Landscaping material calculators for Iowa
Start by taking your measurements, then get an estimate here. For depth guidance, coverage details and project examples, use the calculator on your chosen material's page.
Add your project measurements
Bulk quantities are measured either by the cubic yard or by the ton. One cubic yard fills a cube measuring 3 x 3 x 3 feet. To order material, you need to convert your project's area and depth into one of those units. These calculators handle that for 24 product types, using the weight per cubic yard for each one. Shredded mulch comes in at about 600 lb per yard, while crusher run weighs 3,000 lb per yard. Both occupy the same-sized cube, but crusher run is five times heavier, so a general aggregate calculator may produce an inaccurate ton estimate.
Pick a material
Calculation method
First find the area by multiplying your length and width in feet. Multiply that result by the depth in feet, using inches divided by 12, to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet into cubic yards. Then multiply the yards by that material's density to find tons. This is the calculation used when project measurements are shared by phone.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
Area alone is not enough, because depth changes the amount you need. A 10 x 10 patio filled to 2 inches uses half as much stone as that same patio at 4 inches. Check each material page for project-specific depth guidance before estimating if needed.
See all 24 materials
This is the reference chart behind the calculators. Use it to compare materials or look 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 |
Choose material by project
- For a driveway or parking pad, calculate the road base or crusher run below and the #57 stone or driveway gravel above separately. The lower layer also helps with drainage.
- For pooled water, a saturated trench, or a drain line, use clean #57 or drain rock at 12 inches or more.
- Put shredded mulch in planting beds where plants are growing. Use river rock when you want a border that does not need regular refreshing.
- For a sparse or bare lawn, spread 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil before seeding or laying sod.
- Use fill dirt to build up grade or fill a hole. Save topsoil for just the upper 4 to 6 inches.
- Build a paver patio with a compacted base, followed by exactly 1 inch of bedding sand. Use the Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators to estimate each layer on its own.
- Maintain pea gravel at a depth of 9 to 12 inches in playground fall zones.
- For a washing-out bank or shoreline, install riprap over fabric in layers of 12 inches or more.
Move from an estimate to delivery
The calculator above covers materials available from Iowa Rock Supply. Delivery is free throughout Iowa on every order, often within 2 business days. Calculate your amount, use the linked product page, and complete your order. You can also share your measurements by phone at (515) 852-5557, and we'll help calculate the amount.
Ordering questions and answers
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Should my order be in yards or tons?
Are calculator results accurate?
Can one delivery include multiple materials?
Are all calculator materials available?
Your priced order includes free shipping.
These calculators cover all 24 materials, with free delivery across Iowa.