How much does a yard of gravel weigh?

A cubic yard of dry gravel weighs about 2,800 pounds — roughly 1.4 US tons — and wet gravel can reach 3,200 lb. Sand runs ~2,700 lb per yard, crushed stone 2,700–3,000 lb, and screened topsoil 2,000–2,200 lb. One yard is what a standard pickup can carry only as a half load.

Material	Per cubic yard	Per m³
Gravel, dry	~2,800 lb (1.4 t)	1,500–1,700 kg
Gravel, wet	~3,200 lb	1,800–1,900 kg
Crushed stone	2,700–3,000 lb	1,350–1,600 kg
Sand, dry	~2,700 lb	1,500–1,600 kg
Sand, wet	~3,200 lb	1,800–1,900 kg
Topsoil, screened	2,000–2,200 lb	1,100–1,300 kg
Concrete (solid)	~4,050 lb	2,400 kg
Mulch, wood	400–800 lb	250–450 kg

Why moisture and compaction change everything

The same yard of material can differ by 400–500 lb depending on moisture — rain-soaked sand is a fifth heavier than dry. Compaction adds another 10–20%: a yard delivered loose settles into less volume once plated. Suppliers sell by the ton or by the yard; knowing the density lets you convert and check you are not being shorted.

🧮 Calculate gravel in tons for your project

Frequently asked questions

How many yards of gravel fit in a pickup truck?

A half-ton pickup safely carries about half a yard of gravel (~1,400 lb) — a full yard overloads it. A one-ton truck handles a full yard.

How many tons is a yard of gravel?

About 1.4 US tons dry, up to 1.6 wet. To convert yards to tons multiply by 1.4; tons to yards — divide by 1.4.

How much area does a yard of gravel cover?

At 3 inches deep, one yard covers about 100 square feet; at 2 inches — 160 sq ft. Driveways need 4–6 inches in two compacted lifts.

Is crushed stone heavier than pea gravel?

Slightly lighter per yard, oddly: angular crushed stone locks with more air voids (2,700–3,000 lb), while rounded pea gravel packs denser at ~2,800–3,000 lb.