How to Calculate How Much Gravel or Rock You Need

One of the most common questions we get at Mobile Landscape Supply is: "How much rock do I actually need?" It's a fair question — order too little and you're making a second trip, order too much and you're paying for material you don't need. The good news is the math is straightforward once you know your area's length, width, and the depth you want your rock layer to be.

Start by measuring the length and width of the space you want to cover in feet, then multiply those two numbers together to get your square footage. From there, decide on your rock depth — 2 inches is standard for decorative beds and walkways, while driveways typically need 3 to 4 inches for proper coverage and stability. Multiply your square footage by your depth (in feet — so 2 inches becomes 0.167), and you'll have your cubic footage. Divide that number by 27 to convert to cubic yards, which is how bulk materials are typically sold.

For example, a 20×10 foot driveway apron at 3 inches deep works out to roughly 2.2 cubic yards of limestone. Not sure if your math is right? Just give us a call at 251-202-3904 or stop by and we'll walk you through it. We'd rather you get exactly what you need than overspend or come up short on delivery day.