the parallel VDOT weight-based riprap classes, NSSGA / USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries production data, and supplier ticket density data — runs in under a minute, no signup.

View material estimation guides →

Landscape Material Calculator

Cubic yards, tons, and bag count for gravel, crushed stone, sand, decomposed granite, river rock, lava rock, topsoil, riprap, and landscape boulders — one calculator across every material.

Project area

Add a section for each shape — bed, path, ring around a tree. Areas are summed across sections.

Shape

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Recommended for crushed stone — #57: 2–4".

Bed isn't a rectangle? See how to measure a circle, triangle, or ring

Multiple areas or depths? Total the volume →

Material

Default density, compaction, and waste applied per material — override below if you have a supplier-specific spec

Material

Crushed stone — #57 (1" minus, drainage / driveway top) — ASTM D448 / AASHTO M43 #57 — most common US landscape grade. 100% pass 1½", 95–100% pass 1".
Planning density: 2,700 lb/yd³ (range 2,565–2,835). Default compaction 20%, default waste 10%. Sold by the ton.

Why do cubic yards and tons differ by material? See the weight comparison

Bag size for bagged-equivalent count

Bags, bulk delivery, or a dump truck? See which fits your order size

Compaction & waste (optional override)

Defaults applied per material. Override only if your supplier publishes a different value.

Compaction % override (default 20%)

Waste % override (default 10%)

Compaction is the loose-to-compacted multiplier (decorative materials = 0%; crusher run / DG = 20–25%). Waste covers spillage, edge tolerance, and irregular shapes — bump to 15–20% on slopes or curved beds.

Getting a bulk landscape-material order right

The volume math is straightforward once you have the area — the three things that trip people up are measuring an oddly-shaped bed (a circle, triangle, or ring around a tree), reading the tons figure (the same cubic yard weighs very different amounts depending on the material), and deciding whether to buy bags, take bulk delivery, or a dump truck for the size of your order.

The shape-takeoff diagram is why you add a section per shape instead of forcing a bed into a rectangle. The calculator sums rectangles, circles, triangles, and rings — remembering to subtract a tree’s trunk gap — and total area times depth is the volume you order. Odd beds come out right when they are built from simple shapes.

Four small diagrams showing how to get the square footage of any landscape section, because the calculator takes one section per shape and adds the areas. A rectangle uses area equals length times width, shown as 12 feet by 8 feet equals 96 square feet. A circle uses area equals pi times the radius squared, shown as a 10-foot diameter bed equals 78.5 square feet. A triangle uses area equals one half base times height, shown as a 10-foot base and 6-foot height equals 30 square feet. A ring or annulus, the bed around a tree, uses area equals pi times the outer radius squared minus the inner radius squared, shown as a 4-foot outer radius with a 1.5-foot trunk gap equals 43 square feet — the shape people forget to subtract the middle from. Each section area is summed, then multiplied by depth to get the volume ordered. — A bed rarely is a clean rectangle. Add one section per shape and the calculator sums the areas: rectangle = L × W, circle = π(D/2)², triangle = ½ × B × H, and a ring around a tree = π(R² − r²) — remember to subtract the trunk gap. Total area × depth = the volume you order.Source: Plane-area geometry (rectangle, circle, triangle, annulus); section sum from the landscape calculatorSee the Landscape area take-off diagram →(opens in a new tab)

The density comparison is why the calculator does not convert yards to tons with one factor. Planning densities run widely between materials, so a cubic yard of lava rock and a cubic yard of riprap weigh very differently, and a ton of a light material covers far more ground. Comparing by volume, not weight, is why the estimate leads with cubic yards.

A bar chart showing that one cubic yard of different landscape materials weighs very different amounts, because their planning densities span roughly two to one. Each bar is one cubic yard, 27 cubic feet, and its height is the weight per cubic yard. Lava rock is about 1,300 pounds per cubic yard, roughly 0.65 tons — half the weight of the rest. Topsoil is about 2,200 pounds, 1.10 tons. River rock is about 2,600 pounds, 1.30 tons. Crushed stone is about 2,700 pounds, 1.35 tons. Riprap is about 3,000 pounds, 1.50 tons and the heaviest. Because a ton of a light material fills far more volume than a ton of a heavy one, a ton of lava rock covers roughly twice the area of a ton of crushed stone. The takeaway is to compare prices per cubic yard, the volume, rather than per ton when materials differ. — Cubic yards and tons don’t line up the same way for every material — planning densities run from ~1,300 lb/yd³ (lava rock) to ~3,000 lb/yd³ (riprap). So one cubic yard is 0.65 tons of lava rock but 1.5 tons of riprap, and a ton of a light material covers far more ground. Compare prices per cubic yard (volume), not per ton.Source: Planning densities (lb per loose yd³) from the landscape calculator MATERIALS tableSee the Landscape material weight diagram →(opens in a new tab)

The bag-versus-bulk diagram is why the order size decides the format. Under about a half yard, bags win on delivery minimums; past the break-even, bulk delivery beats bagging; and a half-ton pickup carries only about a yard. The calculator surfaces the crossover so the format matches the volume, not just the material.

A decision ladder along a cubic-yards axis showing how order size picks the buying format. Under about half a cubic yard, bagged retail is practical because bulk delivery minimums and per-load fees make small bulk orders uneconomical. From about half to two cubic yards is the crossover zone, where bagged or a small bulk delivery both work. Above the roughly two-cubic-yard break-even, bulk delivery on a single-axle dump truck of about five to eight cubic yards wins clearly. At six cubic yards or more, one tandem dump load of ten to fourteen cubic yards beats two single-axle deliveries. A caution notes that a half-ton pickup carries only about 1,500 pounds, which for most landscape materials is under one cubic yard, so heavier loads need multiple trips or scheduled delivery. — The order size in cubic yards picks the format: under ~½ yd³, bagged (delivery minimums make bags practical); ½–2 yd³ is the crossover; past the ~2 yd³ break-even, bulk delivery on a single-axle dump (~5–8 yd³) wins; ≥ 6 yd³, a tandem dump (10–14 yd³) beats two loads. And a ½-ton pickup carries only ~1,500 lb — under one cubic yard for most materials.Source: formatRec thresholds and truck payloads from the landscape calculatorSee the Bagged diagram →(opens in a new tab)

Calculation Formulas

Cubic Yards from Inches of Depth

yd³ = (Length_ft × Width_ft × Depth_in) ÷ 324

The 324 constant is (27 ft³ per yd³) × (12 in per ft) folded together — it converts a footprint in square feet plus a depth in inches directly to cubic yards in one step.

Example:

20 ft × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep: (20 × 10 × 3) ÷ 324 = 1.85 cubic yards

Circle Volume

yd³ = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Depth_in ÷ 324

For round beds and tree rings — area is π·r², then multiplied by depth-in-inches and divided by 324 to land directly in cubic yards.

Example:

10 ft diameter circle at 4 inches deep: 3.14159 × 25 × 4 ÷ 324 = 0.97 yd³

Annulus / Ring Volume

yd³ = π × ((D_outer ÷ 2)² − (D_inner ÷ 2)²) × Depth_in ÷ 324

For mulch rings around a tree trunk — outer disc area minus inner disc area, then × depth ÷ 324. Subtracting the trunk hole is what keeps you from over-buying.

Example:

8 ft outer × 2 ft inner ring at 3 inches: π × (16 − 1) × 3 ÷ 324 = 0.44 yd³

Tons from Cubic Yards (Density Conversion)

tons = yd³ × (lb/yd³ ÷ 2,000)

Multiply by the per-yard density in pounds, then divide by 2,000 to convert to short tons. Crushed stone defaults to 2,700 lb/yd³ (1.35 t/yd³); pea gravel 2,800 (1.40); river rock 1"–2" 2,600 (1.30); lava rock 1,300 (0.65); damp screened topsoil 2,200 (1.10); mason sand 2,500 (1.25); concrete sand 2,700 (1.35).

Example:

1.85 yd³ × 1.35 t/yd³ (crushed stone) = 2.50 tons

Compaction-Adjusted Order Volume

Loose Volume = Compacted Volume × (1 + Compaction Factor)

Compactable materials (crushed stone, crusher run, decomposed granite, structural fill sand) shrink during install. Order more loose volume so the in-place compacted depth matches the spec. Default compaction: crushed stone 20%, crusher run 25%, DG 25%, paver-base sand 17%, topsoil settle 15%, decorative rounded stone 0%.

Example:

Need 5 yd³ compacted DG path → order 5 × 1.25 = 6.25 yd³ loose

Total Order with Compaction + Waste

Order = Calculated Volume × (1 + Compaction%) × (1 + Waste%)

Compaction is applied first (loose-to-compacted multiplier), then a separate waste factor for spillage, edge tolerance, and irregular shapes. Default waste: simple bagged install 5%, standard 10%, curved or sloped beds 15%, riprap on slopes 15–20%.

Example:

1.85 yd³ × 1.20 (compaction) × 1.10 (waste) = 2.44 yd³ to order

Coverage per Cubic Yard at Depth

sq ft / yd³ = 324 ÷ Depth_in

Material-independent because 1 yd³ = 27 ft³ = 324 sq ft × 1 inch deep. At 2 inches, 1 yd³ covers 162 sq ft; at 3 inches, 108 sq ft; at 4 inches, 81 sq ft; at 6 inches, 54 sq ft.

Example:

108 sq ft of bed at 3-inch depth uses exactly 1 cubic yard of any material

Coverage per Ton at Depth

sq ft / ton @ depth = (2,000 ÷ lb-per-yd³) × (324 ÷ depth_in)

Density-dependent. A ton of lava rock (1,300 lb/yd³) covers about 2.4× the area of a ton of river rock (2,600 lb/yd³) — which is why lava rock looks expensive per ton but is cheap per cubic yard of coverage. Always quote and compare in BOTH cubic yards and tons.

Example:

1 ton lava rock @ 3" deep = (2,000 ÷ 1,300) × (324 ÷ 3) = 166 sq ft; 1 ton river rock 1"–2" @ 3" deep = 83 sq ft

Bag Count from Volume

Bags = ⌈ Cubic Feet ÷ Bag CF ⌉

Round up to the nearest whole bag. 0.5 cu ft bags (50-lb gravel/sand) = 54 per yd³; 1 cu ft = 27 per yd³ exactly; 1.5 cu ft (topsoil/compost) = 18 per yd³; 2 cu ft = 13.5 per yd³; 40-lb topsoil bags ≈ 0.75 cu ft = 36 per yd³.

Example:

1.85 yd³ × 27 ft³/yd³ = 50 ft³; 50 ÷ 0.5 = 100 bags @ 0.5 cu ft each

Riprap Stone Weight from Diameter

W = 0.0275 × D³ × Sg, with Sg ≈ 2.65 (limestone, granite, ~165 lb/ft³)

PennDOT Pub 408 §703 specifies riprap R-classes by sieve % passing only — per-stone weights are derived using the standard equivalent-sphere formula. VDOT classes publish stone weights directly.

Example:

11-inch median stone (R-5 d50): W = 0.0275 × 1,331 × 2.65 ≈ 97 lb

Standard Constants

Constant	Value	Description
K = 324	324	Convenience constant for converting square feet × depth-in-inches directly to cubic yards. K = 27 ft³/yd³ × 12 in/ft. The single most-used number in all volumetric landscape math.
Crushed Stone Density (#57, #67)	2,700 lb/yd³ (1.35 t/yd³)	ASTM D448 / AASHTO M43 #57 and #67 grade clean crushed stone planning weight. Range 2,565–2,835 lb/yd³ depending on quarry source rock (limestone 165 lb/ft³, granite 175, basalt 185).
Crusher Run / DGA Density	3,000 lb/yd³ (1.50 t/yd³)	Well-graded base aggregate with stone dust fines packs denser than clean crushed stone. Regional names: PennDOT 2A / 2RC, NC ABC, MN Class 5, IL CA-6, '411 stone'. Always order ~25% extra loose volume per yard of compacted in-place base.
Pea Gravel Density	2,800 lb/yd³ (1.40 t/yd³)	ASTM C33 #8 gradation, naturally rounded ¼"–3/8". Does not compact (rounded particles) and drains freely. Standard gray; tan/brown/multicolor add 20–30% to bulk price.
Decomposed Granite Density	2,800 lb/yd³ loose, ~3,000 compacted (1.40–1.50 t/yd³)	3/8" minus down to fines. Compacts 20–30% during install. 1 yd³ ≈ 82 sq ft at 4-inch compacted depth (GraniteCrete TDS). Stabilized DG (polymer or organic binder) lasts 7–10 years vs 2–3 for natural.
River Rock Density (1"–2")	2,600 lb/yd³ (1.30 t/yd³)	Most common all-purpose decorative size. Larger 2"–4" runs lighter (2,400 lb/yd³, 1.20 t/yd³) due to void space. Mexican beach pebbles ≈ 2,600 lb/yd³ at 1"–2" Standard grade.
Lava Rock Density	1,300 lb/yd³ (0.65 t/yd³)	By far the lightest landscape rock — porous volcanic material with vesicles. Half the weight of river rock per cubic yard, so a ton covers ~2.4× the area. Range 1,100–1,500 lb/yd³ (Gravelshop 1,950 high-end, HowMuchStuff 1,100 low-end).
Topsoil Density (Screened, Damp)	2,200 lb/yd³ (1.10 t/yd³)	USDA 'A horizon' soil with 1–6% organic matter, screened to remove debris, at moderate moisture. Caterpillar tables show dry stripped topsoil 1,000–1,600 lb/yd³, saturated 2,500–3,000 lb/yd³ — wet weather adds 10–25% to the planning weight.
Mason Sand Density (ASTM C144)	2,500 lb/yd³ (1.25 t/yd³)	Narrow-gradation sand centered on sieves 50/100. Mortar joints, paver joint sand, sandbox. Does not compact tightly — never use as a structural base for pavers.
Concrete Sand Density (ASTM C33)	2,700 lb/yd³ (1.35 t/yd³)	ASTM C33 fine aggregate — well-graded for concrete mix and paver bedding. Wet sand adds 15–25% to dry weight; confirm truck payload before hauling.
Riprap Density (R-3 to R-8)	2,800–3,100 lb/yd³ (1.40–1.55 t/yd³)	Riprap installs on a non-woven geotextile (AASHTO M288 Class 2+). Thickness rule of thumb: 1.5–2× the d50 of the largest stone. PennDOT R-classes are size-based; VDOT classes are weight-based — both describe the same stone, different naming conventions.
Bag-vs-Bulk Break-even	≈ 2 cubic yards	Bagged decorative stone runs $300–$600 per ton equivalent (Bovees 2026); bulk delivered runs $25–$55 per ton — about 5×–24× cheaper per unit even after $50–$150 delivery fees. Under 0.5 yd³, bagged is the practical choice; over 2 yd³, bulk is dramatically cheaper.
Tandem Dump Capacity	10–14 yd³ / 12–16 tons legal payload	Standard residential bulk delivery vehicle. Single-axle dump (5–8 yd³, 8–12 tons) is the smaller alternative; tri-axle (14–18 yd³, 18–25 tons) is for larger commercial / driveway projects. A volume-rated tandem dump may legally carry only 12 yd³ of crushed stone — always confirm whether quote is in tons or yards.
Pickup Truck Payload	½-ton ≤ 1,000 lb · 1-ton ≤ 3,000 lb	Density determines load: a ½-ton pickup safely hauls bagged products only. Even a 1-ton dump pickup tops out around 1.5 yd³ of crushed stone (~4,500 lb) — and that's at the legal limit. Plan delivery for any aggregate / sand / topsoil order over ½ yard.

Note: All calculations include appropriate waste factors based on project complexity and material type. Results are estimates and should be verified by professionals before purchasing materials.

ASTM D448 — Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction(ASTM D448)

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Defines the canonical 'stone numbers' #1 through #10 used across the U.S. aggregate industry. The source of '#57 stone,' '#8 stone,' '#67 stone,' and every other numbered gradation. Specifies percent passing by mass through each named sieve.

Key Requirements:

•#57: 100% pass 1½", 95–100% pass 1", 25–60% pass ½", 0–10% pass #4, 0–5% pass #8 (most common US landscape grade)
•#67: 100% pass 1", 90–100% pass ¾", 20–55% pass #4 (concrete, asphalt, slab base)
•#8: 100% pass ½", 85–100% pass 3/8", 10–30% pass #8 (paver bedding chip, PICP joint stone)
•#10 (screenings / stone dust): 100% pass 3/8", 85–100% pass #4 (paver setting bed, pathway compaction)
•Sieve analysis test method per ASTM C136 / AASHTO T27

Applies to:All numbered crushed stone gradations sold by quarries and aggregate distributors in the U.S.

AASHTO M43 — Standard Specification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction(AASHTO M43)

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AASHTO companion to ASTM D448 — identical numbered gradations, used by every state Department of Transportation. State DOTs add proprietary blends (PennDOT 2A, NCDOT ABC, Texas DOT Grade 4) on top of M43 reference sizes.

Key Requirements:

•Identical Sizes #1 through #10 as ASTM D448
•PennDOT 2A / 2A-Modified — well-graded compactable base, 2½" top size with fines (PennDOT Pub 408 §703)
•PennDOT 2RC — coarser variant, may include recycled concrete and clay fines
•NC ABC stone, MN Class 5, IL CA-6 — regional dense-graded base equivalents
•DSA (Driving Surface Aggregate) — Pennsylvania-specific spec for unpaved-road surfaces, 10–17% fines

Applies to:All state DOT-spec aggregate base, surface course, and drainage stone products.

ASTM C33 — Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates(ASTM C33)

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References the same D448 size numbers but adds quality and durability requirements for concrete-grade aggregates: deleterious materials limits, soundness (sodium sulfate test), and abrasion resistance (LA Abrasion ASTM C131). Concrete sand (ASTM C33 fine aggregate) and pea gravel (ASTM C33 #8 coarse) are both specified here.

Key Requirements:

•Fine aggregate (concrete sand): well-graded distribution from #4 down to #200 sieve
•Coarse aggregate: D448-numbered sizes with quality overlay
•Sodium sulfate soundness loss limits per ASTM C88
•Los Angeles Abrasion limits per ASTM C131
•Deleterious substance limits (clay lumps, chert, organics)

Applies to:All aggregates intended for use in structural concrete; widely referenced for paver bedding sand and quality decorative stone.

ASTM C144 — Standard Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar(ASTM C144)

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Defines mason sand gradation — narrower than C33, concentrated on the #50 and #100 sieves. The fine grading gives mortar workability and bond strength, but C144 sand will NOT compact as densely as C33 — never substitute it as a structural paver base.

Key Requirements:

•100% pass #4 sieve (4.75 mm)
•Majority of mass on #50 and #100 sieves (300 µm and 150 µm)
•Maximum 5% passing #200 sieve (75 µm) — limits silt and clay fines
•Same source rock and durability requirements as C33 fine aggregate
•Narrow gradation makes mason sand unsuitable for paver base or French drains

Applies to:All Type N, S, M, and O masonry mortar sand; sandbox sand often C144-equivalent.

USDA NRCS Soil Survey — Topsoil Definition (A Horizon)(USDA Soil Taxonomy / NRCS)

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Federal soil classification defining 'topsoil' as the upper soil horizon (A horizon) containing organic matter that supports plant growth, distinguished from 'fill dirt' which is subsoil B/C horizon material with low organic content. The distinction matters because plants grow poorly in fill dirt.

Key Requirements:

•A horizon = topsoil = upper soil layer with 1–6% organic matter typical, supports plant growth
•B / C horizons = subsoil = fill dirt — low organic, structural fill only
•Best practice for grade changes: fill dirt for the bottom 60–70% of depth, cap with 4–6" of topsoil for the growing layer
•Cost gap: fill dirt $5–$25 per yd³ vs screened topsoil $25–$50 per yd³
•Topsoil organic matter content varies widely by region — NRCS Web Soil Survey gives local typicals

Applies to:Every topsoil, fill dirt, and grade-change project — drives material selection by application.

PennDOT Pub 408 §703 — Riprap Classifications (NCSA R-System)(PennDOT Pub 408 §703 / NCSA)

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Defines R-3 through R-8 riprap classes by stone size and sieve percent passing. Adopted by most northeastern, midwestern, and several southern states. Set by the National Crushed Stone Association (NCSA) and verified through Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads 'Aggregate 101' bulletin.

Key Requirements:

•R-3: 2"–6", d50 ≈ 3.5", individual stone ½–25 lb (light slope/ditch lining)
•R-4: 3"–12", d50 ≈ 7", stone 2–200 lb (channels, small culverts)
•R-5: 4"–18", d50 ≈ 11", stone 5–700 lb (streambanks, moderate erosion)
•R-6: 9"–24", d50 ≈ 14", stone 50–1,650 lb (large streambanks, pond outlets)
•R-7: 12"–30", d50 ≈ 20", stone 125–3,200 lb (heavy bank stabilization)
•R-8: 15"–42", d50 ≈ 28", stone 250–8,800 lb (bridge abutments, severe erosion)

Applies to:All R-class riprap installations in PA, NY, OH, NJ, MD, and most northern/midwestern states.

VDOT Drainage Manual — Riprap Classes (Weight-Based)(VDOT Drainage Manual Tables 3.19-A through 3.19-C)

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Virginia DOT's incompatible riprap classification system — Class AI/I/II/III and Type I/II are specified by individual stone weight rather than diameter. Used in VA, NC (some projects), and several southern states. Both R-class and VDOT-class stone can come from the same quarry; only the naming differs.

Key Requirements:

•Class AI: stone 25–75 lb, d50 ≈ 11" (≈ R-3/R-4)
•Class I: stone 50–150 lb, d50 ≈ 13" (≈ R-4)
•Class II: stone 150–500 lb, d50 ≈ 19" (≈ R-5)
•Class III: stone 500–1,500 lb, d50 ≈ 26" (≈ R-6)
•Type I: stone 1,500–4,000 lb, d50 ≈ 34" (≈ R-7)
•Type II: stone 6,000–20,000 lb, d50 ≈ 54" (≈ R-8)

Applies to:All VDOT and Virginia DEQ-spec erosion-control and channel-protection riprap.

NSSGA / USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries — Aggregate Production Data(NSSGA / USGS MCS)

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National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association represents 90% of U.S. crushed stone and 70% of sand and gravel producers. USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries publishes annual production tonnage and unit value data — the authoritative price benchmark for bulk aggregate.

Key Requirements:

•USGS 2025 average crushed stone unit value: $17.50 per metric ton (up from $12.69 in 2020 — +38% over 4 years)
•Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) authorizes $1.2 trillion through 2026 federal fiscal year, including $90 billion to highway account
•Industry employs 100,000+ workers across 4,500+ active operations
•Refresh published price ranges annually — IIJA procurement wave continues to flow through state-level work
•Regional unit-value variation per USGS state production tables

Applies to:Reference data for national-average aggregate pricing and supply trends.

Standards Disclaimer: Standards and codes are subject to periodic updates. Always verify current requirements with local building authorities and professional engineers before beginning construction. Links provided are for reference only.

Regional Naming for Compactable Base Aggregate

Same material, six different names depending on where you live

Well-graded compactable base aggregate (a #57-sized top with stone dust fines) is the most common landscape and driveway material in the U.S. — and the most regionally renamed. Always verify the gradation, not the name, when you order.

Regional Examples:

Pennsylvania:PennDOT 2A (2½" top with fines, well-graded) and 2A-Modified are the universal driveway / patio base. PennDOT 2RC includes recycled concrete.

Carolinas (NC, SC):ABC stone (Aggregate Base Course) — same well-graded compactable spec, NCDOT-published gradation curve.

Minnesota / Upper Midwest:Class 5 — well-graded MnDOT-spec base aggregate, ¾" minus with crushed-stone fines.

Illinois / Indiana:CA-6 (IDOT) — Crushed Aggregate, Grade 6, well-graded compactable.

Texas:TxDOT Grade 4 / Grade 5 flex base — well-graded with plasticity-index limits for Texas clay.

National generic:'Crusher run,' 'crush-and-run,' '¾" minus,' 'road base,' 'DGA' (Dense Grade Aggregate), 'QP' (Quarry Process), '#411' all describe the same well-graded compactable spec.

Impact: Order the wrong product (e.g., clean #57 stone instead of crusher run) and your driveway base won't compact — pavers heave in the first freeze. Always describe the application to the supplier and ask which of their products is the dense-graded base for that use.

Regional Pricing Position

The same yard of crushed stone can cost 2–5× more across the country

Aggregate prices track quarry density, transport distance, and environmental permitting. Regions with abundant local quarries and short-haul economics (Florida limestone, central Texas, Mid-Atlantic) price 10–20% below the national average. Regions with sparse quarry coverage, long hauls, or heavy permitting (Pacific coast, Northeast urban) price 15–25% above.

Regional Examples:

Northeast (NY/NJ/PA/CT/MA):+15 to +25% above national average. Limited urban quarry density and high transport costs. Crushed stone $40–$70/yd³ delivered.

Southeast (FL/GA/AL/SC):−10 to −15% below national. Abundant limestone and shell aggregate, short transport distances. Crushed stone $25–$40/yd³ delivered.

Mid-Atlantic (VA/MD/NC):At national average. Abundant limestone and granite quarries. Crushed stone $25–$50/yd³ delivered.

Mountain West (CO/UT/AZ/NM):At national average to +10%. Sparse quarry coverage in some sub-regions; long hauls into AZ from western quarries.

Pacific Coast (CA/OR/WA):+10 to +20%. Long haul distances; environmental permitting; limited new quarry development. Crushed stone $40–$65/yd³ delivered.

Impact: A 6 cubic yard driveway base order can cost $150 in central Florida or $400 in coastal California for the same material. Always price-shop at least three local suppliers; published national ranges are starting points, not quotes.

Climate, Moisture, and Topsoil Density Variation

Topsoil weight is the single most variable number in landscape materials

Topsoil density is driven by moisture, organic content, and screening. Caterpillar's material density tables span 1,000 lb/yd³ for dry stripped topsoil to 3,000 lb/yd³ for saturated topsoil — a 3× spread. Suppliers in different climates publish different planning weights on their tickets.

Regional Examples:

Pacific Northwest (rainy season):Suppliers print 2,400–2,700 lb/yd³ on saturated-season tickets — wet weather adds 10–25% to standard 2,200 lb/yd³ planning weight. Confirm planning weight when ordering after rain.

Arid Southwest (CA, AZ, NM):Topsoil ships at 1,800–2,000 lb/yd³ — drier than national average. Order ½ yd³ extra per 5 yd³ to allow for settle after irrigation.

Northeast / Midwest (variable):2,200 lb/yd³ planning weight standard. Spring (snowmelt) and fall (rainy) deliveries weigh 10–15% more than summer-dry. Truck payload limits matter.

Southeast (FL, Gulf Coast):Sandy native topsoil prevalent — 1,800–2,100 lb/yd³ typical. 'Black dirt' (high-organic blend) is the regional default for garden beds, lighter at 1,400–1,700 lb/yd³.

Heavy clay regions (TX, OK, parts of Midwest):'Topsoil' may legally be high-clay subsoil — verify with supplier. Garden mix or super loam adds compost to clay-heavy native and is worth the upcharge for plant beds.

Impact: Wrong-density planning means a tandem-dump order may legally carry 8 yd³ of wet topsoil where it could carry 12 yd³ of dry — and your truck-load count doubles. Always ask the supplier for their current ticket weight, not a generic planning value.

Lava Rock — The Most Regionally Volatile Decorative Stone

Imported volcanic rock from western quarries can carry $80+/ton freight surcharges

Lava rock is sourced from active and dormant volcanic regions in the western U.S. (primarily Oregon, Idaho, Utah). Shipping it to East Coast destinations adds significant freight — total delivered cost can run 2× the quarry price. Local rock suppliers in the East stock limited inventory and run out fast in spring landscaping season.

Regional Examples:

Pacific Northwest / Mountain West:Quarry-direct $75–$120/ton. Multiple regional suppliers; bulk delivery widely available.

Midwest (Great Lakes region):$150–$200/ton delivered. Long-haul truck freight from western quarries; 1–2 week lead time on bulk orders.

Northeast / Mid-Atlantic:$180–$220/ton delivered. Often sold by the bag through retail (Home Depot, Lowe's) — bulk delivery requires advance order.

Southeast / Gulf Coast:$150–$200/ton delivered. Some rail-freight inventory at large distributors; bagged retail dominates DIY.

California / Nevada / Arizona:$100–$160/ton delivered. Multiple in-state and adjacent-state quarries; widely available.

Impact: Lava rock pricing is the most regionally volatile of any landscape material. Its low density (1,300 lb/yd³ vs 2,600 for river rock) keeps the per-cubic-yard price competitive even at high freight rates — always compare in cubic yards, not tons.

Decomposed Granite — Western Default, Eastern Specialty

DG is the standard pathway material in the western U.S. and a specialty product elsewhere

Decomposed granite is the dominant pathway and patio material in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada — where local granite outcrops produce abundant DG inventory. East of the Rockies, DG is a specialty product with longer lead times and higher prices.

Regional Examples:

California / Southwest:DG is the residential default — $40–$80/yd³ natural, $100–$180/yd³ stabilized. Multiple regional binders (Stabilizer Solutions, GraniteCrete, Polypavement) widely stocked.

Mountain West (CO, UT, NM):$50–$100/yd³ natural, $150–$225/yd³ stabilized. Local quarry availability good; binder products require pre-order.

Texas (Hill Country):Local 'Texas crushed granite' similar to DG, $40–$70/yd³ natural. Stabilized DG less common — flexbase or chip seal often substituted.

Midwest / Northeast:$75–$150/yd³ natural — often shipped from western quarries or substituted with crushed limestone screenings. Stabilized DG is a custom order.

Southeast / Florida:$100–$150/yd³ shipped — minimal local quarry source. Crushed shell or coquina substituted for similar look at lower cost.

Impact: Plan 4–6 weeks lead time for stabilized or resin-bound DG outside the western U.S. Substitution with crushed limestone screenings ('quarter-ten') gives a similar visual but doesn't bind the same way — verify with the binder manufacturer's product compatibility sheet.

Riprap Classification by State DOT

PennDOT R-system vs VDOT weight-based — incompatible names for the same stone

Two parallel riprap classification systems exist in the U.S. PennDOT, the National Crushed Stone Association, and most northeastern, midwestern, and several southern states use R-3 through R-8 (size-based, in inches). VDOT and several southern states use Class AI/I/II/III and Type I/II (weight-based, in pounds). The same stone gets different names depending on which spec your engineer or DOT references.

Regional Examples:

Pennsylvania, NY, NJ, OH, MI, MD, MN:R-3 through R-8 (PennDOT/NCSA). R-4 = 3"–12", R-6 = 9"–24". Most quarries publish only R-class gradations.

Virginia, NC (some projects), Southeast:Class AI/I/II/III + Type I/II (VDOT). Class II = 150–500 lb stone (≈ R-5). Stone delivered with weight-graded certificate.

Federal projects (USACE, USDA NRCS):Use FHWA HEC-23 d50 specification — engineer-designed gradation per project, not state-DOT class.

Texas / Oklahoma:Texas DOT Item 432 'Riprap' — separate weight ranges (Light, Common, Heavy) by application; not directly mapped to R-class or VDOT class.

Coastal projects (USACE Section 408):Quarry-stone armor classes per USACE EM 1110-2-1601 — engineer-designed by wave height and project life, not DOT-class.

Impact: Specifying 'R-5 riprap' to a Virginia supplier or 'Class II riprap' to a Pennsylvania supplier may get a confused look. When in doubt, specify by d50 (median stone diameter or weight) plus the application — the supplier will translate to their local naming convention.

Bag-vs-Bulk Break-Even by Project Size and Region

Delivery economics drive ordering format more than material cost

Bagged materials at home centers translate to roughly $300–$600 per ton equivalent (Bovees 2026 cost data); bulk delivered runs $25–$55 per ton. The Hello Gravel and YardCalc 2026 analyses both place the crossover at 'around 2 cubic yards' — under that, bagged is more practical because of delivery minimums and per-load fees; over that, bulk is roughly 5×–24× cheaper per unit even after fees.

Regional Examples:

Dense urban (NYC, SF, LA, Boston):Some suppliers do not offer bulk delivery under 3 yd³. 'Mini-bulk' bags (1–2 yd³ super-sacks) common, $200–$400 each delivered.

Suburban with multiple suppliers:Standard 1–2 yd³ minimum; $50–$150 delivery fee in 10–15 mile radius; free delivery often offered over $500 order.

Rural / long delivery distance:Mileage charges $5–$10/mile beyond 15-mile zone. Self-pickup at quarry or yard often saves $100–$300 on small orders.

Quarry-direct (large projects):8–10 yd³ minimum at most quarries; cheapest per-unit pricing but no spread service. Plan equipment to move material on-site.

Universal — any region:Under 0.5 yd³: bagged retail. 0.5–2 yd³: crossover, either format works. Over 2 yd³: bulk delivery saves money. Over 6 yd³: tandem dump (10–14 yd³) cheaper than two single-axle loads.

Impact: A 4 yd³ project ordered as bagged (216 × 0.5 cu ft bags) might run $1,200–$2,000 retail; the same project bulk-delivered runs $200–$400. Always run the math both ways for orders between 1 and 4 yd³ — supplier-by-supplier minimums and delivery fees in your zip code can flip the answer.

Before You Build

•Contact your local building department for specific requirements
•Verify frost line depths, wind zones, and seismic requirements for your area
•Check if permits are required and schedule required inspections
•Consult with a local contractor familiar with local codes

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Calculate cubic yards, tons, and bags for gravel, crushed stone, sand, decomposed granite, river rock, topsoil, and riprap. ASTM D448 / AASHTO M43.

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How to Use This Calculator

Pick a shape for your project area: rectangle, circle, triangle, or annulus (ring around a tree). For irregular footprints, add multiple sections — areas are summed across sections.
Enter dimensions in feet (length × width, diameter, base × height, or outer × inner diameter for the ring) and depth in inches.
Pick the material: every common landscape material is in one dropdown — crushed stone, pea gravel, decomposed granite, river rock, lava rock, sand, topsoil, riprap, and landscape boulders. Density, default compaction, and default waste are applied per material.
Pick a bag size for the bagged-equivalent count (0.5 cu ft for decorative rock and 50-lb sand, 1 cu ft, 1.5 cu ft and 2 cu ft for topsoil/compost, or 40-lb topsoil bags ≈ 0.75 cu ft).
Optional: override the compaction or waste percentage if your supplier publishes a different value, and toggle "wet topsoil" to use the upper-end planning weight.
Click Calculate: see cubic yards, cubic feet, tons (typical / low / high), estimated weight in pounds, bag counts at every bag size, the smallest truck that fits the load, and a bagged-vs-bulk-vs-tandem order-format recommendation.

Why density and compaction get more complicated than they look

Three things drive most ordering errors. (1) Density varies 1.5–3× across materials — a yard of lava rock weighs less than half what a yard of river rock weighs, so a per-ton price alone can't be compared across products. The calculator always shows BOTH cubic yards and tons. (2) Compactable materials (crushed stone, crusher run, DG, structural fill sand) shrink 15–25% during install — order the calculator's "loose" volume so the in-place compacted depth matches the spec. Decorative rounded materials (pea gravel, river rock, lava rock, beach pebbles, riprap, boulders) don't compact and use a 0% compaction multiplier. (3) Topsoil weight is the most variable number in landscape materials — Caterpillar tables span 1,000 lb/yd³ dry to 3,000 lb/yd³ saturated. Default planning weight is 2,200 lb/yd³ for damp screened topsoil; toggle the "wet" checkbox to bump it to the upper end of the range. Bag-vs-bulk break-even is roughly 2 cubic yards: under that, bagged retail is the practical choice; over that, bulk delivery saves 5×–24× per unit even after the $50–$150 delivery fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate cubic yards for landscape material?

The universal formula is (Length_ft × Width_ft × Depth_in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. The 324 constant is (27 ft³ per yd³) × (12 in per ft) folded together — it converts square feet plus depth-in-inches directly to cubic yards in one step. Example: a 20 × 10 ft bed at 3 inches deep is (20 × 10 × 3) ÷ 324 = 1.85 yd³. Round shapes use π × radius² × depth ÷ 324. Triangles use (base × height ÷ 2) × depth ÷ 324. Rings (mulch around a tree) use π × (R_outer² − R_inner²) × depth ÷ 324. The shape take-off diagram shows the area formulas summed per section.

What's the difference between gravel and crushed stone?

Gravel is naturally rounded by water action (river rock, pea gravel) — it does not compact, drains freely, and looks decorative. Crushed stone is mechanically broken, so it has angular faces that interlock and compact tightly when vibrated. The calculator exposes this as a 'compactable: yes/no' flag because users overordering or underordering compactable material by 10–25% is the single most common landscape ordering error. Crushed stone is roughly 100–115 lb/ft³; rounded gravel is 95–105 lb/ft³ in undisturbed bulk.

How much does a cubic yard of landscape material weigh?

Density varies widely by material. Crushed stone (#57, #67) ≈ 2,700 lb/yd³ (1.35 t/yd³); crusher run / road base ≈ 3,000 lb/yd³ (1.50 t/yd³); pea gravel ≈ 2,800 lb/yd³ (1.40 t/yd³); decomposed granite ≈ 2,800 lb/yd³ loose (1.40 t/yd³); river rock 1"–2" ≈ 2,600 lb/yd³ (1.30 t/yd³); lava rock ≈ 1,300 lb/yd³ (0.65 t/yd³) — about half the weight of river rock; concrete sand ≈ 2,700 lb/yd³ (1.35 t/yd³); mason sand ≈ 2,500 lb/yd³ (1.25 t/yd³); damp screened topsoil ≈ 2,200 lb/yd³ (1.10 t/yd³); riprap 2,800–3,100 lb/yd³ (1.40–1.55 t/yd³). Wet topsoil and saturated sand can run 10–25% heavier. The tons-by-density diagram shows weight varying by material.

What is #57 stone, #67 stone, and where do the size numbers come from?

These are ASTM D448 / AASHTO M43 standard aggregate gradations — the same numbered sizes used by every U.S. quarry and DOT. #57 is the most common landscape grade: 100% pass 1½" sieve, 95–100% pass 1", 25–60% pass ½", with most material in the ½"–¾" range. #67 is one step down: 100% pass 1", 90–100% pass ¾". #8 is the pea-gravel-equivalent for concrete: 100% pass ½", 85–100% pass 3/8". #10 (also called 'screenings' or 'stone dust') is the smallest, used as paver setting bed and pathway compaction. Crusher run / DGA / road base is a #57-sized top blended with stone dust fines designed to compact tightly.

How much should I add for waste and compaction?

Two separate factors. Compaction (the loose-to-compacted multiplier): 20% for crushed stone and crusher run, 25% for decomposed granite, 17% for paver-base sand, 15% for topsoil settle. Decorative rounded materials (pea gravel, river rock, lava rock, beach pebbles, riprap, boulders) get 0% — they don't compact. Waste (spillage, edge tolerance, irregular shape): 5% for simple bagged install, 10% for standard projects, 15% for curved or sloped beds, 15–20% for riprap on slopes, 20% for boulders. The calculator applies both: Order = Calculated × (1 + Compaction%) × (1 + Waste%).

Should I order bagged or in bulk?

The break-even is roughly 2 cubic yards. Bagged decorative stone runs $300–$600 per ton equivalent (Bovees 2026 cost data); bulk delivered runs $25–$55 per ton — about 5×–24× cheaper per unit. Under 0.5 yd³, bulk delivery minimums (typically 1–3 yd³) and per-load fees ($50–$150) make bagged the practical choice. Between 0.5 and 2 yd³, either format works — depends on whether your local supplier offers small-bulk delivery and whether you can haul it. Over 2 yd³, bulk delivery is dramatically cheaper. Over 6 yd³, a tandem dump (10–14 yd³, 12–16 tons) is cheaper per unit than two single-axle loads. The bag-vs-bulk diagram shows the ~2 yd³ break-even.

How is riprap classified — what's the difference between R-class and VDOT class?

Two parallel systems. PennDOT, the National Crushed Stone Association (NCSA), and most northeastern, midwestern, and several southern states use R-3 through R-8 (size-based, in inches): R-3 is 2"–6", R-4 is 3"–12", R-5 is 4"–18", R-6 is 9"–24", R-7 is 12"–30", R-8 is 15"–42". VDOT and several southern states use Class AI / I / II / III and Type I / II (weight-based, in pounds): Class AI is 25–75 lb stone (≈ R-3/R-4), Class II is 150–500 lb (≈ R-5), Type I is 1,500–4,000 lb (≈ R-7). Both systems describe the same physical stone — only the naming differs. When in doubt, specify by d50 (median stone diameter) plus the application; the supplier translates.

What's the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?

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. For grade changes, the right approach is fill dirt for the bottom 60–70% of depth, capped with 4–6 inches of topsoil for the growing layer. Cost gap: fill dirt $5–$25/yd³ vs screened topsoil $25–$50/yd³. Some suppliers in heavy-clay regions (TX, OK) sell high-clay subsoil as 'topsoil' — verify with the supplier or ask for a 'screened loam' or 'super loam' upgrade.

Why is lava rock so much lighter than other rock?

Lava rock is porous volcanic material with vesicles (gas bubbles trapped during cooling). At ~1,300 lb/yd³ planning weight (range 1,100–1,500), it weighs less than half what river rock weighs (~2,600 lb/yd³). A ton of lava rock covers about 2.4× the area of a ton of river rock. This makes lava rock look expensive per ton but competitive per cubic yard of coverage — always compare in cubic yards, not tons. It's also the most regionally volatile decorative rock: sourced from western U.S. quarries (OR, ID, UT), shipping to East Coast destinations adds $80+/ton freight surcharges that can double the delivered cost.

Landscape Material Calculator

Landscape Material Calculator

Project area

Material

Compaction & waste (optional override)

Getting a bulk landscape-material order right

How We Calculate

Calculation Formulas

Standard Constants

ASTM D448 — Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction(ASTM D448)

AASHTO M43 — Standard Specification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction(AASHTO M43)

ASTM C33 — Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates(ASTM C33)

ASTM C144 — Standard Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar(ASTM C144)

USDA NRCS Soil Survey — Topsoil Definition (A Horizon)(USDA Soil Taxonomy / NRCS)

PennDOT Pub 408 §703 — Riprap Classifications (NCSA R-System)(PennDOT Pub 408 §703 / NCSA)

VDOT Drainage Manual — Riprap Classes (Weight-Based)(VDOT Drainage Manual Tables 3.19-A through 3.19-C)

NSSGA / USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries — Aggregate Production Data(NSSGA / USGS MCS)

Regional Code Variations

Regional Naming for Compactable Base Aggregate

Regional Pricing Position

Climate, Moisture, and Topsoil Density Variation

Lava Rock — The Most Regionally Volatile Decorative Stone

Decomposed Granite — Western Default, Eastern Specialty

Riprap Classification by State DOT

Bag-vs-Bulk Break-Even by Project Size and Region

Before You Build

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Want to Learn More?

Related Calculators

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Topsoil Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

Why density and compaction get more complicated than they look

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate cubic yards for landscape material?

What's the difference between gravel and crushed stone?

How much does a cubic yard of landscape material weigh?

What is #57 stone, #67 stone, and where do the size numbers come from?

How much should I add for waste and compaction?

Should I order bagged or in bulk?

How is riprap classified — what's the difference between R-class and VDOT class?

What's the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?

Why is lava rock so much lighter than other rock?