Cubic yards to tons gravel conversion table
This table converts common cubic-yard quantities using 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a general planning example. The calculator above lets you choose a material starting point or enter the density for the exact gravel you plan to order.
| Cubic yards | Approx. tons | Approx. pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 1.4 | 2,800 |
| 2 yd³ | 2.8 | 5,600 |
| 3 yd³ | 4.2 | 8,400 |
| 4 yd³ | 5.6 | 11,200 |
| 5 yd³ | 7.0 | 14,000 |
| 6 yd³ | 8.4 | 16,800 |
| 8 yd³ | 11.2 | 22,400 |
| 10 yd³ | 14.0 | 28,000 |
Tons of gravel to cubic yards
Need the reverse conversion? At the same 1.4-ton-per-cubic-yard general planning density, divide tons by 1.4. Use the calculator above for a different material density.
| Tons | Approx. cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 1 tons | 0.71 yd³ |
| 2 tons | 1.43 yd³ |
| 3 tons | 2.14 yd³ |
| 5 tons | 3.57 yd³ |
| 10 tons | 7.14 yd³ |
How to convert cubic yards of gravel to tons
Tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard. For the reverse conversion, cubic yards = tons ÷ tons per cubic yard. Density is the key assumption because cubic yards measure volume while tons measure weight.
For example, 5 cubic yards at 1.4 tons per cubic yard is approximately 7 tons, or about 14,000 pounds. Ten cubic yards at the same planning density is approximately 14 tons.
Typical loose gravel and aggregate density starting points
The values below are rough planning starting points for loose material, not guaranteed specifications. Actual bulk density can change with geology, particle size, gradation, moisture and packing. Local quarry and landscape-supplier values should control a purchase estimate whenever they are available.
| Material | Typical loose planning density (tons/yd³) | Approx. lb/yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| #57 stone | ~1.40 | ~2,800 |
| Crushed stone | ~1.35 | ~2,700 |
| Pea gravel | ~1.35 | ~2,700 |
| River rock (1–3 in) | ~1.30 | ~2,600 |
| Crusher run / road base | ~1.40 | ~2,800 |
These values are intentionally approximate. Material names are not standardized density specifications, and compacted material can differ from loose delivered material. Sand is not assigned a single preset here because sand type, grading and moisture can materially change its bulk weight.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
Using 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a general planning example, one cubic yard is about 2,800 pounds. That is not a universal gravel weight. Crushed stone, #57 stone, pea gravel, river rock, crusher run and other aggregates can have different bulk densities, and moisture and packing can change delivered weight.
#57 gravel, crushed stone and pea gravel conversions
Do not assume every gravel product uses the same yards-to-tons factor. The material selector above provides a convenient starting value, but its density remains editable. If your quarry, landscape supplier or product data lists a weight per cubic yard or density, use that value for the final conversion.
Which number should I use when ordering?
Use cubic yards when a supplier sells aggregate by volume and tons when it sells by weight. If you measured a project in feet, first calculate the required cubic yards from length, width and depth. Then convert those yards to tons only when your supplier prices or delivers the material by weight. Keep any project waste or compaction allowance separate from the density conversion so the assumptions remain clear.
From project dimensions to an order quantity
Start with length × width to find project area, apply the planned gravel depth to calculate volume, then convert cubic yards to tons using the density for the material you will actually buy. Use the Gravel Calculator when you are starting from project dimensions, or the Pea Gravel Calculator for pea-gravel projects. For coverage examples and material guidance, see How Much Gravel Do I Need?.
Methodology and assumptions
This converter uses the standard relationship weight = volume × bulk density. PlanDIYBuild does not treat one gravel density as universally correct. The presets are loose-material planning defaults designed to make the calculator easier to start; the editable density is the controlling value. For a purchase decision, use the density or weight supplied for the exact material, quarry and moisture condition whenever available.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
A rough planning value is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for many common aggregates, but actual density varies by material, particle size, grading, moisture, packing and supplier.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the material density in tons per cubic yard. For example, 3 cubic yards at 1.4 tons per yard is about 4.2 tons.
How do I convert tons of gravel to cubic yards?
Divide tons by the material density in tons per cubic yard. For example, 4.2 tons divided by 1.4 tons per yard is about 3 cubic yards.
How much does one cubic yard of gravel weigh?
At the 1.4-ton planning example used in the general reference table, one cubic yard is about 2,800 pounds. Use the supplier weight for the exact aggregate when available.
Is #57 gravel always 1.4 tons per cubic yard?
No. #57 stone can vary by source, rock type, gradation, moisture and void space. Treat 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a planning starting point rather than a guaranteed product density.
Why does gravel density change the answer?
Cubic yards measure volume while tons measure weight. The same volume can weigh differently depending on rock type, particle size, grading, void space, moisture and packing, so density is required to convert between them.