How Much River Rock for 5,000 Square Feet?
How much river rock for 5,000 square feet depends on depth. At 3 inches you need about 46.30 cubic yards, roughly 62.5 tons at 1.35 tons per yard. Going to 4 inches raises it to 83.3 tons.
Volume and tonnage calculator →River rock for 5,000 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 30.86 | 41.7 | 45.8 |
| 3 in | 46.30 | 62.5 | 68.8 |
| 4 in | 61.73 | 83.3 | 91.7 |
Working it out
- 5,000 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) ft = 1,250.0 cubic feet.
- ÷ 27 = 46.30 cubic yards.
- × 1.35 tons per yard = 62.5 tons.
About river rock
River rock is mostly decorative and for drainage beds. It is not meant to be driven on and tends to roll if used as a walking surface. Most suppliers will quote 1.25 to 1.45 tons per yard for this material.
Before the truck comes
- Measure odd shapes in pieces. Split curves and L-shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Add a margin. About 10 percent covers compaction and low spots.
- Bulk or bags. Bulk delivery is the practical choice here.
- Prep first. Remove sod, compact the subgrade and set edging before the stone arrives.
Use the volume and tonnage calculator for any other size.
Good and poor uses for river rock
Works well for:
- Dry creek beds and drainage swales
- Decorative borders and planting beds
- Around downspouts to stop splash erosion
Think twice for:
- Walking surfaces
- Driveways
- Bases under slabs or pavers
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.42 tons of river rock (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.2 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 20x25 area at 4 inches takes about 8.3 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Mistakes that throw off the order
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
Questions people ask
How many tons of river rock for 5,000 square feet?
About 62.5 tons at 3 inches deep.
How many cubic yards of river rock for 5,000 square feet?
About 46.30 yards at 3 inches.
How much river rock for 5,000 square feet at 2 inches?
About 41.7 tons, or 30.86 cubic yards.
How much does a yard of river rock weigh?
About 1.25 to 1.45 tons.
Should I add extra?
Yes, about 10 percent is a common allowance.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Ton of River Rock Cover?
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- How Much River Rock for 3,000 Square Feet?
- How Much River Rock for 4,000 Square Feet?
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