Gravel Calculator · Practical guide
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Gravel Weigh?
About 2,800 pounds for standard gravel — and up to 3,000 for crushed stone, which matters for trailers and orders.
At a glance
The Short Answer
One cubic yard of standard gravel weighs about 2,800 pounds (1.4 tons). Pea gravel is lighter at roughly 2,600 lb (1.3 tons) per yard, and crushed stone heavier at around 3,000 lb (1.5 tons) per yard.
Interactive tool
Gravel Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Gravel Estimate
Add 5-10% extra to account for compaction and uneven coverage.
Weight by Material
| Material | Tons per Cubic Yard | Pounds per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.3 | ~2,600 lb |
| Standard gravel | 1.4 | ~2,800 lb |
| Crushed stone | 1.5 | ~3,000 lb |
These are the same densities the calculator above applies when you pick a material type.
Why the Weight Matters
- Delivery: a standard dump truck hauls 10-14 tons, so 10 cubic yards of crushed stone (15 tons) needs two trips or a larger truck.
- DIY hauling: a half-ton pickup safely carries roughly half a yard of gravel — about 1,400 lb — not the two yards its bed could physically hold.
- Pricing: when one supplier quotes tons and another quotes yards, the per-yard weight is the bridge between the two prices.
Moisture Changes the Number
Freshly washed or rain-soaked gravel can weigh 10-20% more than dry material. If you buy by the ton after a storm, you receive slightly less rock; buying by the cubic yard keeps volume consistent regardless of weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic foot of gravel weigh?
Divide the per-yard figure by 27: standard gravel runs about 100-105 lb per cubic foot. A five-gallon bucket of gravel (about 0.67 cubic feet) weighs roughly 70 lb.
Can my pickup truck carry a yard of gravel?
Usually not safely. A full-size half-ton truck tops out around 1,500-2,000 lb of payload including passengers, so half a yard is the practical limit per trip.
Is crushed stone heavier than gravel?
Slightly. Crushed stone runs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard versus 1.4 for rounded gravel, because angular pieces pack more tightly with fewer air voids.
How many wheelbarrows are in a cubic yard?
A standard 6-cubic-foot contractor wheelbarrow holds about 1/4 of a cubic yard per heaping load, so one yard takes roughly 4 to 5 trips — and 2,800 lb of pushing.