5 Yards of Gravel Weight: Tons Explained

Five yards of gravel weighs about 6.5 to 7.5 tons, depending on the gravel type and moisture. For most landscaping and construction projects, you can plan on 1 cubic yard of gravel weighing roughly 1.4 tons (2,800 pounds). This article explains the math, the variables, and how to convert between yards and tons for your specific project.

Formula

The basic formula to convert cubic yards of gravel to tons is:

Weight (tons) = Volume (cubic yards) × Density (pounds per cubic yard) ÷ 2,000

Where:

• Volume is the amount of gravel you need, measured in cubic yards (yd³).
• Density is how heavy one cubic yard of the specific gravel is, measured in pounds per cubic yard (lb/yd³).
• 2,000 is the number of pounds in one US ton (also called a short ton).

For example, if you have 5 cubic yards of gravel with a density of 2,800 lb/yd³, the calculation is: (5 × 2,800) ÷ 2,000 = 7 tons.

Worked Example

Let’s use the default values from the calculator above: 5 cubic yards of gravel with a density of 2,800 lb/yd³.

1. Multiply the volume by the density: 5 × 2,800 = 14,000 pounds.
2. Divide the total weight by 2,000 (pounds per ton): 14,000 ÷ 2,000 = 7 tons.

So, 5 yards of gravel weighs exactly 7 tons in this example. The calculator above gives the same result: 7.0 tons.

Why Gravel Weight Varies

Gravel is not a single uniform material. The weight per cubic yard can range from about 2,400 pounds (1.2 tons) for loose, dry sand and gravel to over 3,000 pounds (1.5 tons) for wet, dense crushed stone. Here are the main factors that affect density:

• Particle size and shape: Crushed stone with angular edges packs more tightly than smooth, rounded pea gravel, so it weighs more per cubic yard.
• Moisture content: Wet gravel can weigh 10–15% more than dry gravel because water fills the spaces between particles.
• Rock type: Granite and basalt are heavier than limestone or sandstone. A cubic yard of granite gravel might weigh 2,900 pounds, while the same volume of limestone gravel might weigh 2,600 pounds.
• Compaction: Loose gravel that has just been dumped has more air spaces than gravel that has been compacted with a roller. Compacted gravel can weigh 5–10% more per cubic yard.

For most projects, suppliers use an average density of about 2,800 lb/yd³ (1.4 tons per cubic yard). This is a safe middle ground for estimating.

How to Estimate Your Gravel Needs

Before you can convert to tons, you need to know how many cubic yards your project requires. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:

1. Measure the area: For a rectangular space, multiply length × width to get the square footage. For a circular area, use π × radius².
2. Determine the depth: Common depths are 2–3 inches for a walkway, 4–6 inches for a driveway, and 8–12 inches for a French drain or base layer.
3. Convert depth to feet: Divide the depth in inches by 12. For example, 3 inches = 0.25 feet.
4. Calculate cubic feet: Multiply area (sq ft) × depth (ft) to get cubic feet.
5. Convert to cubic yards: Divide cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
6. Convert to tons: Multiply cubic yards by the density (usually 1.4 tons per cubic yard).

Example: A 10 ft × 20 ft driveway with 4 inches of gravel: 10 × 20 = 200 sq ft; 4 inches = 0.33 ft; 200 × 0.33 = 66 cubic feet; 66 ÷ 27 = 2.44 cubic yards; 2.44 × 1.4 = 3.42 tons. So you’d need about 3.5 tons of gravel.

Common Mistakes When Ordering Gravel

Even experienced DIYers make these errors when calculating gravel weight:

• Mixing up tons and cubic yards: A ton is a weight, a cubic yard is a volume. They are not interchangeable. Always convert using the density.
• Using the wrong ton: In the US, a ton is 2,000 pounds (short ton). In the UK and some other countries, a ton (imperial ton) is 2,240 pounds. If you order from a supplier that uses metric tons (1,000 kg = 2,204.6 lbs), the conversion changes.
• Ignoring moisture: If the gravel has been sitting in rain, it will weigh more. Ordering by weight when the gravel is wet can mean you get less volume than expected.
• Rounding too early: If you round 2.44 cubic yards to 2, you’ll be short. Always round up to the nearest half yard when ordering.
• Not accounting for compaction: If you need a final depth of 4 inches, you may need to order 5–6 inches of loose gravel because it compacts down.

Gravel Types and Their Approximate Weights

Here are typical densities for common gravel types (per cubic yard, dry):

• Pea gravel (small, smooth, rounded): 2,400–2,700 lb (1.2–1.35 tons)
• Crushed stone #57 (about 1 inch, angular): 2,700–2,900 lb (1.35–1.45 tons)
• Crushed stone #3 (larger, 1–2 inches): 2,700–2,900 lb (1.35–1.45 tons)
• Bank gravel (natural mix of sand and stone): 2,800–3,000 lb (1.4–1.5 tons)
• Limestone gravel: 2,500–2,800 lb (1.25–1.4 tons)
• Granite gravel: 2,800–3,000 lb (1.4–1.5 tons)

These are dry weights. Wet gravel can add 10–15% more weight. When in doubt, ask your supplier for the specific density of the gravel you’re ordering.

Why the Calculator Helps

This calculator lets you adjust the density to match your specific gravel type. Instead of using the default 2,800 lb/yd³, you can enter 2,500 for pea gravel or 3,000 for bank gravel. The result updates instantly, giving you a more accurate estimate for your project. Remember that this is an estimate—the actual weight delivered can vary slightly due to moisture and compaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons is 5 yards of pea gravel?

Pea gravel has a density of about 2,400–2,700 pounds per cubic yard. For 5 cubic yards, that’s 12,000–13,500 pounds, or 6.0–6.75 tons. Use the calculator with a density of 2,500 to get a typical estimate of 6.25 tons.

How many yards are in a ton of gravel?

One ton of gravel is roughly 0.7 cubic yards, assuming an average density of 2,800 lb/yd³. To convert tons to yards, divide the weight in tons by the density in tons per yard (e.g., 1 ton ÷ 1.4 tons/yard = 0.71 yards).

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh in pounds?

A cubic yard of dry gravel typically weighs between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds, depending on the type and moisture. The most common estimate used by suppliers is 2,800 pounds (1.4 tons).

Do I order gravel by weight or by volume?

Most gravel suppliers sell by the cubic yard (volume) when delivered loose, but by the ton (weight) when sold in bags or by truckload. When ordering, always clarify whether the price is per yard or per ton, and know the density to compare prices fairly.

How many tons of gravel do I need for a 100-foot driveway?

Assuming a driveway that is 10 feet wide and 4 inches deep, you need about 100 × 10 × (4/12) = 333 cubic feet, which is 12.3 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per yard, that’s about 17.2 tons. For a more precise figure, measure your exact dimensions and use the calculator.

Can I use the same calculator for sand or mulch?

No, because sand and mulch have different densities. Sand is heavier (about 1.6 tons per cubic yard), while mulch is much lighter (about 0.5 tons per cubic yard). The calculator works for any material if you enter the correct density, but the default is set for gravel.

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in yds | Volume (cubic yards) | yd³ | 5 | 0
in dens | Gravel density (lb/yd³) | lb/yd³ | 2800 | 0
out tons | Weight (US tons) | tons | (yds * dens) / 2000 | 1