The Master Aggregate Coverage Reference Guide
When planning a landscaping project, having an immediate depth-to-coverage conversion chart prevents costly ordering mistakes. Below is the master industry table showing exact square footage coverage per cubic yard and per ton across all standard installation depths.
| Depth (Inches) | Sq Ft / Yard³ | Sq Ft / Ton (River Rock) | Sq Ft / Ton (Crushed Stone) | Sq Ft / Ton (Lava Rock) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Inch | 324 sq ft | 240 sq ft | 231 sq ft | 381 sq ft |
| 1.5 Inches | 216 sq ft | 160 sq ft | 154 sq ft | 254 sq ft |
| 2.0 Inches | 162 sq ft | 120 sq ft | 116 sq ft | 191 sq ft |
| 2.5 Inches | 130 sq ft | 96 sq ft | 93 sq ft | 153 sq ft |
| 3.0 Inches | 108 sq ft | 80 sq ft | 77 sq ft | 127 sq ft |
| 3.5 Inches | 93 sq ft | 69 sq ft | 66 sq ft | 109 sq ft |
| 4.0 Inches | 81 sq ft | 60 sq ft | 58 sq ft | 95 sq ft |
| 6.0 Inches | 54 sq ft | 40 sq ft | 39 sq ft | 64 sq ft |
Why Stone Density Changes Coverage per Ton
While 1 cubic yard of any material always covers the exact same square footage at a given depth (for instance, 108 square feet at 3 inches), coverage per ton varies significantly depending on geological density:
- Lightweight Volcanic Rocks (Lava Rock): Because lava rock is porous and lightweight (0.85 tons/yd³), 1 ton gives you 1.18 cubic yards of physical material, covering a massive 127 square feet at 3 inches depth.
- Standard Dense Rocks (Granite & Limestone): These rocks weigh between 1.35 and 1.40 tons/yd³, giving you approximately 0.71 to 0.74 cubic yards per ton, yielding 77 to 80 square feet at 3 inches depth.
- Compacted Road Base with Fines (#411 / Crusher Run): Dense aggregate with stone dust weighs 1.50 tons/yd³ uncompacted, yielding only 72 square feet per ton at 3 inches depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet does 1 ton of rock cover?
At a standard 3-inch depth, 1 ton of typical rock covers approximately 80 square feet. At a 2-inch depth (pea gravel pathways), 1 ton covers approximately 120 square feet. At a 4-inch depth (driveway gravel), 1 ton covers 60 square feet.
How many square feet does 1 cubic yard of rock cover?
At 1 inch depth, 1 cubic yard covers 324 square feet. At 2 inches, it covers 162 square feet. At 3 inches, it covers 108 square feet. At 4 inches, it covers 81 square feet.
Why does rock coverage decrease as stone size increases?
Larger stones (such as 2-4 inch river cobbles) cannot physically be spread in a 1-inch or 2-inch thin layer without leaving gaping voids that expose dirt. Larger stones require a deeper installed layer (minimum 4 to 6 inches), which reduces the total square footage spread you can achieve per ton or yard.
How do I use this coverage chart to order the right amount of stone?
Locate your desired depth column in the table, check the square footage covered per yard or ton, and divide your total project area by that number. For instance, for a 500 sq ft bed at 3" depth (where 1 ton covers 80 sq ft): 500 / 80 = 6.25 tons.