Calculate how much river rock, pea gravel, or decorative stone you need in cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost.
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Cubic yards needed based on area and depth.
| Area | 2" Deep | 3" Deep | 4" Deep | 6" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.3 cu yd | 0.5 cu yd | 0.6 cu yd | 0.9 cu yd |
| 100 sq ft | 0.6 cu yd | 0.9 cu yd | 1.2 cu yd | 1.9 cu yd |
| 200 sq ft | 1.2 cu yd | 1.9 cu yd | 2.5 cu yd | 3.7 cu yd |
| 500 sq ft | 3.1 cu yd | 4.6 cu yd | 6.2 cu yd | 9.3 cu yd |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.2 cu yd | 9.3 cu yd | 12.3 cu yd | 18.5 cu yd |
| 2,000 sq ft | 12.3 cu yd | 18.5 cu yd | 24.7 cu yd | 37.0 cu yd |
Decorative rock is a permanent, low-maintenance alternative to mulch for landscape beds, pathways, and drainage features. Unlike mulch, rock does not decompose, fade, or need annual replacement — a one-time investment that lasts decades.
Pea gravel works well for pathways and between stepping stones. River rock is ideal for dry creek beds, garden borders, and decorative accents. Lava rock is lightweight and works well in beds around heat-loving plants. Mexican beach pebble creates a polished, upscale look.
Before ordering, always install landscape fabric and measure your exact area. Use LotSite to paint your landscaping beds on a satellite map and get precise square footage — no tape measure required.
Enter your address and paint the area to cover. Get exact square footage in seconds.
Also check out our mulch calculator and mulch vs rock guide