This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Results are estimates; always verify with a qualified professional before making decisions.

Gravel Density: Tons per Cubic Yard by Stone Type

Material-specific bulk densities with cited sources, moisture caveats, and ordering guidance. The anchor reference for tonnage calculations on this site.

Every tonnage calculator on this site is only as good as its density assumption — and density varies more than most people expect between a rounded pea stone and angular crusher run. This page explains why the numbers differ, where they come from, and how to use them when ordering from a supplier who bills by the ton.

Bulk density reference table

All values are loose dry density in US short tons per cubic yard. Wet or freshly delivered material may weigh 10–15% more. Confirm with your supplier.

Material ton/yd³ lb/yd³ Source
Pea gravel (3/8″ smooth round) 1.35 2,700 USGS Construction Sand & Gravel; PeaGravelCalculator.com
Crushed stone #57 (3/4″ angular) 1.40 2,800 Practical ordering density (typical range 1.4–1.5); loose/lab dry ~1.35
River rock (1–3″ smooth) 1.30 2,600 Inch Calculator River Rock Calculator; Infinity Calculator
Paver base / crushed concrete (3/8″ minus) 1.40 2,800 GravelShop (dense-grade compacted road base)
Crusher run / dense-grade aggregate 1.40 2,800 Dirt Connections crushed stone density table

Why #57 stone lab density differs from the ordering figure

An important note for buyers: the loose dry density of #57 stone (measured in a lab with dry, loosely poured stone) is approximately 1.35 ton/yd³ (1,600 kg/m³). The prevailing ordering figure used by suppliers is 1.4–1.5 ton/yd³ — and that is the density this calculator defaults to. The gap arises because:

  • Delivered material carries residual moisture (stone is rarely bone-dry).
  • Some packing occurs during truck loading and transport.
  • Suppliers build a margin into their billing density to avoid under-charging.

By defaulting to 1.40 ton/yd³ (the practical ordering density), this calculator produces estimates that match what you will actually be billed for — so your order doesn't fall short. The loose/lab dry density of ~1.35 is still accurate for scientific reference, but it's the ordering figure that matters when calling your supplier. Always confirm the exact billing density with your supplier and factor in a 10–15% waste allowance.

Moisture and compaction caveats

Bulk density is not a fixed number — it is a range influenced by:

  • Moisture: Wet gravel weighs 10–15% more than dry values.
  • Compaction: Dense-grade materials (crusher run, paver base) lose 15–25% of their loose volume when compacted — you need more loose material to achieve a given compacted depth.
  • Stone source: Granite, limestone, and basalt have different specific gravities; a "pea gravel" from one quarry may differ from another.
  • Size distribution: Larger stones create more void space; smaller stone and fines fill those voids and increase overall density.

Best practice: Use this site's density values for initial estimating, then confirm the exact delivered density and unit price with your supplier before placing a large order.

Calculate tonnage for your project

Use the calculator below to apply these densities to your dimensions — or jump to the tonnage calculator and coverage-per-ton chart for ordering.

Project Dimensions

Tons needed
—
Cubic yards
—
Tons to order (rounded up)
—
50 lb bags (retail)
—
Total weight
—

How the math works

Step 1 — volume in cubic yards

cu yd = (length_ft × width_ft × depth_in) ÷ 324

324 = 27 cu ft/yd × 12 in/ft. A canonical landscaping shortcut: multiply area by depth (in inches) and divide by 324.

Step 2 — apply waste / compaction allowance

cu yd (with waste) = cu yd × (1 + waste % ÷ 100)

The waste allowance inflates both tonnage and bag count — you buy the waste-inclusive amount.

Step 3 — tons

tons = cu yd × density (ton/yd³)

Material densities (US short tons per cubic yard): pea gravel 1.35, #57 stone 1.40, paver base 1.40, river rock 1.30, crusher run 1.40. Confirm exact weight with your supplier — density varies with moisture and stone source.

Step 4 — retail bags

bags = ⌈ cu yd × 54 ⌉

A standard 50 lb bag holds 0.5 cu ft. One cubic yard = 27 cu ft ÷ 0.5 = 54 bags.

Watch: How to Build a Gravel Driveway...The Right Way!

Covers material selection by stone type — useful context for why density and compaction behaviour differ between crusher run, #57 stone, and pea gravel.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does gravel density vary by material?

Density depends on particle shape, size, and how tightly stones pack. Angular crushed stone (crusher run, paver base) packs with fewer voids and weighs more per yard than smooth rounded stone (river rock, pea gravel). Finer particles (stone dust, 3/8" minus) fill the gaps between larger stones and increase density further.

Does wet gravel weigh more than dry?

Yes — wet gravel can weigh 10–15% more than dry values because water fills the void spaces between particles. A cubic yard of wet pea gravel may weigh 1.50–1.55 ton instead of the dry 1.35 ton. This is why suppliers always disclaim that delivered weight may differ from dry lab values.

Why does this calculator use 1.40 ton/yd³ for #57 stone when the lab dry density is ~1.35?

The calculator defaults to 1.40 ton/yd³ — the practical ordering figure most suppliers bill at (typical range 1.4–1.5 ton/yd³). The loose dry density (~1.35 ton/yd³) is accurate for dry, loosely poured stone in a lab setting. In practice, suppliers account for normal moisture content and some packing during truck loading, which pushes the delivered density higher. Using the ordering figure means your estimate aligns with your invoice. Always confirm the exact billing density with your supplier.

What density should I use when calculating tonnage for ordering?

Use the density your supplier quotes if you have it — that eliminates any source-vs-ordering discrepancy. If you don't have it, use our calculator's defaults (pea gravel 1.35, #57 stone 1.40, river rock 1.30, paver base/crusher run 1.40 ton/yd³) and round up to the nearest ton when ordering. Buying slightly more than needed is always safer than running short.

Is gravel sold by the short ton or metric tonne in the US?

US gravel is sold by the US short ton = 2,000 lb. A metric tonne = 2,204.6 lb — about 10% heavier. All tonnage on this site uses US short tons. If your supplier quotes metric tonnes, multiply by 0.907 to convert to short tons (or divide short tons by 0.907 to get metric tonnes).

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