How Much Does a Yard of Gravel Weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel usually weighs 2,400 to 3,000 pounds. Weight depends on stone type, moisture, and compaction. Knowing this helps you order the right amount and avoid waste.
The short answer
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds, or 1.2 to 1.5 tons. The exact weight depends on the rock type, whether the gravel is wet or dry, and how compacted it is. Dry, loose gravel is lighter; wet, packed gravel is heavier.
Key takeaways
- Weight range: A cubic yard of gravel weighs 2,400 to 3,000 pounds.
- Coverage: One cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at a 3-inch depth.
- Moisture factor: Wet gravel can weigh 200-400 pounds more per yard.
- Plan ahead: Always order 10-15% extra to account for compaction and settling.
Whether you are building a driveway, laying a patio base, or dressing a garden path, knowing the weight of a cubic yard of gravel keeps your project on track. Too little and you make extra trips; too much and you waste money. This guide gives you the numbers, formulas, and practical advice to order with confidence.
What does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
The weight of a cubic yard of gravel isn't a single number. It changes with the type of stone, how much moisture it holds, and whether it's loose or compacted. Dry gravel weighs less; wet or packed gravel weighs more. Use our gravel calculator to estimate weight for your specific needs.
- Typical dry weight ranges from 2,400 to 3,000 lb per cubic yard.
- Pea gravel is on the lighter end, around 2,600 lb per yard.
- Crushed stone averages 2,700 lb per yard.
- River rock and denser stones can reach 2,900 lb or more.
- Wet gravel can weigh 200 to 400 lb extra per yard.
How do I calculate gravel weight for my project?
Figuring out how much gravel you need starts with square footage and depth. Then you convert to cubic yards and multiply by the weight per yard for your stone. This hands-on method pairs perfectly with our gravel calculator.
- Measure the area length and width in feet; multiply for square feet.
- Decide on depth in inches (common: 2 to 4 inches for landscaping).
- Convert depth to feet by dividing inches by 12.
- Calculate volume in cubic feet: area × depth (ft).
- Divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
- Multiply by weight per cubic yard for your gravel type.
How much does a yard of gravel cost?
Gravel prices depend on stone type, whether you pick it up or have it delivered, and how much you order. Bulk delivery usually saves on large loads. As of April 2025, here are typical costs per cubic yard. Check our crushed stone calculator for precise estimates.
- Crushed stone: $35 to $60 per cubic yard.
- Pea gravel: $40 to $70 per cubic yard.
- River rock: $50 to $90 per cubic yard.
- Delivery fees often add $50 to $150 per trip.
- Buying in bulk (10+ yards) usually lowers the per-yard price.
What mistakes should I avoid when ordering gravel?
Ordering gravel by weight or volume trips up even seasoned DIYers. The biggest errors involve forgetting compaction or confusing tons with cubic yards. Before you finalize your order, review these pitfalls and use the gravel calculator to double-check.
- Forgetting compaction: Loose gravel settles and loses thickness; add 10 to 15% extra.
- Moisture surprise: Wet gravel adds weight; order by dry weight if possible.
- Mixing up tons and yards: A yard of gravel weighs over a ton, but they're not interchangeable.
- Underestimating depth: Going too shallow leads to thin spots and weeds.
- Ignoring delivery limits: A small truck might only hold 2 to 5 yards per trip.
What types of gravel are there and what do they weigh?
Not all gravel is the same. Stone type directly affects weight, cost, and best use. From lightweight lava rock to dense bank gravel, each has a place. Compare weights and learn when to use pea gravel or crushed stone.
- Pea gravel: Small, smooth; ~2,600 lb/yard; good for paths and playgrounds.
- Crushed stone: Angular, locks together; ~2,700 lb/yard; best for driveways and bases.
- River rock: Larger, rounded; ~2,800 lb/yard; decorative, drains well.
- Bank gravel: Pit run with sand/clay; ~2,900 lb/yard; used as fill.
- Lava rock: Lightweight, porous; ~1,500 lb/yard; decorative ground cover.
Should I buy gravel by the yard myself or hire a professional?
Moving a ton of gravel is heavy work. Small patches are DIY-friendly, but a whole driveway demands muscle or a machine. If you're unsure, talk to a local contractor and run your numbers through the gravel calculator.
- DIY is doable for paths, small beds, or one-yard touch-ups.
- Rent a compactor if you're doing a base layer to avoid settlement.
- Call a pro for large areas, steep slopes, or if you need equipment.
- Pros handle delivery, spreading, and grading, saving you days of labor.
- Cost comparison: DIY saves labor costs but may require tool rental.
| Gravel Type | Weight per yd³ | Typical Cost per yd³ (April 2025) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 2,600 lb | $40–$70 | Paths, playgrounds |
| Crushed Stone | 2,700 lb | $35–$60 | Driveways, paver bases |
| River Rock | 2,800 lb | $50–$90 | Decorative, drainage |
| Bank Gravel | 2,900 lb | $20–$40 | Fill, sub-base |
| Lava Rock | 1,500 lb | $80–$120 | Lightweight decorative cover |
Questions this page answers
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
One cubic yard of gravel typically weighs 1.2 to 1.5 tons. Since a ton is 2,000 pounds, divide the weight per yard by 2,000. For example, 2,700 lb/yard equals 1.35 tons.
Does wet gravel weigh more?
Yes, water adds weight. Saturated gravel can weigh 200 to 400 pounds more per cubic yard. If you order by weight, the seller may account for moisture, but ask if the quoted weight is for dry or wet material.
How much area does a yard of gravel cover?
At a 3-inch depth, one cubic yard covers about 100 square feet. At 2 inches it covers 160 sq ft; at 4 inches it covers 80 sq ft. Use our gravel calculator for other depths.
How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh?
Pea gravel weighs roughly 2,600 pounds per cubic yard when dry, or about 1.3 tons. It is slightly lighter than crushed stone because of its rounded shape and smaller voids.
Can I buy gravel by weight instead of volume?
Yes, many suppliers sell by the ton. This can be more accurate because you pay for the actual material, not air space. Make sure you know the loose density of the stone you’re buying to convert between volume and weight.
How much does a truckload of gravel weigh?
A full-size dump truck carries 10 to 14 cubic yards, which weighs 25,000 to 40,000 pounds or 12.5 to 20 tons. Smaller trucks may carry 5 yards (12,000 to 15,000 lb). Always confirm the truck’s capacity.
What’s the difference between crushed stone and gravel weight?
Crushed stone is angular and packs tightly, so it weighs about 2,700 lb/yard. Natural gravels like pea gravel or river rock have rounder shapes and slightly more air voids, often weighing 100 to 200 lb less per yard.
How do I keep gravel from sinking into mud?
A compacted base of larger stone (like #3 or crusher run) 4 to 6 inches deep prevents sinking. Without a base, gravel will mix with soil over time and lose thickness. Always include a base layer in your estimate.
So, how much does a yard of gravel weigh? Plan on 2,400 to 3,000 pounds, with 2,700 pounds as a solid average for dry material. Use the Yard & Bag gravel calculator to estimate exactly how much you’ll need for your next project.