Landscaping material calculators for Idaho
Start with your measurements to estimate the amount needed. For placement depths, coverage information, and examples, use the calculator on the individual material page.
Add job measurements
Picture a cubic yard as a cube measuring 3 x 3 x 3 feet. Bulk materials are ordered by cubic yard or ton, so the job is to turn your project area into the right unit. For 24 products, these calculators apply the actual weight assigned to that material per cubic yard. Shredded mulch comes in at about 600 lb for a yard, while crusher run is 3,000 lb. Both fill the same-sized cube, but one weighs five times more, so a calculator built for the selected material gives a better tonnage figure than a general aggregate tool.
Select a material
Calculation method
Volume comes from area multiplied by depth. Find square footage by multiplying length and width in feet, then multiply that result by the depth in feet, using inches divided by 12. This gives cubic feet. Divide by 27 to reach cubic yards, then multiply yards by material density to calculate tons. It is a straightforward calculation for converting job measurements into an order quantity.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
Getting the depth right matters as much as measuring the footprint. A 10 x 10 patio installed at 2 inches takes half as much stone as that same area at 4 inches. Check the material page for the recommended depth when you are not sure what the job calls for.
View all 24 materials
The figures behind the calculators are listed in this chart. Check material differences here or use it when looking over a quote from another yard:
| Material | Weight per yd³ | Tons per yd³ | Typical depth | 1 yd³ covers at 3" | Sold by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway / walkway gravel | ≈ 2,800 lb | 1.40 | 2–4" (6" new drive) | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Pea gravel (3/8") | ≈ 2,800 lb | 1.40 | 2–3" | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Crushed stone #57 / 3/4" | ≈ 2,800 lb | 1.40 | 2–4" | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Crusher run / road base | ≈ 3,000 lb | 1.50 | 4" compacted | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| River rock (1–3") | ≈ 2,700 lb | 1.35 | 2–4" by size | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Mason / washed sand | ≈ 2,700 lb | 1.35 | 1–6" by use | 108 sq ft | Ton |
| Topsoil (screened) | ≈ 2,200 lb | 1.10 | 2–6" | 108 sq ft | Yard |
| Garden soil (blended) | ≈ 2,000 lb | 1.00 | 4–12" by bed | 108 sq ft | Yard |
| Fill dirt | ≈ 2,400 lb | 1.20 | as needed | 108 sq ft | Yard |
| Shredded mulch | ≈ 600 lb | 0.30 | 2–3" | 108 sq ft | Yard |
| RipRap / armor stone | ≈ 3,100 lb | 1.55 | 12"+ layers | n/a | Ton |
Match material to the work
- For a new drive or parking pad, use crusher run or road base below, followed by driveway gravel or #57 stone. Figure each of the two layers separately.
- For a wet low spot, saturated trench, or French drain, use clean #57 or drain rock in a layer 12 inches or deeper.
- Use shredded mulch in planted beds. Choose river rock for borders where you do not want to keep replacing the cover.
- Where lawn is bare or sparse, place 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil before applying seed or sod.
- Build up low ground or fill holes with fill dirt, then reserve topsoil for the upper 4-6 inches.
- Build a paver patio with a compacted base, followed by a level 1 inch bedding-sand layer. Use the Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators to figure each layer separately.
- For playground fall areas, maintain pea gravel at 9 to 12 inches deep.
- For an eroding bank or shoreline, install riprap over fabric in layers at least 12 inches deep.
Move from estimate to delivery
All of the materials listed above are available from Idaho Rock Supply. Orders receive free delivery throughout Idaho, often within 2 business days. Calculate the amount, follow the calculator link to its product page, and complete your order. If you prefer, send your measurements through our contact form and we can help calculate the quantity.
Ordering questions and answers
What calculator do I need?
Should I buy by yard or by ton?
Are the calculator results accurate?
Can one delivery contain multiple materials?
Are all calculator materials available to order?
After pricing, delivery is free.
These calculators cover 24 materials available for free delivery across Idaho.