Supply MathTypical weight per cubic yard
| Material | Tons per yd³ (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Crushed stone (#57) | 1.5 |
| Pea gravel | 1.4 |
| River rock | 1.4 |
| Road base / crusher run | 1.6 |
| Sand | 1.35 |
Crushed stone for common areas at 3 inches (+10%)
| Area | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 1.02 | 1.53 |
| 200 sq ft | 2.04 | 3.06 |
| 500 sq ft | 5.09 | 7.64 |
| 1000 sq ft | 10.19 | 15.28 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Multiply length × width (ft) to get the area, multiply by depth in feet (inches ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the tons per yard for your stone (about 1.4–1.5 for most gravel).
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?
Roughly 1.4 tons for pea gravel and 1.5 tons for #57 crushed stone. Road base is heavier (about 1.6). Wet material weighs more; ask your supplier.
How deep should gravel be?
About 2–3 inches for paths and decorative beds, 4 inches as a base under patios and slabs, and 4–6+ inches (often in layers) for driveways.