How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Gravel Weigh?
Gravel weight varies significantly by type. Knowing the density of your specific material prevents overloaded trucks, incorrect orders, and wasted delivery fees.
A cubic yard of gravel weighs between 2,200 and 2,800 pounds (1.1 to 1.4 tons) depending on the type. The variation comes from differences in stone density, particle size, and how much air space exists between the pieces. Rounded gravel like pea gravel has more air gaps and weighs less per yard than angular crushed materials like crusher run, which compact more densely.
| Gravel Type | Weight per Cubic Yard | Tons per Cubic Yard | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 2,500 lbs | 1.25 | Decorative beds, walkways, drainage |
| Crushed Gravel | 2,700 lbs | 1.35 | Paths, patios, general landscaping |
| River Rock | 2,400 lbs | 1.20 | Decorative beds, dry creek beds |
| Crusher Run | 2,800 lbs | 1.40 | Driveways, bases, shed pads |
| Lava Rock | 1,100–1,500 lbs | 0.55–0.75 | Decorative, fire pits, lightweight fill |
| #57 Stone | 2,500 lbs | 1.25 | Drainage, driveway surface |
Why Weight Matters When Ordering
Gravel suppliers typically sell by either cubic yards or tons. If your supplier quotes by the ton but you have calculated your project in cubic yards (or vice versa), you need to convert between the two. A 3 cubic yard driveway project using crusher run weighs about 4.2 tons. Ordering “3 yards” from a supplier that sells by weight means asking for 4.2 tons. Getting this conversion wrong can mean an expensive short delivery or paying for excess material you do not need.
What Causes Weight Differences
Three factors determine how much a cubic yard of gravel weighs. First is the stone’s mineral density — granite is heavier than limestone, which is heavier than volcanic rock. Second is particle size and shape: angular crushed pieces interlock and pack more densely than rounded stones, which leave larger air gaps. Third is moisture content — wet gravel can weigh 10 to 15% more than dry gravel because water fills the spaces between particles. Suppliers usually quote “dry loose” weights, but deliveries during or after rain will be heavier.
Truck and Trailer Weight Limits
A standard half-ton pickup (like an F-150 or Silverado 1500) has a payload capacity of roughly 1,000 to 2,000 pounds depending on configuration. That means you can safely carry about half a cubic yard of most gravel types per load. A one-ton truck can handle about 1 cubic yard. Going over the rated payload damages suspension, wears brakes prematurely, and is unsafe. For anything over 1 yard, have the supplier deliver by dump truck. Standard dump trucks hold 10 to 14 cubic yards (12 to 18 tons), and a single delivery is typically $40 to $80 — far cheaper and safer than multiple pickup loads.
Converting Between Yards and Tons
The conversion formula is: tons = cubic yards × density (tons/yd³). For pea gravel at 1.25 tons per yard, 2 cubic yards weighs 2.5 tons. To go the other direction: cubic yards = tons ÷ density. If a supplier quotes you 5 tons of crusher run at 1.4 tons per yard, that equals 3.6 cubic yards. Our gravel calculator uses the correct density for each gravel type and shows both cubic yards and tons so you can order in whichever unit your supplier prefers.
How Much Does a Bag of Gravel Weigh?
Bagged gravel is typically sold in 50-pound bags, regardless of gravel type. Because different gravel types have different densities, a 50-pound bag of pea gravel contains more volume than a 50-pound bag of crusher run. About 54 bags of 50-pound gravel equal one cubic yard for average-density materials (pea gravel, #57 stone). Denser materials like crusher run may take 56 bags per yard. When buying by the bag, weight is more reliable than volume for comparing costs across suppliers.
Compaction Changes the Equation
The weights in the table above assume loose, uncompacted gravel. When you compact gravel (for a driveway base, shed pad, or paver base), the same weight occupies less volume. Crusher run compacts by 10 to 15%, meaning 1 cubic yard of loose material produces about 0.85 to 0.90 cubic yards of compacted base. Factor this into your order: if you need 4 inches of compacted base, order enough for roughly 4.5 to 4.7 inches of loose material to reach the target after compaction.