When working on landscaping, driveways, patios, or construction projects, it’s crucial to know how much stone you need. Buying too little can delay progress, while over-ordering wastes money and storage space. The Stone Yardage Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool that helps you estimate the total cubic yards of stone required for your project.
Stone Yardage Calculator
🔎 What is Stone Yardage?
Stone yardage refers to the volume of stone material needed for a project, expressed in cubic yards. Since stone is typically sold by cubic yard or by ton, knowing the exact yardage helps you purchase the right amount.
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet).
- Stone is usually measured by depth, width, and length in feet, then converted into cubic yards.
🛠️ How to Use the Stone Yardage Calculator
- Enter the length of the area to be covered (in feet).
- Enter the width of the area (in feet).
- Enter the depth of stone required (in inches or feet).
- Click Calculate – the tool provides the total cubic yards of stone required.
- Optionally, you can also convert yardage into tons (using stone density).
📐 Formula for Stone Yardage
The calculator uses a simple volume formula, then converts it into cubic yards:
Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Width × Depth
Cubic Yards = Volume (cubic feet) ÷ 27
If depth is given in inches:
Depth (feet) = Depth (inches) ÷ 12
📊 Example Calculations
Example 1: Patio Base
- Length = 12 feet
- Width = 10 feet
- Depth = 4 inches
Step 1: Convert depth to feet → 4 ÷ 12 = 0.33 ft
Step 2: Volume = 12 × 10 × 0.33 = 39.6 cubic feet
Step 3: Convert to yards = 39.6 ÷ 27 = 1.47 cubic yards
👉 You need about 1.5 cubic yards of stone.
Example 2: Driveway Section
- Length = 30 feet
- Width = 12 feet
- Depth = 6 inches
Step 1: Depth in feet → 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5 ft
Step 2: Volume = 30 × 12 × 0.5 = 180 cubic feet
Step 3: Cubic Yards = 180 ÷ 27 = 6.67 cubic yards
👉 You need about 7 cubic yards of stone.
Example 3: Garden Path
- Length = 25 feet
- Width = 3 feet
- Depth = 2 inches
Step 1: Depth in feet → 2 ÷ 12 = 0.167 ft
Step 2: Volume = 25 × 3 × 0.167 = 12.5 cubic feet
Step 3: Cubic Yards = 12.5 ÷ 27 = 0.46 cubic yards
👉 You need about 0.5 cubic yards of stone.
⚡ Applications of the Calculator
- Landscaping: Estimating stone for gardens, pathways, and decorative areas.
- Driveways & Parking Lots: Calculating gravel requirements.
- Construction: Stone base for patios, walkways, and foundations.
- Drainage Projects: Stone yardage for French drains and retaining walls.
- Agriculture: Stone spreads for soil erosion control.
💡 Helpful Insights
- Always round up yardage slightly to account for settling and uneven surfaces.
- Stone weight varies (1 cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,700–3,000 lbs).
- Depth matters: a shallow layer may not provide proper coverage or stability.
- For irregular areas, break the space into smaller rectangles, calculate separately, and then add the totals.
- Converting cubic yards to tons depends on the type of stone (density).
❓ 20 FAQs About Stone Yardage Calculator
1. What is a Stone Yardage Calculator?
It’s a tool that helps estimate the cubic yards of stone needed for a project.
2. Why is stone measured in cubic yards?
Because stone is sold by volume, not just by weight.
3. How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide cubic feet by 27.
4. How do I calculate stone for a rectangular area?
Use Length × Width × Depth, then convert to cubic yards.
5. What if my depth is in inches?
Divide inches by 12 to convert to feet before calculation.
6. Can I use this calculator for gravel?
Yes, it works for gravel, crushed stone, and decorative rock.
7. Does stone compact after laying?
Yes, always order about 5–10% extra for compaction.
8. How many tons are in 1 cubic yard of stone?
On average, 1 cubic yard = 1.3–1.5 tons (depending on density).
9. Can this calculator handle irregular shapes?
Yes, by dividing the area into smaller rectangles.
10. Is this calculator suitable for concrete?
No, it’s specifically for stone. Concrete requires a different formula.
11. What if I want depth in centimeters?
Convert cm to inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm), then proceed.
12. Do I need exact measurements?
Yes, for accuracy, measure length, width, and depth carefully.
13. What is the standard stone depth for driveways?
Usually 4–6 inches for stability.
14. How do I avoid overbuying stone?
Use the calculator and add only a small buffer (5–10%).
15. Can I calculate cost with this tool?
If you know the price per yard, multiply by total yardage.
16. Does stone weight affect yardage?
No, yardage is volume-based; weight is separate.
17. Is stone yardage the same for all types of stone?
Yes for volume, but weight per yard varies.
18. What’s the difference between cubic yards and tons?
Cubic yards measure volume; tons measure weight.
19. Can I use this for crushed limestone?
Yes, it works for limestone, gravel, and decorative rocks.
20. Is this calculator good for DIY projects?
Absolutely—ideal for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors.
✅ Conclusion
The Stone Yardage Calculator is a must-have tool for anyone working with gravel, crushed stone, or landscaping rock. By entering just a few measurements, you can instantly calculate the cubic yards of stone needed, helping you save money, time, and effort.