Calculating Material Quantities

To determine how much material is needed for your landscaping project, start by calculating the square footage of the area.

Step 1: Measure the Area


  • Measure the length and width of the space.
  • Multiply them together to get the total square footage.


Example:


Length × Width = Square Footage 

15 ft × 25 ft = 375 sq. ft.


Step 2: Determine Material Needed

 Divide the total square footage by the coverage rate of the material.


Example:


375 sq. ft ÷ 100 sq. ft (per ton at 2" depth) = 3.75 tons of rock

Pile of gravel labeled

Coverage Rates

Decorative Rock


  • 1 ton covers approximately:


  • 100 sq. ft. at 2" depth
  • 80 sq. ft. at 3" depth
  • 60 sq. ft. at 4" depth
  • 40 sq. ft. at 6" depth


Rip Rap


  • 1"–4" rock: ~80 sq. ft. per ton
  • 3"–8" rock: ~65–75 sq. ft. per ton



1 Ton = 2,000 LBS

1 Ton = 5-1/2 Level Wheelbarrows

1 Yard = 7 Level Wheelbarrows

1 Cubic Yard = 6-7 Level Wheelbarrows

20 Shovels = 3 Cubic Foot Wheelbarrow