Landscaping material calculators for Montana
Take your measurements, then get the quantity you need. Start with a fast estimate here, or use the calculator for your selected material to see depth recommendations, coverage tables, and examples.
Add your project measurements
Think of a cubic yard as a cube measuring 3 x 3 x 3 feet. Bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard or by the ton, so you need to turn your project dimensions into one of those units before ordering. These calculators handle that for 24 listed materials, using the actual weight of each cubic yard. Shredded mulch runs about 600 lb for a yard, while crusher run comes in at 3,000 lb. They fill the same-sized cube, yet crusher run weighs five times more. That is why tonnage calls for a calculator tied to the specific material.
Select a material
The calculation explained
Start by finding the area, then account for depth. Multiply length and width in feet, followed by depth in feet, with inches divided by 12, to get cubic feet. Divide that result by 27 to get cubic yards. Then multiply the yards by material density for tons. That is the full formula.
Tons = cubic yards × density (0.3 for mulch, up to 1.55 for riprap)
Most estimate mistakes come from the depth, not the area. A 10 x 10 patio at 2 inches uses half the stone needed for that same patio at 4 inches. If the right depth is unclear, look at the material page for project-specific guidance. In Montana, deep frost makes proper base depth especially important.
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 |
Find the right material
- Building a driveway or parking pad starts with crusher run or road base below, then driveway gravel or #57 stone above. Figure each layer with its own calculator.
- For pooled water, a wet trench, or a French drain, allow clean #57 or drain rock at a depth of 12 inches or more.
- Use shredded mulch in planting areas, and choose river rock for a border that will not need refreshing.
- Thin or bare grass calls for 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil before seed or sod goes down.
- When filling a hole or bringing up the grade, use fill dirt for the build-up and reserve topsoil for only the top 4 to 6 inches.
- A paver patio needs compacted base topped by an exact 1 inch bedding-sand layer. Separate Paver Base and Paver Sand calculators account for both layers.
- Playground fall zones need pea gravel maintained at 9 to 12 inches deep.
- For an eroding bank or shoreline, install riprap over fabric in layers 12 inches or deeper.
Turn an estimate into driveway delivery
All of the materials above are sold by Montana Rock Supply. Free delivery applies to every order anywhere in Montana, often within 2 business days. Once you have your quantity, use the calculator link to visit the product page and complete checkout. You can also share your measurements through our contact form, and we can work through the calculation with you.
Common ordering questions
Which calculator is right for me?
Should I buy by the yard or by the ton?
How close are calculator estimates?
Can one delivery include multiple materials?
Are all estimated materials available to order?
Your quote includes free shipping
Use these calculators for all 24 materials, with free delivery across Montana.