Stone Coverage Calculator
Find out how much area a specific amount of stone will cover.
Maximize Efficiency with the Stone Coverage Calculator
The stone coverage calculator is specifically designed to help you determine how much area a given quantity of stone will cover at your desired depth. This is particularly useful when you know how much material you have available or when planning decorative landscaping projects. Instead of calculating how much stone you need, this tool answers the question: 'How much area can I cover with X tons or cubic yards of stone?'
Coverage calculations are essential for budgeting decorative stone projects like garden beds, walkways, and ground cover. Different stone types and depths provide different coverage rates. For example, one ton of pea gravel at 2 inches deep covers approximately 100-120 square feet, while the same amount at 4 inches deep covers only 50-60 square feet. Our calculator takes the guesswork out of these conversions, helping you plan your project efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much area does one ton of stone cover?
Coverage depends on depth and stone type. Generally, one ton of stone covers approximately 100-120 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 70-80 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 50-60 sq ft at 4 inches deep. Use our calculator for precise estimates based on your specific material.
What depth should I use for decorative stone?
For decorative ground cover in garden beds, 2-3 inches is sufficient. For walkways with foot traffic, use 3-4 inches. For areas under play equipment or high-traffic zones, 4-6 inches provides better stability and longevity.
How do I calculate coverage for an irregular-shaped area?
Break the irregular area into smaller regular shapes (rectangles, circles, triangles). Calculate the coverage for each section separately, then add them together for your total area.
Does stone type affect coverage calculations?
Yes, significantly. Denser stones like crushed stone weigh more per cubic yard than lighter materials like lava rock, so the same weight covers different areas. Our calculator accounts for these density differences.
How do I prevent stone from sinking into soil?
Always lay landscape fabric or geotextile underneath your stone. This prevents the stone from migrating into the soil over time and also helps suppress weed growth.
Can I use this calculator for mulch coverage?
While this calculator is optimized for stone, you can use it for mulch by selecting a similar density material. However, mulch is typically applied at 2-4 inches deep and has different coverage rates than stone.