River Rock Calculator: How Much River Rock Do I Need?
The size of your landscaping project determines how much river rock you need.
For a 100-square-foot project, you need 0.7 to 1.3 cubic yards of river rock.
A river rock installation of that size would cost somewhere between $200 and $500.
How much river rock do I need? Let’s dive in. Whether you’re using river rock for a pathway, garden bed, or water feature, buying the right amount is key to the success of your landscaping project. The amount you need depends on the size of your space. Here’s how to calculate the right amount of river rock for your project.
How Much River Rock Is Needed For Landscaping
The amount of river rock you need will depend largely on the size of your landscaping project. In the table below, you can see approximately how much river rock to buy for different project sizes.
River rock installations typically range from 2 to 4 inches in depth but can vary significantly in length and width. To find the square footage of your project, simply multiply the length and width of the space.
Heads up: Landscaping and garden supply companies sell river rock in a few different ways, including by volume (in cubic yards) or weight (in tons). For the purpose of this river rock calculator, we’ll use cubic yards.
| Project Size | Cubic Yards of River Rock Required | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 sq. ft. | 0.06–0.12 | $150–$300 |
| 25 sq. ft. | 0.15–0.3 | $150–$300 |
| 50 sq. ft. | 0.3–0.6 | $150–$300 |
| 100 sq. ft. | 0.7–1.3 | $200–$500 |
| 500 sq. ft. | 3–6 | $400–$1,800 |
Calculating How Much River Rock You Need for Your Project
To figure out how much river rock you should order, you’ll need to know the length, width, and depth of your project area. When you multiply these dimensions, you’ll get the size of your project in cubic feet. Then, to convert it to cubic yards, you’ll divide by 27.
Here’s how the formula works:
Total River Rock Required (in cubic yards) = (Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) x Depth (in feet)) / 27
For example, let’s say you’re planning to install river rock in a space that’s 5 feet wide, 10 feet long, and 3 inches deep. This means you’ll need 12.5 cubic feet—or 0.46 cubic yards—of rocks.
How to Measure How Much River Rock You Need
Before you can calculate how much river rock to order, you’ll need to take a few measurements and do some basic math. Here are the steps to follow, depending on the shape of your space:
How to Measure a Rectangular Area for River Rock
If you’re filling in a rectangular area (like a driveway or pathway) with river rock, here’s how to calculate how much rock you need:
Measure the length and width of the space.
Choose a depth for your river rock installation (typically, this should be between 2 and 4 inches).
Convert all three figures into feet.
Multiply them together to get the volume of river rock in cubic feet.
Divide the result by 27 to convert from cubic feet into cubic yards and get the total amount of river rock you need.
How to Measure a Circular Area for River Rock
To find the square footage of a circular area, follow these steps:
Measure the diameter of the circle and divide it in half to find the radius.
Square the radius by multiplying it by itself.
Multiply the squared radius by pi (π = 3.14159265) to get the square footage of the area.
Multiply the area’s square footage by the depth of your river rock (in feet) to get the volume of river rock in cubic feet.
Divide the result by 27 to convert from cubic feet into cubic yards and get the total amount of river rock you need.
How to Measure a Curved or Winding Area for River Rock
For curved areas (for example, around a pond or along a garden bed), it’s easier to estimate how much river rock you should order rather than trying to get an exact number. Here’s how to do that:
Measure the longest length of the space.
Estimate the area’s average width.
Multiply the length, width, and depth of your river rock (all in feet) to get the volume in cubic feet.
Divide the result by 27 to convert from cubic feet into cubic yards and get the total amount of river rock you need.
Who to Hire to Install River Rock
Installing river rock is a physically demanding job, and arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing way is often harder than it looks. Instead of attempting this type of project yourself, it’s better to work with a local landscaper who can plan and manage the installation of river rock at your home.
If you’ve never hired a landscape designer before, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Know what services you want and have a budget in mind before reaching out.
Interview multiple candidates.
Before hiring a landscaping contractor, check their qualifications, references, and online reviews.
Get all estimates and the final contract in writing.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right size river rock for a landscaping project. First, think about how you’ll use the rocks. For example, if you’re installing them as part of a water feature, medium-sized stones (ranging between 2 and 5 inches) often work best. Smaller rocks (from 1 and 3 inches) are better for walkways and pathways, while a mix of medium and large stones (between 3 and 8 inches) is ideal for garden beds.
If you hire a professional landscaper, you could expect to pay between $90 and $660 to install three cubic yards of river rock. (That’s based on the average river rock installation cost of $30 to $220 per cubic yard.) However, the exact price depends on the kind of river rock you choose. Crushed limestone and riprap are some of the more affordable options, while boulders and Arizona river rock are pricier.
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