Unit Conversion & Lookup Matrix
Gravel Cubic Yards to Tons Converter
Convert volume in cubic yards to total weight in US tons for quarry ordering and truck capacity checks.
📐 Mathematical Conversion Formula:
Tons = (Cubic Yards × Material Density in lbs/cu yd) ÷ 2,000 lbs Reference Conversion Table & Examples
Calculations are based on standard quarry aggregate testing weights at ambient moisture levels.
| Volume in Cubic Yards | Aggregate Preset | Total Weight (Tons) | Equivalent Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Yard | Pea Gravel (2,800 lbs/yd³) | 1.4 Tons | 1 cu yd = 1.40 tons (2,800 lbs) |
| 3 Yards | Crushed Stone #57 (2,700 lbs/yd³) | 4.05 Tons | 3 cu yds = 4.05 tons (8,100 lbs) |
| 5 Yards | Crusher Run (3,000 lbs/yd³) | 7.5 Tons | 5 cu yds = 7.50 tons (15,000 lbs) |
| 10 Yards | River Rock (2,600 lbs/yd³) | 13 Tons | 10 cu yds = 13.00 tons (26,000 lbs) |
Standard Density Factors by Aggregate Type
Use these verified density constants to perform custom volume-to-weight conversions:
| Aggregate Material | Density (lbs/cu yd) | Tons per Cu Yd | Tons to Yds Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel (3/8") | 2800 lbs/yd³ | 1.4 t/yd³ | 0.71 yds/ton |
| Crushed Stone #57 (1/2" - 1") | 2700 lbs/yd³ | 1.35 t/yd³ | 0.74 yds/ton |
| Crusher Run / Dense Grade (DGA) | 3000 lbs/yd³ | 1.5 t/yd³ | 0.67 yds/ton |
| River Rock (1" - 3") | 2600 lbs/yd³ | 1.3 t/yd³ | 0.77 yds/ton |
| Decomposed Granite (DG) | 3000 lbs/yd³ | 1.5 t/yd³ | 0.67 yds/ton |
| Drain Rock / Drainage Gravel (1" - 1.5") | 2600 lbs/yd³ | 1.3 t/yd³ | 0.77 yds/ton |
| Lava Rock (Red / Black) | 1200 lbs/yd³ | 0.6 t/yd³ | 1.67 yds/ton |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel Yards to Tons Converter
How many tons is 1 yard of gravel?
One cubic yard of typical landscaping gravel weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 tons (2,600 to 3,000 lbs).
Can a standard pickup truck carry 1 cubic yard of gravel?
A standard half-ton pickup truck (e.g. Ford F-150, payload ~1,500-2,000 lbs) CANNOT safely carry 1 full yard of gravel (2,800 lbs) in one load without exceeding suspension limits. A 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck is recommended.
Missing a Stone Type or Have Feedback?
We update density presets and formulas regularly based on local quarry feedback.