Landscaping material calculators for Rhode Island
Start with an estimate based on your measurements. You can also use the calculator for your specific material to see coverage tables, depth recommendations and examples.
Add your project measurements
A cubic yard measures 3 x 3 x 3 feet. Bulk products are sold by that volume or by the ton, so you need to turn your project footprint into the appropriate unit. These calculators make that conversion for 24 materials, using each material's actual weight per cubic yard. Shredded mulch is about 600 lb per yard. Crusher run is 3,000 lb per yard. The cubes are identical in size, but crusher run weighs five times more, so a general aggregate calculator can miss the tonnage.
Select a material
The calculation explained
First, find the surface area by multiplying the length and width in feet. Convert the depth in inches to feet by dividing by 12, then multiply it by the area for cubic feet. Divide that total by 27 to find cubic yards. Use the material density with the yardage to determine tons.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
A correct depth matters as much as the area. A 10 x 10 patio installed at 2 inches uses half the stone needed for that same patio at 4 inches. If you are not sure how deep to go, check the recommended project depths on the material page.
See all 24 materials
The calculators use the information in this chart. It can help you compare materials or review 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 |
Choosing material for your project
- For a driveway or parking pad, put crusher run or road base below, then driveway gravel or #57 stone above. Calculate the two layers separately.
- Use clean #57 or drain rock for standing water, a wet trench, or a French drain. Install it at 12 inches or more.
- Put shredded mulch around plants in garden beds. Use river rock where you want a border that will not need refreshing.
- For a sparse or bare lawn, spread 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil, then add seed or sod.
- Use fill dirt to build up a low area or fill a hole. Reserve topsoil for only the upper 4 to 6 inches.
- A paver patio needs a compacted base and exactly 1 inch of bedding sand. Use the Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators to size each layer.
- For playground fall zones, maintain pea gravel at a depth of 9 to 12 inches.
- For a washing-out shoreline or bank, place riprap over fabric in layers of 12 inches or more.
Move from estimate to delivery
The materials shown above are offered by Rhode Island Rock Supply. All Rhode Island orders include free delivery, often within 2 business days. Start with the calculator, review its linked product page, and place your order. If you prefer, call (401) 210-4557 with the dimensions and we can work out the quantity together.
Common ordering questions
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Calculate your amount, get free delivery.
All 24 materials shown in these calculators come with free delivery across Rhode Island.