How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
One cubic yard of loose, dry gravel weighs approximately 2,700 to 2,800 lb. This is 1.35 to 1.40 US tons.
Wet or compacted gravel can weigh more. Use supplier data for a vehicle load or a final order.
| Condition | Weight | US tons | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry, uniformly graded, loose | 2,700 lb | 1.35 | 1,225 kg |
| Dry, average gradation, loose | 2,730 lb | 1.37 | 1,238 kg |
| Dry, well graded, loose | 2,770 lb | 1.39 | 1,256 kg |
| Wet, average gradation, loose | 3,290 lb | 1.65 | 1,492 kg |
| Dry, average gradation, compacted | 3,570 lb | 1.79 | 1,619 kg |
These are FHWA planning values. Product data and scale tickets can give different values.
Calculate gravel weight
Multiply the cubic-yard quantity by the gravel density in pounds per cubic yard.
Weight (lb) = volume (yd³) × density (lb/yd³)
For example, 3 yd³ of loose, dry gravel at 2,730 lb/yd³ weighs 8,190 lb. Divide by 2,000 to get 4.10 US tons.
Use the dirt calculator. For one loose cubic yard, enter 9 ft by 9 ft at a depth of 4 in. Set settlement loss and overage to 0. Select the specified-density option and enter 2,730 lb/yd³ or the supplier value.
Moisture, grading, and compaction
- Water adds weight to the load.
- Gradation is the range of particle sizes. Small particles fill spaces between large particles.
- Compaction decreases the air space in the gravel.
- The rock type also changes the material density.
Can a pickup carry one yard of gravel?
Compare the gravel weight with the available payload of the vehicle. One loose, dry yard can weigh approximately 2,730 lb.
Find the payload data on the vehicle label and in the vehicle manual. Subtract people, tools, accessories, and trailer tongue weight.
Do not use the bed volume as the load limit. Use delivery when the gravel weight is more than the available payload.
Published gravel density values
The FHWA earthwork design table gives values for dry gravel, wet gravel, loose gravel, and compacted gravel.
The Los Angeles County conversion table uses 2,632.5 lb for one cubic yard of stone or gravel. These sources show why one value does not apply to all gravel.
Use the supplier value
Ask the supplier for the weight per cubic yard of the specified product. Also ask if the value is for wet or dry material.
Use the scale ticket for transport decisions. Use the published values only for an initial estimate.
Important information
- A yard of gravel means one cubic yard, or 27 cubic feet.
- One US ton is 2,000 lb.
- Do not overload a vehicle or trailer.