How Much Does a Yard of Gravel Weigh?
Expect about 1.4–1.5 tons (2,800–3,000 lb) per cubic yard for most gravel and crushed stone.
Yards to Tons
HomeGuide puts a cubic yard of stone at 1.4–1.5 tons. That makes the conversions:
| At 1.4 tons per yard | At 1.5 tons per yard | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | 2,800 lb | 3,000 lb |
| 1 cubic foot | about 104 lb | about 111 lb |
| 1 ton | 0.71 yd³ (19.3 cu ft) | 0.67 yd³ (18 cu ft) |
Tons = cubic yards × 1.4 · Cubic yards = tons ÷ 1.4
What Changes the Weight
- Rock type. Different stone has different density.
- Shape and size. Smooth, round stones like pea gravel pack differently from angular crushed stone. Mixes with fines, like crusher run, fill the gaps and weigh more.
- Moisture. Water adds weight, so stone from a rained-on pile is heavier.
Every supplier knows its own number, so ask what they use, especially if you’re ordering by the ton. The gravel calculator lets you type it in.
Hauling It Yourself
A single cubic yard of gravel, around 2,800 lb, can be more than many pickups are rated to carry. Check the payload rating on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb before you load up, and count passengers and the bed liner toward it. For more than a yard or so, delivery is usually worth it: HomeGuide puts gravel delivery at about $10–$25 a ton, and many suppliers deliver free above a minimum order.
How Much Do You Need?
Work out cubic yards first, square feet × depth in inches ÷ 324, and then multiply by 1.4 for tons. A 30 × 3 ft path at 3 in is 0.83 yards, or about 1.2 tons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Cubic Yards Are in a Ton of Gravel?
At 1.4 tons per yard, one ton is about 0.71 cubic yards, or 19 cubic feet.How Much Does a Cubic Foot of Gravel Weigh?
It weighs about 104–111 lb, which is 2,800–3,000 lb divided by 27.Does Wet Gravel Weigh More?
Yes. Water fills the gaps between stones, so gravel from a wet stockpile weighs more than the same volume dry.Sources
Prices are national ballparks checked October 2026. Local prices vary.