How much landscape stone do I need? Enter your dimensions to get cubic yards, tons, and cost estimates with coverage rates pros actually use for driveways, pathways, and garden beds.
Recommended: 10-15% for compaction and settling
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Last updated March 31, 2026 by our expert review team
1.4 t/yd³
$40/ton avg
1.35 t/yd³
$80/ton avg
1.25 t/yd³
$120/ton avg
1.35 t/yd³
$50/ton avg
1.4 t/yd³
$55/ton avg
0.55 t/yd³
$110/ton avg
1.5 t/yd³
$65/ton avg
1.45 t/yd³
$150/ton avg
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
See full profileHawkin
Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileUpdated March 2026
How we verify our calculatorsCrushed: 240 ft²
River: 250 ft²
Lava: 610 ft²
Crushed: 120 ft²
River: 125 ft²
Lava: 305 ft²
Crushed: 80 ft²
River: 83 ft²
Lava: 200 ft²
Crushed: 60 ft²
River: 62 ft²
Lava: 150 ft²
Crushed: 40 ft²
River: 42 ft²
Lava: 100 ft²
Use #57 crushed stone (3/4") for driveway base and #8 (3/8") for top-dressing. Mixing sizes locks together better and reduces migration by up to 40%.
Compact each 2-inch lift with a plate compactor before adding the next layer. For crusher run base projects, our Crusher Run Calculator gives precise tonnage estimates.
For decorative beds, lay commercial-grade landscape fabric (minimum 3 oz/yd² woven polypropylene) underneath. The Concrete Network's aggregate guide recommends Dewitt Pro-5 or US Fabrics 3130.
Schedule bulk delivery for a dry day and dump on a tarp or plywood. Stone on bare grass picks up soil that permanently stains lighter stones.
For drainage stone around French drains, use our French Drain Calculator to estimate washed #57 stone and pipe requirements.
Need smaller decorative stone? Our Pea Gravel Calculator covers 3/8" rounded gravel for patios and pathways.
For specific crushed stone sizes (#57, #2, stone dust), use our crushed stone calculator with per-ton pricing.
This calculator accounts for the real-world gap between theoretical volume and what you actually need delivered. First, it computes your project area in square feet and multiplies by depth (converted from inches to feet) to get cubic feet, then divides by 27 for cubic yards. But cubic yards alone are not what your supplier quotes. They sell by the ton.
That is where stone density matters. Crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, while lava rock comes in at just 0.55 tons per cubic yard. You need nearly the same volume of either material, but lava rock costs far less to deliver because it weighs 60% less per load. The calculator applies the correct density factor for each of the eight stone types so your tonnage estimate matches what the quarry or landscape supply yard will actually charge you.
Finally, the waste/overage slider adds a buffer that experienced contractors never skip. Crushed stone compacts 10-15% when properly tamped, decorative stone spills at borders, and no excavation is perfectly flat. A 10% buffer is the minimum for decorative beds; driveways and high-traffic areas should use 15% to account for compaction loss. If your supplier has a minimum delivery (usually 1-3 tons), rounding up to the minimum often costs less than scheduling a second small delivery later.
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 324
Tons = Cubic Yards × Stone Density × (1 + Waste %)
How many tons for a 2-car driveway?
A 20x20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 5.8 tons of crushed stone. Order 6.5 tons to cover compaction and edge spillover (10 to 15% extra).
What depth of stone do I need?
Driveways: 4 inches over a 4 to 6 inch sub-base. Walkways: 2 to 3 inches over fabric. French drains: 8 to 12 inches around the pipe.
How much does a ton cover?
According to USGS aggregate data, at 2 inches deep, one ton of crushed stone covers 100 to 120 sq ft. At 4 inches for driveways, 50 to 60 sq ft. Lava rock covers nearly double per ton.
Crushed stone or river rock?
Crushed stone interlocks and compacts for driveways and bases. River rock shifts under load but excels in drainage swales and decorative beds. Use our River Rock Calculator for decorative projects.
Why do suppliers quote by weight?
Weight is consistent regardless of moisture or how loosely stone is loaded. Volume can vary 10 to 20%. Our calculator converts volume to tons to match supplier quotes.
Do I need a permit?
Usually not for decorative stone. You may need one for grading over 50 cubic yards or driveway modifications. A quick call to your building department can save a $500+ fine.
What's the cheapest stone?
Crusher run at $20 to $35/ton from a quarry. It compacts well for driveway bases. Pea gravel is next at $40 to $55/ton for decorative areas.
What sand goes under pavers?
For paver bedding, you need leveling sand over your stone base. Our Sand Calculator estimates the right amount for paver, masonry, and play sand projects.
Crusher run (#21A) at 4" compacted depth over 6" compacted sub-base. Add $150-200 for delivery (2 loads) and $200/day for a plate compactor rental. Most homeowners complete this in a weekend with one helper.
Pea gravel at 3" deep over compacted crushed stone base (2" deep). You will also need steel landscape edging (56 linear feet, roughly $85 for Col-Met 14-gauge) to keep the pea gravel contained.
Clean #57 washed crushed stone (no fines) surrounding a 4" perforated corrugated pipe. The stone must be washed. Unwashed stone contains fine particles that clog pipe perforations within 1 to 2 years. Wrap the entire trench in filter fabric before adding stone.
Measuring depth in feet instead of inches
Entering 4 feet instead of 4 inches causes a 12x over-order. A 20x10 ft area at 4 inches needs 2.5 cubic yards, not 30.
Ignoring compaction loss for base stone
Loose crushed stone compacts 10 to 15%. For 4 inches compacted, spread 4.5 to 4.6 inches loose. Set waste to at least 12% for load-bearing areas.
Using river rock in driveways or under pavers
Round stones shift under load, causing uneven settling and ruts. Use angular crushed stone (#57 or crusher run) for structural applications.
Skipping landscape fabric under decorative stone
Weeds push through within one season without fabric. Use minimum 3 oz/yd² woven geotextile, not thin spunbond that tears and degrades in 2 to 3 years.
Ordering from multiple quarry batches
Natural stone color varies between batches. Two loads a month apart can look noticeably different. Order all material at once from the same lot.
Not prepping the subgrade first
Stone over soft soil or grass sinks within months. Strip sod, remove organics, grade for drainage (1% minimum slope), and compact before spreading.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.