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River Rock Calculation Formula:
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The River Rock Calculator helps you determine how much river rock you need for your landscaping project in cubic yards. It calculates based on the area to be covered and the desired depth of the rock.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts your area measurement and desired depth into cubic yards, the standard measurement for bulk landscaping materials.
Details: Accurate calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of river rock - not too little that you run out, and not too much that you waste money on excess material.
Tips: Measure your area in square feet and decide on the depth in yards (typically 0.25-0.5 yards for landscaping projects). Enter these values to get the cubic yards needed.
Q1: How do I convert inches to yards for depth?
A: Divide inches by 36 (since 1 yard = 36 inches). For example, 9 inches = 0.25 yards.
Q2: What's the typical depth for river rock in landscaping?
A: For decorative purposes, 2-4 inches (0.056-0.11 yards) is common. For functional purposes like drainage, 6-12 inches (0.17-0.33 yards) may be needed.
Q3: How do I measure irregularly shaped areas?
A: Break the area into simple shapes (rectangles, circles), calculate each separately, then sum the areas.
Q4: Should I order extra river rock?
A: It's recommended to order 5-10% extra to account for settling and irregularities in coverage.
Q5: How many cubic yards are in a ton of river rock?
A: This varies by rock size, but typically 1 cubic yard ≈ 1.2-1.5 tons depending on density.