How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Gravel Weigh?
Gravel usually weighs between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds per cubic yard, which is roughly 1.25 to 1.5 tons. The exact figure depends on the stone and how damp it is.
Typical weights
These are the starting values used by the calculators on this site. They are typical figures only. Suppliers measure and sell material differently, so use theirs if they give you one.
| Material | Tons per cubic yard | Pounds per cubic yard | Pounds per cubic foot | Range seen in guides (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel (general) | 1.4 | 2,800 | 104 | 1.25 to 1.5 |
| Pea gravel | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 | 1.35 to 1.5 |
| Crushed stone | 1.4 | 2,800 | 104 | 1.35 to 1.6 |
| Sand (dry) | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 | 1.1 to 1.35 |
| Topsoil | 1.1 | 2,200 | 81 | about 1.0 to 1.5, varies a lot |
A ton here means a US ton of 2,000 pounds. The metric ton used in most other countries is 1,000 kilograms, about 2,205 pounds.
Why the weight changes
- Stone size. Smaller, tightly packed stone leaves fewer gaps, so a cubic yard of it weighs more.
- Moisture. Wet gravel and sand can weigh noticeably more than dry. Rain before delivery adds weight you pay for if you buy by the ton.
- Type of rock. Different rocks have different densities.
- Fines. Material with dust mixed in packs more tightly.
Converting between tons and cubic yards
If you know the weight per cubic yard, the conversion is simple division or multiplication. Using 1.4 tons per cubic yard for gravel:
- Yards to tons: multiply by 1.4. Five cubic yards is about 7 tons.
- Tons to yards: divide by 1.4. One ton is about 0.71 cubic yards, or 19.3 cubic feet.
- In metric: one cubic yard of gravel at this density weighs about 1.27 metric tons.
Swap in your own number for other materials. Sand at 1.35 tons per cubic yard, for instance, gives about 0.74 cubic yards per ton.
Buying by the ton or by the yard
Some suppliers sell by weight, some by volume, and bulk deliveries are often measured by the truckload. Ask how yours measures, then convert so you can compare quotes fairly. When you buy by weight, ask how the material is weighed and whether it is sold damp or dry.
The gravel calculator shows both volume and weight, and lets you type in your supplier's density.
Related
Questions
How many cubic feet are in a ton of gravel?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, a ton is about 19 cubic feet. Across the range of 1.25 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, it runs from about 18 to 22 cubic feet.
How much does a cubic foot of gravel weigh?
About 100 pounds at 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Across the 1.25 to 1.5 ton range it is roughly 93 to 111 pounds.
Why might my delivery weigh more than I expected?
Moisture is the usual reason. Wet gravel and sand weigh more than dry, so rain before delivery adds weight. If you buy by the ton, ask how the material is weighed and whether it is sold damp or dry.
Is a ton the same everywhere?
No. A US ton is 2,000 pounds, a metric ton is 1,000 kilograms (about 2,205 pounds), and a UK long ton is 2,240 pounds. Check which one a quote uses, especially if a supplier or a source is from another country.