Gravel is measured by volume (cubic yards) but often sold by weight (tons). Knowing how many tons are in a yard of gravel lets you turn a measurement into an order and compare suppliers who price it differently.
Weight of a cubic yard by material
The weight of a cubic yard of gravel depends on the stone size, the type of rock and how wet it is. Here is how much a yard of gravel and similar materials weigh:
| Material | Pounds per cubic yard | Tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel (1/4–2 in) | 2,800–3,400 | 1.4–1.7 |
| Pea gravel | 2,500–3,000 | 1.25–1.5 |
| Rock (2–6 in) | 2,200–2,800 | 1.1–1.4 |
| Sand, dry | 2,600–3,000 | 1.3–1.5 |
| Sand, wet | 3,000–3,400 | 1.5–1.7 |
| Topsoil, dry | 2,000–2,600 | 1.0–1.3 |
| Topsoil, wet | 3,000–3,400 | 1.5–1.7 |
| Riprap | 3,400–4,000 | 1.7–2.0 |
Source: Inch Calculator (Apr 2026). Wet material weighs more. Ask your supplier for the exact weight of their stone.
Notice how much the wet rows climb. Wet sand and wet topsoil reach the same weight as the heaviest dry gravel, so if you are buying by the ton after a week of rain, part of what you pay for is water.
How to convert yards to tons
Converting gravel yards to tons, or back again, takes one multiplication or division:
Cubic yards × 1.4 = tons
Tons ÷ 1.4 = cubic yardsUse 1.4 for a quick estimate (HomeGuide); use your stone’s figure from the table above for a closer one. For example, pea gravel at the low end of its range weighs less per yard than general gravel, so the same volume gives fewer tons.
Yards to tons chart
A yard to ton gravel chart at 1.4 tons per cubic yard:
| Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.4 |
| 2 | 2.8 |
| 3 | 4.2 |
| 5 | 7.0 |
| 10 | 14.0 |
| 15 | 21.0 |
| 20 | 28.0 |
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard (HomeGuide).
When you place an order, round your total up rather than down. Running short means a second delivery, while a little extra is easy to spread on a path or bed.
Tons to yards chart
If your supplier quotes by the ton, this shows the volume you will get:
| Tons | Cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.71 |
| 5 | 3.57 |
| 10 | 7.14 |
| 15 | 10.71 |
| 20 | 14.29 |
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard (HomeGuide).
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel covers about 80–100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 40–50 sq ft at 4 inches, 25–35 sq ft at 6 inches and 12–18 sq ft at 12 inches (HomeGuide). The deeper you spread gravel, the less ground each ton covers, so check your depth before you order.
| Depth | Area per ton |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 80–100 sq ft |
| 4 in | 40–50 sq ft |
| 6 in | 25–35 sq ft |
| 12 in | 12–18 sq ft |
Source: HomeGuide.
Why suppliers sell by the ton or by the yard
Some suppliers price by weight (ton), others by volume (cubic yard). To compare, convert one to the other with about 1.4 tons per yard. Gravel typically costs $10–$50 per ton or $15–$75 per cubic yard (HomeGuide).
Whichever way you buy, work out the volume first. Measure length, width and depth, convert to cubic yards, then use the charts above. The gravel calculator does every step for you.
Not sure how much you need?The gravel calculator gives cubic yards and tons for your area →Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a yard of gravel?
About 1.4–1.7 tons; 1.4 is a good quick estimate.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh in pounds?
About 2,800–3,400 lb (Inch Calculator).
How many yards is 10 tons of gravel?
About 7.1 cubic yards at 1.4 tons per yard.
How many tons is 5 yards of gravel?
About 7 tons at 1.4 tons per yard.
Does pea gravel weigh less than crushed stone?
Usually a bit: pea gravel is about 1.25–1.5 tons per yard versus 1.4–1.7 for general gravel (Inch Calculator).
Sources
- Inch Calculator — Gravel Calculator, density tables (updated Apr 30, 2026)
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Crushed Stone or Gravel Cost? (Dec 19, 2025)
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