Stone Calculator

Project Information

Start by selecting your project type and area shape. The calculator will provide appropriate material recommendations and depth guidance based on your selection.

Project Information

Start by selecting your project type and area shape

Dimensions

Enter the dimensions of your project area

feet
feet
feet

Material Selection

Choose your material and account for waste

%
$

Pro Tips

  • • For irregular shapes, break your area into smaller rectangles and calculate separately
  • • Order 10% extra material to account for waste and uneven ground
  • • Consider delivery costs when choosing between bulk and bagged materials
  • • Use landscape fabric under decorative gravel to prevent weed growth

Stone Calculation Results

18.15 tons
Pea Gravel
Project Area: 100.00 sq feet
Material Volume: 11.11 cu feet
Material Weight: 16.50 tons
Coverage Rate: 800 sq ft/ton
Includes 10% waste factor
Estimated Cost: $635.25
Based on bulk pricing per ton

The Ultimate Guide to Stone & Aggregate Calculators

Professional stone and aggregate calculators are essential tools for landscaping and construction projects. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about calculating material quantities, understanding material properties, and making informed decisions for your projects.

Understanding Stone & Aggregate Materials

Material Categories

Decorative Gravel

Pea gravel, river rock, lava rock for aesthetic applications

Crushed Stone

Limestone, granite for structural and base applications

Base Materials

Road base, crusher run for foundation support

Key Material Properties

Density

Weight per cubic foot - affects material quantity calculations

Compaction Factor

How much material compacts when installed

Coverage Rate

Square feet covered per ton at specific depths

How Stone Calculations Work

1

Calculate Area

Determine the total area using geometric formulas for rectangles, circles, or triangles

2

Determine Volume

Multiply area by depth to get the volume of material needed

3

Convert to Weight

Use material-specific density to convert volume to weight in tons

Project Types & Recommendations

Common Project Types

Driveways

4-6 inches depth, crushed stone or road base recommended

Pathways

2-3 inches depth, pea gravel or decorative stone

Ground Cover

3 inches minimum, decorative gravels for aesthetics

Paver Bases

4-6 inches depth, compacted base material

Depth Guidelines

Light Foot Traffic2-3 inches
Vehicle Traffic4-6 inches
Heavy Equipment6-8 inches
Playground Safety9-12 inches

Material Selection Guide

MaterialBest ForDensity (lbs/cu ft)Coverage (sq ft/ton)
Pea GravelPathways, decorative beds110100
River Rock (1-2″)Drainage, decorative100120
Crushed Limestone #57Driveways, bases96100
Road BaseFoundations, heavy traffic10090
Lava RockDecorative, lightweight52120

Cost Considerations & Planning

Bulk vs. Bagged Materials

Bulk Materials

More cost-effective for larger projects, sold by ton or cubic yard

Bagged Materials

Convenient for small projects, typically 0.5 cubic feet per bag

Additional Costs

Delivery Fees$50-150
Landscape Fabric$0.10-0.30/sq ft
Edging Material$2-8/linear ft
Labor (if hiring)$2-5/sq ft

Installation Best Practices

Site Preparation

Clear area of vegetation and debris

Grade surface for proper drainage

Install landscape fabric to prevent weeds

Install edging to contain materials

Installation Process

Spread material evenly across the area

Use a rake to achieve consistent depth

Compact material for driveways and heavy-use areas

Water thoroughly to settle materials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Insufficient Depth

Not accounting for compaction and settling

Poor Drainage

Failing to grade surface properly

No Weed Barrier

Skipping landscape fabric installation

Wrong Material Choice

Using decorative stone for structural applications

Inadequate Edging

Not containing materials properly

Poor Compaction

Not compacting materials for heavy-use areas

Long-term Maintenance

1

Regular Inspection

Check for washouts, settling, or weed growth monthly

2

Raking & Leveling

Maintain even surface and remove debris as needed

3

Replenishment

Add material as needed to maintain proper depth

Stone Calculator FAQ