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Landscaping & YardRiver Rock Calculator — How Much River Rock Do I Need?
Enter the area and depth to estimate decorative river rock in cubic yards and tons — for beds, dry creek borders, and around downspouts.
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How this calculator works
Volume = area × depth, converted to cubic yards and to tons at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Larger stone leaves more air gaps, so weight varies.
What changes how much you need
- 2 inches covers decoratively; use 3–4 inches for paths or strong weed suppression.
- Bigger stones (2–4") need a deeper layer to fully hide the ground.
- Lay landscape fabric underneath to slow weeds and keep rock from sinking.
- River rock is heavy and hard to move — confirm delivery access.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should river rock be?
About 2 inches for decorative beds, or 3–4 inches for pathways and stronger weed coverage.
How many tons of river rock in a yard?
Around 1.4 tons, varying with stone size and moisture.
Should I use fabric under river rock?
Yes — landscape fabric slows weeds and keeps the rock from working down into the soil over time.