Landscaping material calculators for Illinois
Start with accurate measurements to buy the right amount. Estimate the project here first, then use the calculator for that material to review depth guidance, coverage details, and sample calculations.
Add your project measurements
Bulk products are measured by cubic yard or ton, so a project's area must be translated into one of those units. A cubic yard fills a cube measuring 3 x 3 x 3 feet. These tools calculate 24 individual materials using their stated weight for each cubic yard. Shredded mulch comes in at about 600 lb per yard, while crusher run is 3,000 lb for that same volume. Both occupy the same cube, yet one weighs five times more, making material-specific calculations important for tonnage.
Pick a material
Calculation method
Start by finding the project area: multiply length and width, using feet. Turn the depth from inches into feet by dividing by 12, then multiply that depth by the area to get cubic feet. Divide the result by 27 to reach cubic yards, then apply the material density to determine tons. That is the full calculation for measurements given by phone.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
Getting the depth right matters as much as measuring the area. A 10 x 10 patio at 2 inches takes half the stone required for that same patio at 4 inches. When the needed depth is unclear, consult the material page for project-appropriate guidance.
See all 24 materials
The calculators use the material figures in this chart. Use it to compare options or review a quote from a different supplier:
| 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 the right material
- Driveways and parking pads need a lower layer of crusher run or road base, finished with driveway gravel or #57 stone. Estimate the two layers separately.
- For slow-draining prairie clay, wet trenches, or French drains, use clean #57 or drain rock at 12 inches or deeper.
- Use shredded mulch in beds with plants, and use river rock where a border is intended to stay in place without refreshes.
- Thin or bare grass calls for 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil before laying sod or planting seed.
- When filling low spots or building up grade, use fill dirt for the bulk and limit topsoil to the upper 4 to 6 inches.
- A paver patio needs a compacted base beneath a precise 1 inch bedding-sand layer. Use the Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators to estimate them separately.
- Playground fall zones need pea gravel maintained at 9 to 12 inches deep.
- Use riprap over fabric in 12-inch-plus lifts where erosion is washing away a bank or shoreline.
Turn an estimate into driveway delivery
The materials shown above are available from Illinois Rock Supply. All Illinois orders receive free delivery, often within 2 business days. Calculate the amount first, then use the calculator's product-page link to complete your order. For help with the calculation, call (847) 469-1546 with your measurements.
Ordering questions and answers
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Calculated your amount? Delivery is free.
All 24 calculator materials are delivered free across Illinois.