How many tons does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

One cubic yard of standard gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs). Pea gravel is closer to 1.3 tons; crushed stone runs up to 1.5 tons. Gravel weight per yard depends on the stone size and shape. Densely packed crushed stone with angular faces weighs more than rounded river rock or smooth pea gravel. Moisture also adds weight — wet gravel is 5–10% heavier than dry. When ordering, suppliers usually price by the ton for delivery and by the yard for self-pickup; both reflect the same material.

How much does 1 yard of gravel weigh?

About 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons) for standard #57 stone. Pea gravel is lighter at ~2,600 lbs; crusher run is heavier at ~3,000 lbs.

How many tons of gravel for a driveway?

A typical 12×60 ft driveway at 6 inches deep needs about 13 cubic yards = ~18 tons. Order 20 tons to allow for compaction and waste.

How many cubic yards in a ton of gravel?

About 0.7 yd³ per ton — the inverse of 1.4 tons per yard. Useful when your supplier prices by the ton.

Does wet gravel weigh more?

Yes, 5–10% more. Saturated gravel can hit 1.6 tons per yard. Most suppliers price based on dry weight, so wet deliveries are a small bonus.

How big is a ton of gravel?

About ⅔ of a cubic yard, or roughly 18 cu ft. A wheelbarrow holds about 0.1 ton of #57 stone, so a ton is 10 wheelbarrow trips.

How much area does a ton of gravel cover?

108 ft² at 2 inches deep, 72 ft² at 3 inches, 54 ft² at 4 inches. Useful when your supplier sells by the ton.

Tons in a Yard of Gravel (Conversion + Stone Type)

Gravel weight by type — per cubic yard
Gravel type	Tons per yd³	Pounds per yd³
Pea gravel	1.3 tons	~2,600 lbs
#57 stone	1.4 tons	~2,800 lbs
Crusher run / ABC	1.5 tons	~3,000 lbs
River rock	1.3 tons	~2,600 lbs
Crushed limestone	1.4 tons	~2,800 lbs
Decomposed granite	1.5 tons	~3,000 lbs

Gravel weight by type — per cubic yard

Gravel type

Tons per yd³

Pounds per yd³

Pea gravel

1.3 tons

~2,600 lbs

#57 stone

1.4 tons

~2,800 lbs

Crusher run / ABC

1.5 tons

~3,000 lbs

River rock

1.3 tons

~2,600 lbs

Crushed limestone

1.4 tons

~2,800 lbs

Decomposed granite

1.5 tons

~3,000 lbs

How to calculate it yourself

Tons needed = cubic yards × weight per yard. For most projects, multiply yards by 1.4 to get tons. Suppliers cap dump truck loads around 12–15 tons.

Common scenarios

10×40 ft driveway × 4 in deep

4.9 yd³ × 1.4 = 6.9 tons. One small dump-truck delivery (10 tons) fits with leftover for a top-up next year.

20×20 patio base × 4 in deep

4.9 yd³ × 1.4 = 6.9 tons of crusher-run base. Plus another 1 yd³ of polymeric or paver sand on top.

French drain — 100 ft × 12 in × 18 in

5.6 yd³ × 1.3 (pea gravel) = 7.3 tons. Round up to 8 tons to allow for drain pipe displacement.

About this calculation

Written and maintained by the BuildMaterialCalc editorial team. The math is derived from published codes and manufacturer specs — see our methodology page for the full source list and review process.

Last reviewed: 9 May 2026. We update cost references quarterly using the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index plus regional supplier spot-checks.

References used on this page:

Every result is an estimate. Real-world projects vary with sub-grade conditions, ambient humidity, supplier spec sheets, and local code amendments. For structural, code, or safety-critical applications, confirm with a licensed professional. See our full disclaimer for details.

How Many Tons Are in a Yard of Gravel?

At a glance

How to calculate it yourself

Common scenarios

10×40 ft driveway × 4 in deep

20×20 patio base × 4 in deep

French drain — 100 ft × 12 in × 18 in

Frequently asked

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