Landscaping material calculators for Nebraska
Start by taking your measurements, then use this tool to estimate the amount required. For depth recommendations, coverage information, and examples, visit the calculator for the material you selected.
Add your project measurements
Think of a cubic yard as a cube measuring 3 x 3 x 3 feet. Bulk products are purchased by the cubic yard or by the ton, so a project area must be translated into either unit before ordering. The calculators make those conversions for 24 listed products, using the actual weight of each cubic yard. Shredded mulch comes in at about 600 lb for a yard, while crusher run is 3,000 lb for that same-sized yard. The volume does not change, but the weight is five times as much, so a calculator tied to the material gives a more useful tonnage figure than a general aggregate calculator.
Select a material
Calculation method
First find the area by multiplying length and width, both in feet. Multiply that result by the depth in feet, using inches divided by 12, to determine cubic feet. Divide the cubic-foot total by 27 to find cubic yards, then apply the material density to get tons. It is the same process used when project dimensions are provided by phone.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
A depth estimate has a major effect on the total. It is easy to measure the footprint and make an assumption about thickness, yet a 10 x 10 patio at 2 inches calls for half the stone required at 4 inches. If the right depth is unclear, consult the project guidance on that material's page.
View all 24 materials
The calculators draw from this reference chart. Use it to compare materials or review an estimate 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 |
Choosing material for the project
- For a driveway or parking pad, calculate the lower crusher run or road base layer separately from the top layer of driveway gravel or #57 stone.
- Use clean #57 or drain rock at a depth of 12 inches or more for pooled water, a wet trench, or a French drain.
- Put shredded mulch in planted beds, and choose river rock for a border meant to stay in place without needing renewal.
- For a bare or sparse lawn, spread 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil before installing seed or sod.
- Use fill dirt to build up grade or fill an excavation, then apply topsoil only across the upper 4 to 6 inches.
- Build a paver patio with a compacted base and exactly 1 inch of bedding sand. Estimate each layer separately using the Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators.
- Maintain pea gravel in playground fall areas at a depth of 9 to 12 inches.
- For erosion along a bank or shoreline, install riprap over fabric in layers of 12 inches or more.
Moving from an estimate to delivery
The materials shown above are Nebraska Rock Supply products. All orders delivered across Nebraska include free delivery, often within 2 business days. After calculating the amount, use the linked product page to check out. You can also submit your dimensions through our contact form, and we can work through the calculation with you.
Common ordering questions
What calculator should I choose?
Should my order be in yards or tons?
What level of accuracy can I expect?
Can one delivery include multiple materials?
Are all calculator materials available for purchase?
Your calculated order includes free delivery
All 24 materials shown in these calculators include free delivery across Nebraska.