Gravel Calculator Guide: Cubic Yards vs Tons
Some suppliers sell gravel by the yard, others by the ton. Here's how to convert between them and order the right amount every time.
Gravel is the one landscaping material where you'll routinely see both units on the same quote. One quarry sells by the ton. The landscape yard next door sells by the cubic yard. Same product, different unit.
Understanding the relationship between the two — and how gravel density varies by product — is the difference between a driveway you spread once and one you keep topping up every spring.
The core relationship
Cubic yards measure volume. Tons measure weight. To move between them, you need density.
- 1 cubic yard of gravel ≈ 1.35–1.5 tons for most crushed stone products.
- Weight × 1 = tons. Volume × density = tons.
- Volume ÷ density = cubic yards.
| Product | Approx tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.4 |
| Crushed stone 3/4" | 1.4 |
| Road base / crusher run | 1.5 |
| Drain rock (clean, washed) | 1.35 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.4 |
| River rock | 1.3 |
How suppliers sell gravel
Rule of thumb: quarries and aggregate yards sell by the ton because their scales are certified for road weight. Landscape yards sell by the cubic yard because that's how their dump trucks are measured.
How much gravel do you need?
Every gravel job is length × width × depth ÷ 27. The tricky part is picking the depth.
| Use | Depth |
|---|---|
| Walkway | 2–3 inches over 2 inches base |
| Residential driveway | 4 inches over 4 inches road base |
| Heavy vehicle / RV driveway | 6 inches over 6–8 inches road base |
| Drainage layer / French drain | Fill trench full |
| Decorative ground cover | 2–3 inches |
Trucks, deliveries, and weight limits
Gravel is dense enough that weight, not volume, governs most truck deliveries.
- Pickup truck (half-ton rated): 1 cubic yard maximum — usually less than one ton legally.
- Single-axle dump: 10–14 cubic yards but limited to ~10 tons on many roads.
- Tri-axle dump: 15–20 tons legal payload.
Ordering worksheet
- Measure length and width in feet.
- Pick your depth (in inches) and divide by 12.
- Multiply length × width × depth for cubic feet.
- Divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add 10% for compaction and spread waste.
- Multiply by density (see table above) if your supplier sells by the ton.
Frequently asked questions
- How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
- About 1.4 tons for most crushed stone products. River rock is a bit lighter (~1.3 tons); road base is denser (~1.5 tons).
- Should I order gravel by yards or tons?
- Match your supplier's default. Cubic yards are easier to visualize; tons are more precise for pricing. Ask for both units on the quote.
- How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
- A 12x40 ft driveway at 4 inches deep = 480 sq ft × 0.33 ft = 158 cu ft = 5.9 cubic yards. Add 10% and order 6.5 yards.
- Do I need a base under gravel?
- Yes — 3–6 inches of crushed road base under the finish gravel prevents rutting and settling.
Summary
Cubic yards and tons describe the same pile from two angles. Multiply cubic yards by 1.3–1.5 to get tons; divide tons by that same factor to get yards. Above all, match your supplier's unit and add 10% for compaction.
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These results are estimates only. Confirm quantities, compaction, waste, and delivery requirements with your supplier or project professional before ordering materials.