River Rock Calculator & Bed Coverage Estimator
Calculate cubic yards and weight in tons for smooth 1" to 3" river pebbles, egg rock, and decorative landscape rock.
1. Select Project Shape
2. Enter Dimensions
3. Select Gravel Aggregate & Density
4. Add Waste & Compaction Buffer
Gravel Layer & Excavation Cross-Section Simulator
Visualize multi-layer ground excavation, plate compaction settling, and dump truck hauling logistics in real-time.
To achieve a final compacted depth of 6.0 inches, you must spread 7.1 inches of loose uncompacted aggregate before running the plate compactor.
Recommended Depth & Base Specifications for River Rock Calculator
Selecting the proper installation depth is the single most critical factor in preventing premature rutting, sinking, or weed breakthrough.
| Layer / Application | Recommended Depth | Stone Aggregate Type | Contractor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small River Pebble (1" - 2") | 2.5 to 3 Inches | Colorado / Mexican River Pebble | Clean border around flower beds and foundation driplines. |
| Medium River Rock (2" - 4") | 3 to 4 Inches | Smooth River Cobble | Dry creek beds, bioswales, and downspout runoff basins to prevent erosion. |
| Large River Boulders & Cobble (4"+) | 4 to 6 Inches | River Flats & Boulders | Accent features and water garden edges. |
💡 Contractor Installation Pro Tips
- Because river rock stones are larger (1" to 3"), you need at least 3 inches of depth so bare subsoil or landscape fabric does not show between stones.
- Use high-grade commercial weed cloth beneath river rock; clearing dirt and dead leaves out of rough river rock is much harder than pea gravel.
Frequently Asked Questions About River Rock Calculator
How many square feet does 1 ton of river rock cover?
One ton of 1"-3" river rock (approx 0.77 cubic yards) covers roughly 80 to 90 square feet at a 3-inch depth.
Does river rock wash away in heavy rain?
No, medium 2"-3" river rock is sufficiently heavy that torrential stormwater runoff will not wash it away, making it ideal for downspout splash zones.
Missing a Stone Type or Have Feedback?
We update density presets and formulas regularly based on local quarry feedback.