Landscaping material calculators for Washington
Get your measurements before ordering. Estimate your amount here, then use the calculator for that material to find depth guidance, coverage information, and examples.
Add your project measurements
A cubic yard measures 3 x 3 x 3 feet. Bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard or by the ton, so you need to convert your project area to one of those units. These calculators make that conversion for 24 materials, using the actual weight of each material per cubic yard. Shredded mulch is around 600 lb per yard, while crusher run is 3,000 lb per yard. Both fill the same-sized cube, yet one weighs five times more. That is why product-specific calculations matter for tonnage.
Select a material
Calculation method
To find volume, start with the footprint: multiply the length and width in feet. Convert depth to feet by dividing inches by 12, then multiply by the footprint for cubic feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to find cubic yards. Material density converts yards to tons. This is also how the calculation is handled when measurements are provided by phone.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
Getting the depth right matters. It is easy to measure the area and estimate the depth, but a 10 x 10 patio at 2 inches takes half the stone needed for the same patio at 4 inches. Check the material page for depths that fit the job if you need guidance.
View all 24 materials
The calculators draw from the figures in this chart. Check material differences or use it when reviewing a quote from another yard:
| Material | Weight per yd³ | Tons per yd³ | Typical depth | 1 yd³ covers at 3" | Sold by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway / walkway gravel | ≈ 2,800 lb | 1.40 | 2-4" (6" new drive) | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Pea gravel (3/8") | ≈ 2,800 lb | 1.40 | 2-3" | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Crushed stone #57 / 3/4" | ≈ 2,800 lb | 1.40 | 2-4" | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Crusher run / road base | ≈ 3,000 lb | 1.50 | 4" compacted | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| River rock (1-3") | ≈ 2,700 lb | 1.35 | 2-4" by size | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Mason / washed sand | ≈ 2,700 lb | 1.35 | 1-6" by use | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Topsoil (screened) | ≈ 2,200 lb | 1.10 | 2-6" | 108 sq ft | Yard |
| Garden soil (blended) | ≈ 2,000 lb | 1.00 | 4-12" by bed | 108 sq ft | Yard |
| Fill dirt | ≈ 2,400 lb | 1.20 | as needed | 108 sq ft | Yard |
| Shredded mulch | ≈ 600 lb | 0.30 | 2-3" | 108 sq ft | Yard |
| RipRap / armor stone | ≈ 3,100 lb | 1.55 | 12"+ layers | n/a | Ton |
Find the right material
- For a driveway or parking pad, calculate the lower crusher run or road base layer separately from the top layer of driveway gravel or #57 stone.
- Use clean #57 or drain rock at 12 inches or more for pooled water, wet trenches, and French drains through hardpan.
- For planting areas, use shredded mulch around growing plants. Choose river rock for a border that does not need refreshing.
- Start a bare or sparse lawn with 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil, then add seed or sod.
- For a filled hole or raised grade, use fill dirt for structure and keep topsoil to the top 4 to 6 inches.
- Build a paver patio with a compacted base and exactly 1 inch of bedding sand. Calculate those layers separately with the Paver Base and Paver Sand tools.
- Playground fall zones need pea gravel maintained at 9 to 12 inches deep.
- Lay riprap over fabric in layers of 12 inches or more where a bank or shoreline is washing away.
Move from an estimate to delivery
The materials above are sold by Washington Rock Supply. Across Washington, delivery is free for every order, often within 2 business days. Use the calculator, follow its link to the product page, then complete your purchase. You can also call (206) 582-6792 with your measurements, and we will help calculate the amount.
Common ordering questions
Which calculator do I need?
Should I buy by cubic yard or by ton?
How precise are the calculators?
Can one delivery include several materials?
Are the calculator materials all for sale?
Calculate the price, then get free delivery.
The 24 materials covered by these calculators are available with free delivery throughout Washington.