Tons to Cubic Yards (Gravel Conversion Calculator)
One ton of gravel is about 0.66 to 0.77 cubic yards, and one cubic yard of gravel weighs 1.3 to 1.5 tons (2,600 to 3,000 lbs). Divide tons by 1.4 for a quick yards estimate, or multiply yards by 1.4 for tons.
| Tons | Cubic yards (1.3 to 1.5 t/yd³) | Cubic yards | Tons (1.3 to 1.5 t/yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ton | 0.67 to 0.77 yd³ | 1 yd³ | 1.3 to 1.5 tons |
| 2 tons | 1.33 to 1.54 yd³ | 2 yd³ | 2.6 to 3.0 tons |
| 3 tons | 2.00 to 2.31 yd³ | 3 yd³ | 3.9 to 4.5 tons |
| 5 tons | 3.33 to 3.85 yd³ | 5 yd³ | 6.5 to 7.5 tons |
| 10 tons | 6.67 to 7.69 yd³ | 10 yd³ | 13.0 to 15.0 tons |
| 15 tons | 10.00 to 11.54 yd³ | 15 yd³ | 19.5 to 22.5 tons |
| 20 tons | 13.33 to 15.38 yd³ | 20 yd³ | 26.0 to 30.0 tons |
Crusher run and recycled asphalt are heavier (1.5 to 2 tons per yard). Mulch and lava rock are much lighter. Pick your material below for an exact number.
Convert gravel weight in tons to volume in cubic yards and back. Select your gravel type for accurate density-based conversion. Most crushed gravel types weigh between 1.35 and 1.55 tons per cubic yard. Decorative rounded stone is usually lighter. Compacted base materials like crusher run are heavier.
yd³
What This Means for Delivery
| From | To | Density |
|---|
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How Many Cubic Yards in a Ton of Gravel?
One ton of gravel equals roughly 0.66 to 0.77 cubic yards, depending on the material. Divide the weight in tons by the density (tons per cubic yard) to get the volume.
cubic yards = tons ÷ density (tons/yd³)
For example, 5 tons of crushed stone at 1.35–1.55 tons/yd³: 5 ÷ 1.55 = 3.23 yd³ to 5 ÷ 1.35 = 3.70 yd³.
How Many Tons in a Cubic Yard of Gravel?
One cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.3–1.5 tons (2,600–3,000 lbs). Multiply the volume in cubic yards by the material's density. Use the swap button above to switch to yards-to-tons mode.
tons = cubic yards × density (tons/yd³)
For example, 3 yd³ of pea gravel at 1.30–1.45 tons/yd³: 3 × 1.30 = 3.90 tons to 3 × 1.45 = 4.35 tons.
Gravel Density by Type
The conversion between tons and cubic yards depends on density, which is how tightly the stones pack together. Here are typical ranges, sorted heaviest to lightest:
| Material | Density (tons/yd³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled Asphalt | 1.80–2.00 | Low-cost driveways, High-traffic areas |
| Rip Rap | 1.50–1.80 | Shoreline protection, Stream bank stabilization |
| Bluestone | 1.55–1.75 | Decorative hardscapes, High-end landscaping |
| Crusher Run | 1.50–1.70 | Single-layer gravel driveways, Parking lots and RV pads |
| Construction Gravel | 1.40–1.65 | General construction, Base preparation |
| Bank Run Gravel | 1.40–1.65 | Low-cost bulk fill and site grading, Subbase under rural driveways and farm lanes |
| #411 Gravel | 1.45–1.65 | Driveway top layers, Driveway resurfacing |
| Stone Dust | 1.40–1.60 | Paver installations, Leveling uneven ground |
| River Rock | 1.35–1.60 | Dry creek beds, Garden beds and ground cover |
| Crushed Stone | 1.35–1.55 | Driveway base and middle layers, Slab and foundation base |
| #4 Stone | 1.35–1.55 | Driveway base layer, Retaining wall backfill |
| #57 Gravel | 1.35–1.55 | French drains and drainage beds, Driveway middle layer |
| Washed Gravel | 1.35–1.55 | Drainage applications, Moisture control |
| Crushed Limestone | 1.30–1.50 | Driveways (crusher run or layered), Road base and parking |
| Marble Chips | 1.35–1.50 | Decorative landscaping, Modern designs |
| Concrete Sand | 1.35–1.50 | Mixing concrete, Bedding layer under pavers |
| Fill Sand | 1.30–1.50 | Raising grade, Backfill around foundations and walls |
| #8 Gravel | 1.30–1.50 | Walkways, Patio surfaces |
| #89 Stone | 1.30–1.50 | Walkways, Patios |
| Decomposed Granite | 1.30–1.50 | Garden paths and walkways, Patios (stabilized) |
| Decorative Stone | 1.20–1.45 | Garden bed ground cover, Borders along walks and foundations |
| Jersey Shore Gravel | 1.30–1.45 | Decorative landscaping, Low-traffic walkways |
| Pea Gravel | 1.30–1.45 | Patios, Walkways |
| Mason Sand | 1.30–1.45 | Mortar for brick, block and stone, Sandboxes and play areas |
| Mexican Beach Pebble | 1.25–1.40 | High-end landscape design, Accent areas |
| Fill Dirt | 1.10–1.40 | Grading and leveling, Filling holes and depressions |
| Topsoil | 1.00–1.30 | Lawn establishment, Garden beds |
| Compost | 0.80–1.10 | Soil amendment, Garden beds |
| Lava Rock | 0.75–0.90 | Water retention, Low-maintenance landscapes |
| Black Shredded Mulch | 0.40–0.60 | Landscape beds, Tree rings |
| Brown Shredded Mulch | 0.40–0.60 | Landscape beds, Tree rings |
Moisture also shifts density. Wet gravel can weigh 10–15% more than dry. Always select your specific gravel type in the converter above for the most accurate result.