Gravel Weight Calculator
Enter volume dimensions and density to calculate gravel weight.
Gravel Weight Formula
Calculate volume in cubic yards, then multiply by gravel density to get tons.
Understanding Gravel Weight
Gravel Weight by Type
Gravel is not a single material — it is a category covering dozens of stone products, each with a distinct weight per cubic yard. The density depends on the rock's mineral composition, the particle size distribution, and the amount of void space between pieces. Larger stones have more air gaps, which lowers the overall weight per volume. Smaller, angular crushed products pack tighter, increasing weight.
Here are verified densities for the most commonly ordered gravel products in the United States:
| Gravel Type | Tons per Cubic Yard | Lbs per Cubic Yard | Lbs per Cubic Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel (3/8") | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 |
| Crushed Stone (#57) | 1.40 | 2,800 | 104 |
| Crushed Limestone | 1.50 | 3,000 | 111 |
| Crushed Granite | 1.45 | 2,900 | 107 |
| River Rock (1-3") | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 |
| Quarry Process / Crusher Run | 1.55 | 3,100 | 115 |
| White Marble Chips | 1.38 | 2,760 | 102 |
| Lava Rock | 0.50 | 1,000 | 37 |
Lava rock stands out because it is volcanic and filled with air pockets — a cubic yard weighs roughly one-third of standard crushed stone. If you switch materials, always update the density field in the calculator above.
How Moisture Changes Gravel Weight
Suppliers weigh gravel on a truck scale at the quarry, and that measurement includes whatever moisture the stone contains at the time. Rain-soaked or freshly washed gravel traps water in the voids between particles, adding 15–25% to the dry weight. A cubic yard of crushed stone that weighs 2,800 lbs dry can tip the scale at 3,400 lbs after heavy rain.
This matters for two reasons. First, you might receive fewer cubic yards than expected because the truck hits its weight limit sooner. Second, your per-ton cost is partially buying water that will evaporate. When ordering by the ton, ask whether the quarry weighs material wet or dry. Some suppliers offer a moisture discount or will load from a covered stockpile on request.
Calculating Weight for Delivery Planning
Knowing the weight of your gravel order determines how many truck loads you need and whether your driveway or access road can handle the vehicle. A standard tandem-axle dump truck has a legal payload limit of 10–14 tons depending on the state. A single-axle dump truck tops out around 5–7 tons, and a pickup truck with a one-yard bed can safely carry about 1.2 tons.
Use this quick reference to plan loads:
- Tandem dump truck (10–14 tons): carries 7–10 cubic yards of crushed stone per load.
- Single-axle dump truck (5–7 tons): carries 3–5 cubic yards per load.
- Pickup truck (0.5–1 ton payload): carries about 0.5–0.75 cubic yards safely.
- Trailer (varies): check the GVWR rating — most utility trailers handle 1–3 tons.
Divide your total weight by the truck's payload to get the number of trips. Each delivery costs $50–$150 depending on distance, so consolidating loads saves money.
Gravel Weight for Structural Projects
Weight is not just a logistics concern — it affects project engineering. A gravel base under a concrete slab must support the slab weight plus the live load above it. Engineers specify gravel by weight to confirm the base layer meets compaction requirements. Compacted crusher run at 1.55 tons per cubic yard achieves 95% Modified Proctor density, which is the standard for residential foundations and driveway sub-bases.
For retaining walls, the gravel backfill behind the wall creates lateral pressure proportional to its weight. Overestimating or underestimating that pressure can lead to wall failure. Always use the material-specific density — not a generic "gravel" average — in structural calculations.
Price per Ton vs. Price per Cubic Yard
Suppliers sell gravel two ways: by the ton or by the cubic yard. Knowing the weight-to-volume relationship lets you compare quotes on an equal basis. If Supplier A charges $45 per ton of crushed stone and Supplier B charges $55 per cubic yard of the same product, the effective comparison is:
- Supplier A: $45/ton × 1.4 tons/yd³ = $63 per cubic yard
- Supplier B: $55 per cubic yard (better deal)
Without converting between weight and volume, you cannot make an accurate price comparison. Use the calculator above to bridge between tons and cubic yards for your specific gravel type.
Gravel Weight FAQ
A cubic yard of standard crushed stone (#57) weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 pounds). Pea gravel and river rock are slightly lighter at about 1.35 tons (2,700 pounds), while crushed limestone is heavier at 1.5 tons (3,000 pounds). The exact weight depends on the rock type, particle size, and moisture content at the time of weighing.
Yes. Wet gravel weighs 15–25% more than dry gravel because water fills the void spaces between particles. A cubic yard of crushed stone that weighs 2,800 lbs dry can weigh 3,200–3,500 lbs when saturated. Suppliers typically weigh material at the quarry as-is, so your actual per-ton volume may vary depending on recent weather. Ask your supplier whether they weigh wet or dry.
One cubic foot of gravel weighs 96–111 pounds, depending on the type. Pea gravel averages about 100 lbs per cubic foot, crushed stone is 104 lbs, and crushed limestone is 111 lbs. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, you can multiply the per-cubic-foot weight by 27 to get the per-cubic-yard weight.
A standard tandem-axle dump truck carries 10–14 tons of gravel, which is roughly 7–10 cubic yards of crushed stone. A single-axle dump truck holds 5–7 tons (3–5 cubic yards). Tri-axle trucks can handle 15–20 tons. The capacity depends on the truck's legal weight rating, bed volume, and local road weight restrictions.
Divide the weight in tons by the material density in tons per cubic yard. For example, 5 tons of crushed stone at 1.4 tons/yd³ equals 5 ÷ 1.4 = 3.57 cubic yards. Use our cubic yards to tons calculator for instant conversions with preset densities for common materials.
Gravel weight determines delivery logistics (truck capacity, number of loads, access road limits), project cost (many suppliers sell by the ton), and structural calculations (base layer compaction, retaining wall backfill pressure, sub-grade bearing capacity). Underestimating weight can lead to short deliveries and project delays. Overestimating wastes money on extra material and additional delivery fees.