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
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
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
Calculate Area
Determine the total area using geometric formulas for rectangles, circles, or triangles
Determine Volume
Multiply area by depth to get the volume of material needed
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
Material Selection Guide
Material | Best For | Density (lbs/cu ft) | Coverage (sq ft/ton) |
---|---|---|---|
Pea Gravel | Pathways, decorative beds | 110 | 100 |
River Rock (1-2″) | Drainage, decorative | 100 | 120 |
Crushed Limestone #57 | Driveways, bases | 96 | 100 |
Road Base | Foundations, heavy traffic | 100 | 90 |
Lava Rock | Decorative, lightweight | 52 | 120 |
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
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
Regular Inspection
Check for washouts, settling, or weed growth monthly
Raking & Leveling
Maintain even surface and remove debris as needed
Replenishment
Add material as needed to maintain proper depth
Stone Calculator FAQ
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