BuildMeter guide · Landscaping Materials
Gravel Weight per Cubic Yard and Cubic Metre
Use editable bulk density to convert gravel volume into approximate weight while accounting for stone size, moisture, compaction and supplier variation.
Direct answer
What to know first
There is no single universal gravel weight. Bulk weight changes with gradation, voids, moisture and compaction. For planning, multiply volume by a supplier- or test-based bulk density, then confirm the ordered tonnage with the quarry or landscape supplier.
Open Gravel CalculatorUse bulk density, not solid-rock density
A pile of gravel contains stone particles plus void spaces. The practical ordering value is loose or compacted bulk density, depending on how the supplier sells the material and how the calculator defines volume. Particle density alone will overstate the weight of a bulk pile.
| Assumed density | Weight of 1 yd³ | Equivalent density | Weight of 1 m³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 US ton/yd³ | 2,400 lb | about 1,424 kg/m³ | 1.42 t |
| 1.3 US ton/yd³ | 2,600 lb | about 1,543 kg/m³ | 1.54 t |
| 1.4 US ton/yd³ | 2,800 lb | about 1,661 kg/m³ | 1.66 t |
| 1.5 US ton/yd³ | 3,000 lb | about 1,780 kg/m³ | 1.78 t |
| 1.6 US ton/yd³ | 3,200 lb | about 1,898 kg/m³ | 1.90 t |
| 1.7 US ton/yd³ | 3,400 lb | about 2,017 kg/m³ | 2.02 t |
This is a conversion table for editable assumptions, not a claim that every gravel type falls within the range. Supplier scale tickets, quarry data or a measured bulk-density test should replace the planning value when available.
Why gravel weight changes
- Gradation: a mix of particle sizes can fill voids differently than uniform stone.
- Moisture: water on and between particles adds weight.
- Compaction: settled material occupies less volume than loose delivery.
- Particle shape: rounded gravel and angular crushed stone pack differently.
- Material composition: rock mineralogy changes particle density.
- Measurement method: truck volume, stockpile volume and compacted in-place volume are not always equivalent.
Worked example
A driveway layer requires 8.0 yd³ of compacted material. The estimator applies a 10% loose-volume allowance, giving 8.8 yd³. At an editable density of 1.4 US ton/yd³: 8.8 × 1.4 = 12.32 US tons. The supplier may round by truck capacity or sell by certified scale weight.
Volume before weight
For a rectangular layer, volume = length × width × compacted depth. Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27. For metric work, length × width × depth in metres directly produces cubic metres. Apply the appropriate compaction or loose-fill factor before multiplying by the matching density.
Truckload planning
| Entered truck capacity | Calculated loads | Available capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 8 US tons | 2 loads | 16 US tons |
| 10 US tons | 2 loads | 20 US tons |
| 12 US tons | 2 loads | 24 US tons |
| 15 US tons | 1 load | 15 US tons |
Legal payload, truck type, delivery access and supplier dispatch practices can reduce the usable capacity. A weight estimate does not authorize a vehicle load.
Common mistakes
- Using one universal “tons per yard” value for every aggregate.
- Multiplying compacted volume by a loose-delivery density without adjustment.
- Confusing a metric tonne with a U.S. short ton.
- Ignoring moisture and supplier minimum-load policies.
- Rounding truckloads down.
Use the calculators
Use the Gravel Calculator for volume, editable density and cost. Driveway-specific layers can be planned with the Gravel Driveway Calculator, while the Gravel Compaction Calculator compares loose and compacted quantities.
Sources and limitations
- USGS crushed stone statistics and information
- USGS construction sand and gravel information
- NIST SI units — volume
Aggregate suitability for drainage, base courses, concrete, landscaping or erosion control depends on gradation and project specifications—not only on weight.