How much gravel do I need?
A cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 1.35 to 1.4 tons. A 20 × 10 ft area 3 in deep holds 50 cu ft, or 1.85 cubic yards; with 10% extra for compaction, order about 2.04 cubic yards, which is 2.9 tons at 1.4 tons per yard.
Worked example: a 20 × 10 ft gravel pad
- Convert depth to feet: 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft.
- Volume: 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cu ft.
- Cubic yards: 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cu yd.
- Add 10% for compaction: 1.85 × 1.10 = 2.04 cu yd.
- Weight: 2.04 × 1.4 tons = 2.85 tons.
How much area does a yard or ton of gravel cover?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so the area it covers depends only on depth. Per ton, it also depends on the weight of the stone; the last column assumes 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
| Depth | One cubic yard covers | One ton covers |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 116 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 77 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 58 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | 39 sq ft |
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Weight depends on the stone, its size and its moisture. Angular crushed stone packs tighter and weighs more than rounded pea gravel.
| Material | Pounds per cubic yard | Tons per cubic yard | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 in coarse gravel | about 2,565 | 1.28 | Hunker |
| 3/8 in pea gravel | about 2,700 | 1.35 | Hunker |
| Crushed stone | 2,700–2,800 | 1.35–1.4 | Select Sand & Gravel |
| Crusher run or road base | up to 3,000 | up to 1.5 | Select Sand & Gravel |
How the calculator works
Volume (cu ft) = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = volume ÷ 27 × (1 + extra %)
Tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard
Loose gravel settles when it is spread and compacted, so the calculator adds 10% by default. Lower it for decorative stone that will not be compacted.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a yard of gravel?
Most gravel and crushed stone weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Crushed stone is typically 1.35 to 1.4 tons, pea gravel about 1.35 tons and crusher run up to 1.5 tons.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 3 inches deep, one ton of crushed stone at 1.4 tons per cubic yard covers about 77 square feet. At 2 inches deep it covers about 116 square feet.
Should I order gravel by the ton or by the yard?
Use whichever unit your supplier sells by. If they sell by the ton, ask for the weight per cubic yard of the exact stone and enter it in the calculator.
Why add extra gravel for compaction?
Spread gravel settles as it is tamped or driven on, so the finished layer is thinner than the loose layer. Adding about 10% keeps the final depth close to your target.
Sources
- Select Sand & Gravel, How Much Does a Yard of Crushed Stone Weigh?
- Hunker, How to Convert Yards to Tons in Gravel