How Much Does a Yard of Gravel Weigh?
Short answer: a cubic yard of dry gravel weighs about 2,835 lb (1.42 tons), based on 105 lb per cubic foot. Wet gravel weighs about 3,375 lb (1.69 tons) per cubic yard.
To work out tons, yards and bags for your driveway or path, use the gravel calculator. It also lets you enter your supplier’s exact figure.
Weight of a cubic yard
| Material | lb per cu ft | lb per cu yd | Tons per cu yd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel, dry | 105 | 2,835 | 1.42 |
| Gravel, wet | 125 | 3,375 | 1.69 |
| Sand, dry (for comparison) | 97 | 2,619 | 1.31 |
| Topsoil (for comparison) | 80 | 2,160 | 1.08 |
Densities from Engineering ToolBox. Weight per cubic yard = lb per cubic foot × 27.
Why gravel weights vary
- Moisture: wet gravel weighs about 20% more than dry.
- Stone type: dense crushed rock weighs more than lighter stone.
- Size and shape: a mix of sizes packs tighter (and weighs more per yard) than clean, single-size stone like pea gravel.
Quarries sell by the ton on a scale, so ask your supplier for their tons per yard for the exact product.
Can my truck carry a yard of gravel?
A cubic yard of dry gravel weighs around 2,800 lb, which is more than many half-ton pickups are rated to carry. Check the payload on your door sticker before you load up. Half a yard per trip is safer for most pickups.
Converting yards and tons
- Tons = cubic yards × 1.42 (dry gravel)
- Cubic yards = tons ÷ 1.42
For sand, soil, dirt and asphalt, see cubic yards to tons.
Common questions
How much does a half yard of gravel weigh?
About 1,420 lb dry.
How many yards of gravel are in a ton?
About 0.71 cubic yards of dry gravel.
How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh?
Close to other gravel, roughly 1.4 tons per yard dry, but it varies by quarry. Ask your supplier for their figure.