How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons, or 2,800 pounds, when dry. Most types fall between 1.3 and 1.5 tons per yard: stone with fines packs heavier, large rounded rock lighter. Wet gravel weighs 10 to 15 percent more.
Gravel weight per cubic yard by type
| Material | Pounds per yd³ | Tons per yd³ | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 2,600–3,000 | 1.3–1.5 | Pea gravel calculator |
| Clean crushed stone (#57 and similar) | 2,700–2,800 | 1.35–1.4 | – |
| Crusher run, road base | About 3,000 | About 1.5 | – |
| River rock, 1–3 in | 2,800–3,000 | 1.4–1.5 | River rock calculator |
| River rock, 3–5 in | 2,400–2,600 | 1.2–1.3 | River rock calculator |
| Decomposed granite | About 2,700 | About 1.35 | – |
| Beach pebble | About 2,600 | About 1.3 | – |
| Rip rap | 2,800–3,200 | 1.4–1.6 | Rip rap calculator |
| Topsoil, dry | 2,100–2,300 | About 1.1 | Topsoil calculator |
Figures are typical dry weights from suppliers listed in the sources. The same material can vary by quarry and rock type, so ask your supplier for their number when you order by the ton.
Why gravel weights differ
- Fines. Crusher run and road base include stone dust that fills the gaps, so a yard holds more rock and weighs more than washed stone.
- Size and shape. Large rounded stones leave bigger voids than small angular ones, so 3 to 5 inch river rock weighs less per yard than 1 inch rock.
- Moisture. Rain or washing adds water weight, about 10 to 15 percent.
- Rock type. Some rock is denser than others, so the same size of stone can weigh more from one quarry than another.
How to convert yards to tons
Tons = cubic yards × tons per yard. To go the other way, cubic yards = tons ÷ tons per yard. At 1.4 tons per yard:
| Cubic yards | Pounds | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 2,800 lb | 1.4 tons |
| 2 yd³ | 5,600 lb | 2.8 tons |
| 3 yd³ | 8,400 lb | 4.2 tons |
| 5 yd³ | 14,000 lb | 7.0 tons |
| 10 yd³ | 28,000 lb | 14.0 tons |
Not sure how many yards you need? Measure the area and depth, then use the pea gravel calculator or the river rock calculator; both show tons as well as yards.
How much gravel fits in a truck?
| Truck | Typical load | Gravel at 1.4 t/yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Single-axle dump truck | About 6 yd³ | About 8.4 tons |
| Tandem-axle dump truck | 12–14 yd³ | 17–20 tons |
Dense loads can reach a truck's weight limit before the bed is full, so ask your supplier how many yards they carry per trip. The fill dirt calculator counts truckloads for you.
Questions about gravel weight
How many tons are in a yard of gravel?
About 1.4 tons for most gravel. Crushed stone with fines (crusher run, road base) is closer to 1.5 tons, and large river rock about 1.2 to 1.3.
How many yards are in a ton of gravel?
Divide 1 by the weight per yard. At 1.4 tons per yard, a ton is about 0.71 cubic yards, or 19 cubic feet.
Does wet gravel weigh more?
Yes. Moisture can add 10 to 15 percent to the weight of a load, which matters if your supplier sells by the ton.
How much gravel can a pickup carry?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs around 2,800 lb. Compare that with the payload rating on your truck's door sticker before loading, and split the load if it is over.
Sources
- Pea gravel about 1.4 tons, crushed rock and road base about 1.5, decomposed granite about 1.35, beach pebble about 1.3, dry topsoil about 1.1 tons per cubic yard; moisture adds 10 to 15 percent: Select Sand & Gravel, How Much Does a Yard of Landscape Rock Weigh?
- Clean crushed stone about 1.35 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard; crusher run up to 1.5: Select Sand & Gravel, How Much Does a Yard of Crushed Stone Weigh?
- River rock 1.2 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard by size: Mulch Mound, How Many Tons of River Rock Do You Need?
- Pea gravel 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard: Roseville Landscape Material Supply, 3/8" pea gravel; Mulch Mound, pea gravel FAQ
- Rip rap 1.4 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard: Texas Erosion Supply, rip rap guide
- Dump truck capacities: TxDOT Stockpile Manual, haul truck size
Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Found a wrong figure? Tell us.