Landscaping material calculators for Louisiana
Get your measurements before you order so you can estimate the amount needed. Use this quick tool, or visit the calculator for your material to see depth recommendations, coverage information and examples.
Add your project measurements
Think of a cubic yard as a cube that measures 3 x 3 x 3 feet. Bulk material is ordered by cubic yard or by ton, so the job is to translate your project area into either measure. For 24 products, these calculators use the actual weight of each cubic yard. Shredded mulch comes in at about 600 lb per yard, while crusher run is 3,000 lb. The cube is the same size, but crusher run weighs five times more, so a calculator matched to the material avoids the tonnage mistakes a general aggregate tool can make.
Select a material
How to calculate it
Start by finding the area, then account for depth. Multiply the project length by its width in feet, then multiply by the depth expressed in feet, with inches divided by 12. This gives cubic feet. Divide that result by 27 to find cubic yards, then use the material density to determine tons. It is the same formula used when measurements are shared by phone.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
A good area measurement can still lead to a bad estimate if the depth is guessed. A 10 x 10 patio at 2 inches takes half as much stone as that same patio at 4 inches. Check the material page for project-ready depth recommendations when you are not sure.
See all 24 materials
The calculators draw their numbers from this chart. Use it to look over material differences 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, use crusher run or road base for the bottom layer, then add driveway gravel or #57 stone above it. Calculate the two layers separately.
- For pooled water, a wet trench or a French drain, use clean #57 or drain rock at 12 inches or more.
- In planting beds, spread shredded mulch around plants and use river rock for borders that will not need refreshing.
- For a sparse or bare lawn, spread 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil and follow with seed or sod.
- To build up a low area or fill a hole, use fill dirt for support and limit topsoil to the upper 4 to 6 inches.
- A paver patio calls for a compacted base topped with a level 1 inch bedding-sand layer. The Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators handle the two layers separately.
- Playground fall zones: maintain pea gravel at 9 to 12 inches deep.
- For an eroding shoreline or bank, install riprap over fabric in layers of 12 inches or more.
Turn an estimate into a delivery
All materials shown above are products from Louisiana Rock Supply. Every order receives free delivery throughout Louisiana, often within 2 business days. Calculate your quantity, use the linked calculator product page, and complete your order. You can also send measurements through our contact form and we can help calculate the amount.
Common ordering questions
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Ready to order? Delivery is free.
All 24 materials shown in these calculators are available with free delivery across Louisiana.