River Rock Calculator
Plan your landscaping project with confidence. This tool calculates the volume, weight, and cost of river rock for gardens, pathways, dry creek beds, and decorative features.
Length of the area to cover with river rock
Width of the area to cover
Desired depth of river rock layer
Price per ton of river rock
Price per 50-pound bag (for small areas)
How much river rock do I need for landscaping?
Measure the length and width of the area, decide your depth (typically 2-4 inches for decorative use, 4-6 inches for paths). Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. For example, a 10ft x 20ft flower bed at 3 inches deep: volume = 10 × 20 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet = 1.85 cubic yards or about 2.6 tons.
How deep should river rock be for walkways?
For decorative walkways and pathways: 2-3 inches deep is sufficient for light foot traffic. For areas that will support wheelbarrows or heavier traffic: 4-6 inches deep. For dry creek beds and drainage features: 4-6 inches. A landscape fabric underlayer is essential to prevent the rocks from sinking into the soil and to block weed growth.
How much does a ton of river rock cover?
One ton of river rock covers approximately 80-100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 50-70 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 30-45 sq ft at 5-6 inches deep. Coverage varies by rock size since larger rocks have more air gaps. River rock weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. For small projects, river rock is often sold in 50-pound bags (about 0.5 cubic feet per bag).
What size river rock should I use for my project?
Pea gravel (0.5-1 in): Best for pathways, playgrounds, and between pavers. Small (1-2 in): Good for flower beds and decorative borders. Medium (2-4 in): Ideal for dry creek beds, drainage areas, and accent features. Large (4-6 in): Used for retaining wall drainage, large-scale landscaping, and water features. Larger rocks need deeper depth to look natural.