Free Gravel Weight Calculator

Gravel Weight Calculator

Convert gravel volume into weight. Calculate tons, pounds, and kilograms based on gravel type, density, and volume. Instant conversion between cubic yards, tons, pounds, and kilograms.

Calculate Gravel Weight

Gravel Weight Calculator

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Volume

Unit

Material Type

Density (tons / cubic yard)

Crushed Stone 1.40 tons / cubic yard

Custom: t/yd³

⚖️

Weight

7.00

Tons

🏋️

Pounds

14,000

lbs

🌍

Kilograms

6,350

📦

Volume

5.00

Cubic Yards

Gravel Weight Conversion Chart

Quick reference for common gravel weight conversions. Use the calculator above for precise conversions based on your specific gravel type and density.

Amount	Weight (Tons)	Weight (Pounds)	Weight (Kilograms)	Volume (Cubic Yards)*
1 cubic yard	1.2 – 1.5	2,400 – 3,000	1,089 – 1,361	1.00
1 ton	1.00	2,000	907	0.67 – 0.83
2 tons	2.00	4,000	1,814	1.33 – 1.67
5 tons	5.00	10,000	4,536	3.33 – 4.17
10 tons	10.00	20,000	9,072	6.67 – 8.33
15 tons	15.00	30,000	13,608	10.00 – 12.50
20 tons	20.00	40,000	18,144	13.33 – 16.67

* Volume in cubic yards based on average density of 1.2–1.5 tons per cubic yard. Actual values vary by material.

Gravel Weight by Material Type

Different gravel materials have different densities, which directly affects their weight. Here's a comparison of common gravel types:

🪨

Crushed Stone

Weight: 2,700 – 3,000 lbs / cubic yard
Density: 1.35 – 1.50 tons / cubic yard
Best for: Driveways, drainage, base material

🟤

Pea Gravel

Weight: 2,400 – 2,800 lbs / cubic yard
Density: 1.20 – 1.40 tons / cubic yard
Best for: Paths, patios, landscaping, playgrounds

🪨

River Rock

Weight: 2,600 – 3,000 lbs / cubic yard
Density: 1.30 – 1.50 tons / cubic yard
Best for: Decorative landscaping, water features

⬜

Limestone Gravel

Weight: 2,600 – 2,900 lbs / cubic yard
Density: 1.30 – 1.45 tons / cubic yard
Best for: Driveways, road base, construction

How Much Does Gravel Weigh?

Understanding gravel weight is essential for planning transportation, estimating costs, and ensuring your vehicle can handle the load. Here's what you need to know:

1 Cubic Yard of Gravel

2,400 – 3,000 lbs

One cubic yard of gravel weighs between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds, or approximately 1.2 to 1.5 tons. This is the standard unit for ordering bulk gravel from suppliers.

1 Ton of Gravel

2,000 lbs

One ton of gravel always weighs 2,000 pounds, but the volume varies by material. A ton of crushed stone occupies about 0.67–0.74 cubic yards, while a ton of pea gravel occupies 0.71–0.83 cubic yards.

Why Gravel Weight Varies

Four key factors affect how much gravel weighs:

Material Type

Different rocks have different mineral densities. Crushed granite weighs more than limestone, which weighs more than pea gravel. The rock's composition is the primary determinant of its weight.

Moisture Content

Wet gravel weighs 5–15% more than dry gravel. Water fills the void spaces between stones and is absorbed by porous materials. Always account for moisture when calculating transport weight.

Compaction

Compacted gravel is denser and weighs more per cubic yard than loose gravel. Compaction can increase density by 10–20%. A cubic yard of loose gravel might weigh 2,400 lbs, but the same material compacted could weigh 2,800 lbs.

Stone Size & Gradation

Well-graded gravel with mixed sizes packs more densely than uniformly-sized stone. Smaller stones fill the gaps between larger ones, increasing the overall weight per cubic yard. Crusher run is heavier than clean crushed stone for this reason.

Tons to Cubic Yards Conversion Guide

Converting between tons and cubic yards is one of the most common gravel calculations. The formula is simple but depends on knowing the right density for your material.

Conversion Formula

Cubic Yards = Tons ÷ Density (tons/yd³)

Example 1

5 Tons of Crushed Stone

Density: 1.4 tons/yd³
Calculation: 5 ÷ 1.4 = 3.57 cubic yards
Weight: 10,000 lbs | 4,536 kg

Example 2

10 Tons of Pea Gravel

Density: 1.3 tons/yd³
Calculation: 10 ÷ 1.3 = 7.69 cubic yards
Weight: 20,000 lbs | 9,072 kg

Example 3

3 Cubic Yards → Tons

Density: 1.4 tons/yd³ (crushed stone)
Calculation: 3 × 1.4 = 4.2 tons
Weight: 8,400 lbs | 3,810 kg

Example 4

8 Cubic Yards → Tons

Density: 1.35 tons/yd³ (river rock)
Calculation: 8 × 1.35 = 10.8 tons
Weight: 21,600 lbs | 9,797 kg

Gravel Weight for Common Projects

Typical gravel weight requirements for common home improvement and landscaping projects:

🚗

Driveway

8 – 12 tons

20' × 50' at 6" deep

🏡

Patio

2 – 4 tons

12' × 12' at 4" deep

🚶

Walkway

1 – 2 tons

3' × 30' at 4" deep

💧

French Drain

3 – 5 tons

100' trench at 12" deep

Truck Load Weight Guide

How much gravel different vehicles can carry safely. Always check your vehicle's specific payload capacity before loading.

Vehicle Type	Gravel Capacity (Tons)	Volume (Cubic Yards)*	Best For
Pickup Truck (½ ton)	1 – 2	0.7 – 1.4	Small DIY projects, garden paths
Pickup Truck (¾ ton)	1.5 – 2.5	1.1 – 1.8	Medium landscaping, small patios
Pickup Truck (1 ton)	2 – 3	1.4 – 2.1	Patios, walkways
Small Dump Truck	5 – 10	3.5 – 7.0	Driveways, large patios
Large Dump Truck	15 – 25	10.0 – 18.0	Long driveways, commercial projects
Tandem Axle Truck	15 – 20	10.0 – 14.0	Construction, road base

* Volume estimates based on average density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Always verify vehicle payload capacity before loading.

How to Calculate Gravel Weight

Follow these four simple steps to calculate gravel weight for any project:

Measure Volume

Determine the volume of gravel in cubic yards. For rectangular areas: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. For irregular shapes, break the area into smaller rectangles and add them together.

Choose Gravel Type

Identify your gravel material. Crushed stone (1.35–1.5 tons/yd³), pea gravel (1.2–1.4 tons/yd³), river rock (1.3–1.5 tons/yd³), limestone (1.3–1.45 tons/yd³), or decorative gravel (1.2–1.4 tons/yd³). Each type has a different density.

Apply Density

Multiply the volume (cubic yards) by the material density (tons per cubic yard). For example, 5 cubic yards of crushed stone at 1.4 tons/yd³ = 7 tons. Adjust density if you know the exact value from your supplier.

Convert Units

Convert to pounds (multiply tons by 2,000) or kilograms (multiply pounds by 0.4536). For volume from weight, divide tons by density to get cubic yards, then multiply by 27 for cubic feet.

Core Formula

Weight (tons) = Volume (cubic yards) × Density (tons per cubic yard)

Gravel Weight Tips for Your Project

1Know your vehicle's payload capacity. Exceeding your truck's weight limit is dangerous and can cause brake failure, tire blowouts, and suspension damage. A half-ton pickup can only safely carry about 1 cubic yard of gravel.
2Order by weight, not volume. Suppliers often sell by the ton because weight is more precise than volume. A "cubic yard" can vary significantly depending on how loosely or tightly the material is loaded.
3Account for moisture. If gravel has been sitting in rain, it can weigh 5–15% more. This is especially important for truck loading — wet gravel might push you over your vehicle's weight limit.
4Add 5–10% extra. Gravel settles and compacts over time. Order 5–10% more than your calculated weight to account for compaction, spillage, and irregular areas. It's cheaper to have a little extra than to order a second delivery.
5Use the right gravel for the job. Heavier, denser gravel (like crusher run) is better for driveways and bases. Lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is better for paths and decorative use. Choosing the right type saves money and improves results.

Frequently Asked Questions

One cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds (1.2 to 1.5 tons). The exact weight depends on the gravel type: crushed stone weighs approximately 2,700–3,000 lbs per cubic yard (1.35–1.5 tons), pea gravel weighs 2,400–2,800 lbs (1.2–1.4 tons), river rock weighs 2,600–3,000 lbs (1.3–1.5 tons), and limestone gravel weighs 2,600–2,900 lbs (1.3–1.45 tons). Moisture content and compaction also affect the actual weight.

There are approximately 1.2 to 1.5 tons in a cubic yard of gravel, depending on the material type. Crushed stone averages 1.4 tons per cubic yard, pea gravel averages 1.3 tons per cubic yard, river rock averages 1.35 tons per cubic yard, and limestone averages 1.4 tons per cubic yard. To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply cubic yards by the density factor. For example, 5 cubic yards of crushed stone = 5 × 1.4 = 7 tons.

To convert cubic yards of gravel to tons: multiply the number of cubic yards by the material's density (tons per cubic yard). For crushed stone, use 1.4; for pea gravel, use 1.3; for river rock, use 1.35. Formula: Tons = Cubic Yards × Density. For example, 8 cubic yards of crushed stone = 8 × 1.4 = 11.2 tons. Use our gravel weight calculator above for instant conversions with any gravel type.

Yes, wet gravel weighs more than dry gravel. Moisture adds approximately 5–15% to the total weight of gravel depending on the material's absorption rate. For example, 1 ton of dry crushed stone might weigh 2,100–2,200 lbs when wet. This is important for truck load planning—always account for moisture when calculating transport weight, as exceeding vehicle capacity can be dangerous and illegal.

A standard pickup truck can carry 1–2 tons of gravel (about 0.7–1.4 cubic yards). A small dump truck carries 5–10 tons (3.5–7 cubic yards). A large dump truck carries 15–25 tons (10–18 cubic yards). Tandem-axle trucks can handle up to 20 tons. Always check your vehicle's payload capacity before loading—exceeding it is unsafe and can damage the vehicle. A cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.2–1.5 tons.

Crusher run (also called quarry process or dense grade aggregate) is typically the heaviest type of gravel, weighing approximately 1.5–1.6 tons per cubic yard (3,000–3,200 lbs per cubic yard). Its high density comes from the mix of crushed stone and stone dust that fills void spaces. Crushed granite and basalt are also among the heaviest at 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Lighter options include pea gravel (1.2–1.4 tons/cubic yard) and river rock (1.25–1.35 tons/cubic yard).

Related Gravel Tools & Guides

Gravel Calculator Gravel Weight Guide Gravel Coverage Calculator How Much Gravel Do I Need? Gravel Cost Calculator Gravel Size Chart

Gravel Weight: Tons, Cubic Yards, and Pounds Explained

When planning any gravel project — whether it's a new driveway, a garden path, or a landscaping feature — understanding gravel weight is critical. Order too little, and you'll need a second delivery. Order too much, and you've wasted money. Worse, if you're hauling it yourself, overloading your truck can be dangerous and illegal.

The gravel weight calculator above solves these problems instantly. It converts between cubic yards, tons, pounds, and kilograms for five different gravel types, each with its own density. Whether you're a contractor estimating materials for a commercial job or a homeowner planning a DIY patio, this tool gives you accurate weight estimates in real time.

Why Use a Gravel Weight Calculator?

Gravel is sold by the ton at most quarries and landscape supply yards, but projects are measured in cubic yards or square feet. This disconnect is where mistakes happen. A gravel weight calculator bridges the gap by converting between volume and weight based on the specific density of your chosen material.

For example, 5 cubic yards of pea gravel weighs about 6.5 tons, but 5 cubic yards of crushed stone weighs about 7 tons. That 0.5-ton difference matters when you're loading a pickup truck with a 2-ton payload capacity. Without a weight calculator, it's easy to overload your vehicle or under-order for your project.

Cubic Yards to Tons: The Most Common Conversion

The cubic-yards-to-tons conversion is the most frequently searched gravel calculation — and for good reason. Most suppliers quote prices per ton, but project dimensions produce cubic yard estimates. The conversion formula is straightforward: Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/yd³). But the density varies by material, which is where our calculator's material selector becomes invaluable.

Pounds and Kilograms: International Weight Units

While tons and cubic yards dominate the U.S. market, many international projects and shipping calculations use pounds and kilograms. One ton equals 2,000 pounds or approximately 907 kilograms. Our calculator provides all four units simultaneously, so you always have the right number regardless of which unit system you're working with.

Gravel Weight and Transportation Planning

Transportation is often the hidden cost in gravel projects. A cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.2–1.5 tons, which means a standard half-ton pickup can only carry about 0.7–1.4 cubic yards per trip. For a 10-cubic-yard driveway project, that's 7–10 trips. Understanding gravel weight helps you decide whether to haul it yourself or pay for delivery — often the delivery fee is cheaper than the fuel, time, and vehicle wear from multiple trips.

Gravel Density: The Key to Accurate Calculations

Density is the critical factor that determines gravel weight. It's measured in tons per cubic yard and varies by material type, stone size, moisture content, and compaction level. Our calculator uses standard industry densities but allows manual adjustment if you know the exact density of your specific material. This flexibility ensures accurate results whether you're working with standard crushed stone or a specialty decorative gravel.