Stone Yard Calculator
A simple tool to calculate the yards of stone for your project.
Stone Yard Calculator - Convert Project Dimensions to Cubic Yards
The stone yard calculator (also known as a cubic yard calculator) is a straightforward tool that converts your project's dimensions into cubic yards—the standard unit for ordering bulk stone materials. Cubic yards are the industry standard measurement for landscape and construction materials, making this calculator essential for communicating with suppliers and placing accurate orders.
This calculator simplifies the conversion process by taking length, width, and depth measurements in various units (feet, inches, yards) and converting them to cubic yards. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, which is equivalent to a cube measuring 3 feet on each side. Understanding cubic yards is crucial because most suppliers price and sell materials by the cubic yard, making it the standard unit for bulk material transactions.
The calculator also provides weight estimates in tons, which is important since many suppliers sell by weight rather than volume. Material density varies by stone type, so the calculator accounts for these differences to provide accurate weight conversions. For weight-specific calculations, you can also use our stone tonnage calculator for more detailed weight conversions.
Whether you're ordering gravel for a driveway, crushed stone for a patio base, or decorative stone for landscaping, knowing the cubic yardage ensures you order the correct amount. The calculator includes a waste factor adjustment to account for compaction and spillage, helping you avoid material shortages during installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate cubic yards of stone?
Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For example, 10 ft × 10 ft × 0.5 ft (6 inches) = 50 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. Our calculator automates this conversion.
What is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a volume measurement equal to 27 cubic feet (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet). It's the standard unit for ordering bulk landscape and construction materials in the United States. One cubic yard of material typically covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.
How many cubic yards do I need for my project?
Enter your project's length, width, and desired depth into the calculator. The tool converts your measurements to cubic yards and accounts for material type and waste factors. For most projects, add 5-10% to your calculated amount for waste and compaction.
What's the difference between cubic yards and tons?
Cubic yards measure volume (space), while tons measure weight. One cubic yard of typical stone weighs approximately 1.3-1.5 tons, depending on material type and density. Suppliers often sell by weight, so you may need to convert cubic yards to tons for ordering.
Can I use this calculator for different materials?
Yes, the calculator works for all bulk materials including crushed stone, gravel, sand, topsoil, and mulch. Each material has different density characteristics, which the calculator accounts for in weight calculations.
How accurate is the cubic yard calculation?
The calculation is mathematically precise based on your measurements. Accuracy depends on how precisely you measure your project area. For irregular shapes, break the area into regular sections and calculate each separately, then add the results.
This tool is also commonly known as a Stone Yardage Calculator or Stone Cubic Yard Calculator, and is designed to help you accurately estimate the total yards of material for your project.