River Rock Calculator

How much river rock do I need?

ft
ft
in

Order this much river rock

0.75cubic yards

Includes 5% extra, rounded up to the nearest quarter yard.

20 ft long0"3"6"9"12"
Exact volume15 cu ft
0.5 cu ft bags32 bags
Wheelbarrow loads (5 cu ft)5
Approximate weight1 tons
Half-ton pickup trips2

Size river rock for beds, dry creeks and borders. Larger rock needs a deeper layer to look finished.

How it works

Length × width × depth gives volume, and about 1.3 tons per yard estimates the weight.

Before you order

  • Use a depth around twice the width of the rock for full coverage.
  • A mix of sizes looks more natural in a dry creek.
  • River rock holds heat, so choose plants that can handle it.

Common questions

How deep should river rock be?

About 2 to 3 inches for small stone and 4 inches or more for rock over 2 inches wide.

Do I need fabric under river rock?

Fabric helps keep stone out of soil, though weeds can still root in debris that collects on top.