Landscaping material calculators for South Dakota
Start with your dimensions so you can order the right amount. Estimate it quickly here, or use the calculator for your specific material to review depth guidance, coverage charts, and sample calculations.
Add your project measurements
Picture a cube that is 3 x 3 x 3 feet: that is one cubic yard. Bulk materials are ordered by cubic yard or ton, so a project area must be translated into one of those units. These calculators handle that step for 24 materials, using each material's actual weight per cubic yard. Shredded mulch comes in at about 600 lb per yard, while crusher run is 3,000 lb per yard. The cubes hold the same volume, yet one weighs five times as much, so material-specific calculations matter for tonnage.
Select a material
Calculation steps
Begin by multiplying the length and width in feet to get area. Convert the depth to feet by dividing inches by 12, then multiply it by the area for cubic feet. Divide that total by 27 to calculate cubic yards, and apply the material density to determine tons. This is the full method used when measurements are provided by phone.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
Depth is commonly the source of an inaccurate estimate. A project area may be measured correctly while its depth is only assumed. For example, a 10 x 10 patio at 2 inches requires half as much stone as that patio at 4 inches. If you are uncertain, check the material page for depths suited to that use.
See all 24 materials
The calculators use the figures in this chart. Use it to compare material types 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 |
Choosing material for your project
- For a driveway or parking pad, put crusher run or road base below, followed by driveway gravel or #57 stone. Calculate the two layers separately.
- For pooling water, a wet trench, or a French drain, allow 12 inches or more of clean #57 or drain rock.
- Place shredded mulch in beds with plants. Choose river rock for a border that will not need refreshing.
- For a bare or sparse lawn, spread 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil before seeding or laying sod.
- When filling a hole or building up grade, make fill dirt the main layer and use topsoil only for the upper 4 to 6 inches.
- A paver patio needs a compacted base topped with precisely 1 inch of bedding sand. Use the Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators to estimate the layers separately.
- Maintain pea gravel at a depth of 9 to 12 inches for playground fall zones.
- For an eroding bank or shoreline, install riprap over fabric in layers at least 12 inches deep.
Move from an estimate to delivery
All materials shown above are available from South Dakota Rock Supply. Delivery is free throughout South Dakota on every order, often within 2 business days. Calculate what you need, visit the linked product page, then place your order. You can also call (605) 525-9259 with your measurements, and we will help calculate the quantity.
Common ordering questions
What calculator do I need?
Should I buy by cubic yard or by ton?
What level of accuracy can I expect?
Can one delivery contain multiple materials?
Are all calculator materials available for purchase?
Your calculated order delivers free
All 24 materials shown in these calculators receive free delivery across South Dakota.