Smooth river rock and other decorative landscape stone are used for beds, dry creek beds and borders. Enter the area and depth to see how much to order by volume and by weight.
Use a depth of at least twice the size of the stones so the ground is fully covered. The default density of 2,700 lb/yd³ (1.6 t/m³) is typical for river rock.
Formula
Weight = Area × Depth × Density
Larger stones leave bigger gaps, so for 3–5 inch rock you may need a little more depth to hide the ground.
Worked example
A 12 ft × 10 ft bed covered 3 inches deep: 30 ft³ = 1.11 yd³, which at 2,700 lb/yd³ is 1.5 tons of river rock.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of river rock weigh?
Roughly 2,500–2,800 lb (about 1.25–1.4 tons), depending on stone size.
Should I put landscape fabric under rock?
Usually yes — it helps stop weeds and keeps the rock from sinking into the soil.
Last updated · Calculations checked by automated tests· Editorial policy