Riprap calculator
Tons, yards, and truckloads for erosion control on shorelines, channels, and slopes. Riprap is placed roughly one stone deep, so set the depth to your stone size, often 12 to 24 inches.
To work out how much riprap you need, multiply length by width by depth in feet and divide by 27: that is cubic yards. Riprap runs roughly 1.50 tons per cubic yard as a common approximation (Light riprap (4" to 9") at about 3,000 lb per cubic yard), and moisture and mix move that, so confirm with your supplier. Order about 10 percent over the calculated number for compaction, spillage and uneven grade.
Pro habit: Order about 8.1 yd³; large stone stacks with big voids, so coverage runs short of the flat math unless you add a cushion.
Riprap is sold by the ton and carries 30 to 40 percent voids between stones, so the volume placed covers less area than solid material would. Weights are common industry approximations; confirm with your supplier before ordering.
The number above assumes a few things about how this material behaves in the ground.
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Common questions
How do I calculate how much riprap I need?
Multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. This riprap calculator does it for you: enter length and width in feet and depth in inches, and it returns cubic yards, estimated tons, and truckloads. Add about 10 percent for compaction, spillage, and uneven grade.
How many tons is a cubic yard of riprap?
Riprap runs roughly 1.50 tons per cubic yard as a common industry approximation (Light riprap (4" to 9") at about 3,000 lb/yd³). Moisture and material change this, so confirm the exact conversion with your supplier.
Is this riprap calculator free?
Yes. It is a free tool from TrackOver, software built inside a working excavation company for contractors who move dirt. No signup required to use it.
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