How much landscape rock for 500 square feet?
Covering 500 sq ft with rock 2 inches deep takes 3.24 cubic yards — about 4.21 tons of river rock (5% extra included).
Change the numbers
The calculator below is pre-filled for this project. Adjust any value — including feet and inches — and the results update instantly.
Weights per cubic yard are typical; ask your landscape yard for theirs.
Your results
Rock needed4.21 tons
Volume3.24 cu yd
Weight8,426 lb
0.5 cu ft bags175
Rock for 500 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons (river rock) | Tons (lava rock) |
|---|
| 2 in | 3.24 | 4.21 | 1.62 |
| 3 in | 4.86 | 6.32 | 2.43 |
| 4 in | 6.48 | 8.43 | 3.24 |
The math
500 × 2 in ÷ 12 × 1.05 = 87.5 cu ft = 3.24 cu yd
× 1.3 tons/yd³ = 4.21 tons
Common questions
How many tons of river rock for 500 sq ft?
About 4.21 tons at 2 inches deep.
Want the full method, tips and other sizes? See the landscape rock calculator guide.
Last reviewed November 1, 2026. Results are estimates — confirm with your supplier.
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