How Many Tons in a Cubic Yard of Gravel?
As a standard industry rule of thumb, 1 cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 pounds). Depending on the stone aggregate type, moisture, and compaction, the range typically spans from 1.30 to 1.50 tons per cubic yard.
Instant Yards to Tons Calculator
Select your aggregate type and enter your cubic yards to calculate exact weight in tons and pounds:
Cubic Yards to Tons Quick Reference Chart
Estimated tonnage across common stone types based on cubic yards ordered:
| Cubic Yards (yd³) | Crushed Stone #57 (1.35 t/yd) | Pea Gravel (1.40 t/yd) | Crusher Run / DGA (1.50 t/yd) | River Rock (1.30 t/yd) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cu yd | 1.35 Tons | 1.40 Tons | 1.50 Tons | 1.30 Tons |
| 2 cu yd | 2.70 Tons | 2.80 Tons | 3.00 Tons | 2.60 Tons |
| 3 cu yd | 4.05 Tons | 4.20 Tons | 4.50 Tons | 3.90 Tons |
| 4 cu yd | 5.40 Tons | 5.60 Tons | 6.00 Tons | 5.20 Tons |
| 5 cu yd | 6.75 Tons | 7.00 Tons | 7.50 Tons | 6.50 Tons |
| 6 cu yd | 8.10 Tons | 8.40 Tons | 9.00 Tons | 7.80 Tons |
| 8 cu yd | 10.80 Tons | 11.20 Tons | 12.00 Tons | 10.40 Tons |
| 10 cu yd | 13.50 Tons | 14.00 Tons | 15.00 Tons | 13.00 Tons |
| 12 cu yd | 16.20 Tons | 16.80 Tons | 18.00 Tons | 15.60 Tons |
| 15 cu yd | 20.25 Tons | 21.00 Tons | 22.50 Tons | 19.50 Tons |
| 20 cu yd | 27.00 Tons | 28.00 Tons | 30.00 Tons | 26.00 Tons |
Understanding Aggregate Density Differences
Crushed Stone (#57 Clean)
Common base and drainage stone (clean blue stone / granite / limestone)
Pea Gravel (Round 3/8")
Smooth decorative stone for walkways, patios, and dog runs
Crusher Run / Dense Grade (DGA)
Crushed stone mixed with stone dust, compacts extremely hard for driveways
River Rock / Round Aggregate
Smooth river stones for gardens, dry creek beds, and water features
Decomposed Granite (DG)
Natural fines packing tightly for rustic paths and xeriscaping
Red / Black Lava Rock
Porous volcanic rock, approx 50% lighter than standard stone
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons is 1 cubic yard of gravel on average?
On average, 1 cubic yard of standard landscaping and construction gravel weighs between 1.35 and 1.5 US tons (approximately 2,700 to 3,000 pounds). The most common rule of thumb used by quarries is 1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,800 lbs).
How many cubic yards of gravel can a standard pickup truck carry?
A standard half-ton pickup (such as a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500) has a typical bed payload capacity of 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. Because 1 cubic yard of gravel weighs 2,700 to 3,000 lbs, it will overload a half-ton truck. A half-ton truck can safely carry about 0.5 to 0.6 cubic yards. You need a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup (F-250/350) to carry 1 full cubic yard safely.
Why does gravel weight per cubic yard vary?
Weight varies primarily due to three factors: mineral composition (granite, limestone, quartz, or volcanic basalt), moisture content (gravel soaked in rainwater weighs 10% to 15% more than dry stone), and compaction/aggregate sizing (crusher run with fine stone dust packs much denser than clean washed round stone).
How many 50 lb bags equal 1 cubic yard of gravel?
Because 1 cubic yard weighs approximately 2,700 to 2,800 lbs, it requires 54 to 56 bags of 50 lb gravel to make up 1 cubic yard. If using 0.5 cubic foot bags, it takes exactly 54 bags (27 cu ft ÷ 0.5 cu ft = 54 bags).
Missing a Stone Type or Have Feedback?
We update density presets and formulas regularly based on local quarry feedback.