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Gravel Weight Calculator

Standard Gravel Weight = 1.4 Tons per Cubic Yard

Example: A project requiring 10 cubic yards of crushed stone weighs approximately 14 tons.

Convert gravel volume in cubic yards to weight in tons. Estimate aggregate needs for driveways, pathways, and landscaping projects.

Project Volume

Estimated Weight

Weight in Tons 14.0 tons
Weight in Pounds 28,000 lbs

Aggregate Material Density Reference

Material Density (tons/yd³) Lbs per Cubic Yard Typical Application
Crushed Stone / Gravel 1.4 2,800 lbs Driveways, pathways, drainage
Pea Gravel 1.4 2,800 lbs Decorative, walkways, playgrounds
Crusher Run (¼" minus) 1.5 3,000 lbs Driveway base, compacted fill
Dry Sand 1.3 2,600 lbs Mortar, concrete, sandboxes
Wet Sand 1.5 3,000 lbs Masonry, paving, fill
Topsoil 1.2 2,400 lbs Gardens, landscaping, lawn topdressing

Gravel Weight by Type

Gravel weight varies significantly by stone type, moisture content, and compaction. Crushed stone (angular) is denser than pea gravel (rounded) because angular particles interlock and pack tighter. Moisture adds 10-20% to dry weight.

Standard crushed stone: 1.4 tons/yd³ (2,800 lbs)
Pea gravel: 1.3-1.4 tons/yd³ (2,600-2,800 lbs)
Limestone (#57): 1.45 tons/yd³ (2,900 lbs)
Bank run gravel: 1.5 tons/yd³ (3,000 lbs)

Ordering and Delivery Tips

Always order 10% extra to account for compaction, uneven ground, and waste. A standard dump truck holds 10-15 cubic yards (14-21 tons) for a full load. Partial loads may incur surcharges.

Spread before delivery: Know exactly where to dump — gravel cannot be moved easily once placed. Mark delivery area with stakes. Ask the driver to spread while dumping for even distribution. For small areas, order bagged material from home centers instead.

Frequently Asked Questions — Gravel Weight

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Standard crushed stone/gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. Dry sand is lighter at 1.3 tons/yd³, while wet sand is heavier at 1.5 tons/yd³. Topsoil is lighter at 1.2 tons/yd³.
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a standard 2-car driveway (16 ft wide × 20 ft long × 4" deep), you need approximately 5 cubic yards or about 7 tons of gravel. For a 3" base layer: ~3.7 cubic yards. Always order 10% extra to account for compaction and uneven ground.
How do you convert tons of gravel to cubic yards?
Divide the weight in tons by the material density. Formula: Cubic Yards = Tons ÷ Density (tons/yd³). Example: 10 tons of crushed stone ÷ 1.4 tons/yd³ = 7.14 cubic yards. For more precise estimates, use 1.5 tons/yd³ for wet materials.
What type of gravel is best for a driveway?
Crushed stone #57 (¾" to 1" size) is the most popular driveway surface — it compacts well and provides good drainage. For a finished look, consider crusher run (¼" minus) which packs tightly. Pea gravel is decorative but doesn't compact and shifts under traffic.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Minimum 4 inches (0.15 cubic yards per 100 sq ft) for a residential driveway. For heavy use or clay soil, use 6-8 inches. Install in 2-inch lifts, compacting each layer. Start with larger stone (#57) as a base and finish with crusher run or #8 stone.

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