How Many Tons of Gravel in a Cubic Yard?
Quick Answer
One cubic yard of typical crushed stone or gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 pounds). The exact weight depends on the material and moisture — dry gravel runs 1.25 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
- 1 cubic yard of gravel ≈ 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs)
- To get tons: cubic yards × 1.4
- To get cubic yards: tons ÷ 1.4
- Sand, stone, and topsoil each weigh slightly different amounts
Formula
Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to estimate tons for standard crushed gravel. This assumes a density of about 2,800 lbs per cubic yard. Wet or compacted material weighs more.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- 1
Start with volume
1 cubic yard of gravel
- 2
Apply density
~2,800 lbs per cubic yard
- 3
Convert to tons
2,800 ÷ 2,000 = 1.4 tons
- 4
Reverse the math
1 ton ÷ 1.4 = 0.71 cubic yards
Weight per Cubic Yard by Material
| Material | Pounds per Cu Yd | Tons per Cu Yd |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone / Gravel | 2,800 | 1.40 |
| Pea Gravel | 2,800 | 1.40 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| Topsoil | 2,000–2,200 | 1.00–1.10 |
| Wet / compacted gravel | 3,000–3,400 | 1.50–1.70 |
Weights are approximate and vary with moisture content and stone type. Ask your supplier for the exact conversion for their material.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
About 0.71 cubic yards per ton for standard crushed stone (1 ÷ 1.4). So 1 ton covers roughly 0.71 cubic yards, or about 100 square feet at 2 inches deep.
Is gravel sold by the ton or the yard?
Both. Bulk gravel is often sold by the ton at the quarry and by the cubic yard at landscape suppliers. Use the 1.4 conversion to compare prices between the two.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep, 160 square feet at 2 inches, or 80 square feet at 4 inches. Deeper coverage means less area per yard.