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Definition: This calculator estimates the area that a given volume of rock can cover at a specified depth, measured in square feet.
Purpose: It assists homeowners, landscapers, and contractors in determining how much area a specific volume of rock (e.g., gravel, decorative stone) can cover for projects like garden beds, pathways, or driveways, aiding in material planning and coverage estimation.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: The volume in cubic yards is multiplied by 27 to convert to cubic feet, then divided by the depth in feet to calculate the area in square feet that the rock can cover.
Details: Calculating the coverage area helps ensure that the available volume of rock is sufficient to cover the desired project area at the intended depth, optimizing material use and project planning.
Tips: Enter the volume in cubic yards (must be > 0) and depth (must be > 0, typically 0.167–0.333 ft for 2–4 inches in landscaping or 0.333–0.5 ft for 4–6 inches in driveways). The calculator computes the area in square feet, rounded to 3 decimal places.
Q1: Why is the result in square feet?
A: Square feet measure the area covered, which is useful for planning the layout of landscaping or construction projects.
Q2: How do I find the volume in cubic yards?
A: Obtain the volume from a supplier quote, previous calculations (e.g., Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27), or estimate the available rock volume.
Q3: How do I determine the depth?
A: Typical depth is 2–4 inches (0.167–0.333 ft) for landscaping or 4–6 inches (0.333–0.5 ft) for driveways. Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12.
Q4: Can I use this for other materials?
A: Yes, the calculator applies to any material (e.g., mulch, gravel) where coverage area is calculated based on volume and depth.
Q5: Does this include waste or compaction?
A: No, this is a base calculation. Account for 10–20% extra volume to cover waste or compaction before calculating coverage.