Landscaping material calculators for Vermont
Start with a quick measurement estimate, then use the calculator for your selected material. It includes depth guidance, coverage information, and sample projects.
Add your project measurements
Think of a cubic yard as a cube that is 3 x 3 x 3 feet. Bulk materials are measured by the cubic yard or ton, so you need to turn your project area into one of those units. These calculators handle that for 24 materials, using each material's weight per cubic yard. Shredded mulch comes in around 600 lb per yard, while crusher run is 3,000 lb. The volume matches, yet crusher run weighs five times as much. That difference is why material-specific calculators matter for tonnage.
Pick a material
Calculation method
Calculate volume by multiplying the length and width in feet, then multiplying by depth expressed in feet, with inches divided by 12. This gives cubic feet. Divide that figure by 27 to find cubic yards, then use the material density to determine tons. It is the same calculation used when measurements are provided by phone.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
Depth can change an estimate more than expected. A 10 x 10 patio at 2 inches uses half as much stone as that patio at 4 inches. Check the material page for depths suited to the job when you are not sure.
See all 24 materials
This chart supplies the figures used by the calculators. Use it to compare materials or review 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 |
Choose the right material
- For a driveway or parking pad, put crusher run or road base below and driveway gravel or #57 stone above. Estimate the two layers separately.
- Use clean #57 or drain rock at 12 inches or more for standing water, a wet trench, or a French drain.
- Spread shredded mulch in planted areas. For a border that does not require refreshing, use river rock.
- For a sparse or bare lawn, spread 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil, then add seed or sod.
- Use fill dirt to build up a low spot or fill a hole. Reserve topsoil for only the top 4 to 6 inches.
- A paver patio needs compacted base topped with exactly 1 inch of bedding sand. The Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators estimate each layer separately.
- Maintain pea gravel in playground fall zones at a depth of 9 to 12 inches.
- Where erosion is taking a bank or shoreline, place riprap over fabric in layers of 12 inches or more.
Move from an estimate to delivery
The materials shown above are available from Vermont Rock Supply. All orders receive free delivery statewide, often within 2 business days. Calculate the amount needed, use the calculator link to view that product, then complete your order. For help figuring quantities, call (802) 214-7850 with your measurements.
Common ordering questions
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Should I buy by the yard or ton?
Are calculator results accurate?
Can one order include several materials?
Are these estimated materials for sale?
Order now, get free delivery.
All 24 calculator materials are in stock and delivered free throughout Vermont.