Landscaping Calculator
Calculate how much gravel you need for garden beds, flower beds, tree rings, and landscaping projects. Estimate tons, cubic yards, bags, and cost instantly.
Coverage per ton of gravel at your selected depth:
The right gravel depth depends on the garden application. Too shallow and weeds will push through; too deep and you waste money on unnecessary material.
| Application | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flower Beds | 2–3 inches | Good weed suppression, allows water to reach plant roots |
| Tree Rings | 2–4 inches | Keep gravel 3-4" from trunk to prevent rot |
| Decorative Areas | 3 inches | Covers landscape fabric, provides clean look |
| Rock Gardens | 3–4 inches | Deeper layer for stability and weed prevention |
| Drainage Areas | 4–6 inches | Maximum depth for water management |
Different gravel types suit different garden applications. Here's a comparison to help you choose the right material for your landscaping project:
Click any material to select it in the calculator above and see instant results:
How much area will one ton of gravel cover at different depths? Use this reference to estimate your needs:
| Depth | Coverage per Ton (sq ft) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 100–120 sq ft | Flower beds, light decorative cover |
| 3 inches | 70–80 sq ft | Garden beds, tree rings |
| 4 inches | 50–60 sq ft | Rock gardens, walkways |
Understand the costs before starting your landscaping project. Here's what to budget for materials and installation:
| Gravel Type | Price per Ton | Typical Garden Bed (100 sq ft, 3") |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $30–$60 | $45–$90 (1.5 tons) |
| River Rock | $50–$100 | $75–$150 (1.5 tons) |
| Crushed Stone | $20–$50 | $30–$75 (1.5 tons) |
| Decorative / Lava Rock | $50–$150+ | $75–$225+ (1.5 tons) |
💰 Typical Garden Bed Installation (DIY vs Professional)
See how the calculator works for common garden and landscaping projects:
Follow these simple steps to calculate exactly how much gravel you need for any garden or landscaping project:
For rectangular beds: measure length × width. For circular tree rings: measure the diameter. For irregular shapes: break into sections or use estimated square footage.
Most garden applications need 2-3 inches. Flower beds: 2-3 inches. Tree rings: 2-4 inches. Rock gardens: 3-4 inches. Always use landscape fabric underneath.
Multiply area (sq ft) × depth (in feet). Then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Example: 100 sq ft × 0.25 ft (3") ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards.
Multiply cubic yards by material density. River rock: ×1.4, pea gravel: ×1.3, crushed stone: ×1.5, lava rock: ×1.2. Example: 0.93 × 1.4 = 1.3 tons.
Multiply tons by price per ton for total cost. For bags: (tons × 2,000) ÷ bag weight, then round up. Always add 5-10% extra for waste and settling.
Choosing between gravel and mulch for your garden? Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Gravel | Mulch |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Decorative, natural stone look; many colors | Organic, earthy look; fades over time |
| Lifespan | 10+ years (permanent) | 1–2 years (needs annual replacement) |
| Maintenance | Very low; occasional raking | High; needs annual replenishment |
| Cost (Upfront) | $30–$150 per ton | $20–$50 per cubic yard |
| Cost (Over 10 Years) | $30–$150 (one-time) | $200–$500 (replacement costs) |
| Weed Prevention | Excellent with landscape fabric | Good; breaks down over time |
| Drainage | Excellent; doesn't absorb water | Good but retains moisture |
| Soil Temperature | Heats up in summer | Keeps soil cooler |
| Best For | Drought-tolerant plants, decorative beds, paths | Vegetable gardens, moisture-loving plants |
Use the formula: Length × Width × Depth (in feet) ÷ 27 × Material Density. A typical 100 sq ft garden bed at 3" deep with river rock needs approximately 1.3 tons. Use the calculator above for exact results based on your specific garden dimensions and gravel type.
Flower beds need 2-3 inches of gravel for effective weed suppression and a clean appearance. Use landscape fabric underneath to prevent gravel from sinking into the soil and to block weeds. Keep gravel slightly away from plant stems to prevent rot and allow proper air circulation around the base of plants.
Pea gravel is the most popular for flower beds and garden paths (affordable, soft appearance). River rock is best for decorative features (natural look, many colors). Crushed stone provides the most stable surface. Lava rock is ideal for lightweight decorative coverage. The best choice depends on your budget, aesthetic preference, and application.
Calculate bags: (Tons × 2,000) ÷ Bag Weight, then round up. A 100 sq ft garden bed at 3" deep needs about 52 bags at 50 lb each, 65 bags at 40 lb each, or 130 bags at 20 lb each. For larger projects, bulk delivery is usually much cheaper than buying individual bags. Use the calculator to compare bag vs bulk costs.
Gravel lasts 10+ years with minimal maintenance versus mulch needing annual replacement. Over 10 years, gravel is more cost-effective despite higher upfront cost. However, gravel retains heat which can stress some plants, and it's difficult to remove. Mulch is better for vegetable gardens and moisture-loving plants; gravel excels for drought-tolerant landscapes and permanent decorative beds.
Garden gravel costs $30-150+ per ton depending on type. A 100 sq ft garden bed at 3" deep needs 1-1.5 tons, costing $45-$225 for materials. DIY installation with fabric and edging adds $50-$100. Professional landscaping installation runs $4-$10 per sq ft total. Bulk delivery usually offers the best value for projects over 1 ton.