How do I convert cubic yards to tons for gravel?

Multiply cubic yards by the material's density (tons per cubic yard). Gravel averages 1.4 t/yd³, crushed stone 1.35 t/yd³, and sand 1.3 t/yd³. Always confirm with your supplier as density varies by source.

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

A standard driveway needs 4–6 inches of compacted base gravel. Measure length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 for tons. Add 10–15% for compaction loss.

How many tons of gravel fit in a dump truck?

A standard single-axle dump truck carries 10–14 tons. A tandem-axle holds 14–20 tons. A tri-axle can carry 20–24 tons. Super dumps carry up to 26 tons. Always confirm capacity with your supplier.

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Gravel & Aggregate Calculator

Tons, cubic yards, and truck loads for any aggregate material

0.0 Tons needed

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Area & Depth

Shape

Length

Width

Depth

inches

Compaction Factor

Material

Material Type

Truck Capacity

Results

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1.40 t/yd³ density

Volume Breakdown

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Pea / River Gravel

Density1.40 t/yd³

Typical depth2–4 in

Best forDrainage, paths, decorative

CompactionLow — 5–10%

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Crushed Stone #57 / #67

Density1.35 t/yd³

Typical depth4–6 in (base)

Best forDriveways, road base, drainage

CompactionMedium — 10–15%

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Crushed Limestone

Density1.50 t/yd³

Typical depth4–8 in (structural)

Best forCompacted base, parking lots

CompactionHigh — 15–20%

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Crushed Granite

Density1.50 t/yd³

Typical depth3–6 in

Best forDriveways, decorative paths

CompactionMedium — 10–15%

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Sand (dry)

Density1.30 t/yd³

Typical depth1–2 in (leveling)

Best forLeveling, sandbox, pipe bedding

CompactionLow — 5–10%

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Fill Dirt / Topsoil

Density1.10–1.25 t/yd³

Typical depth6–12 in (grading)

Best forGrading, fill, raised beds

CompactionHigh — 20–30%

Recommended Depths by Application

Application	Material	Depth (in)	Coverage (yd³/ton)
Driveway base	Crushed stone #57	4–6	~0.74
Driveway surface	Pea gravel	2–3	~0.71
Walkway / path	Pea / river gravel	2–4	~0.71
Drainage trench	Crushed stone #57	Fill	~0.74
French drain	Pea gravel	Fill	~0.71
Patio base	Crushed limestone	4–6	~0.67
Sandbox	Sand (washed)	6–12	~0.77
Pipe bedding	Sand / #57 stone	4–6 each side	~0.74

Pricing Inputs

Price per Ton

$ /ton

Delivery Fee (per load)

Spreading / Labor (per ton)

$ /ton

Regional price ranges (2024):
Pea gravel: $25–$55/ton · Crushed stone: $28–$50/ton
Crushed limestone: $30–$65/ton · Sand: $15–$40/ton
Delivery: $50–$200 per load depending on distance

Cost Breakdown

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$0 Material cost

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$0.00 Per sq ft

Cost Distribution

Material Density Reference

Material	t/yd³	lb/ft³
Pea / River Gravel	1.40	105
Crushed Stone #57	1.35	102
Crushed Stone #67	1.35	102
Crushed Limestone	1.50	113
Crushed Granite	1.50	113
Sand (dry)	1.30	98
Sand (wet)	1.60	120
Fill Dirt (loose)	1.10	83
Fill Dirt (compacted)	1.25	94
Topsoil (dry)	1.10	83
Topsoil (moist)	1.20	90
Recycled Concrete	1.25	94

Unit Conversion Factors

Convert	Multiply by
Cubic feet → Cubic yards	÷ 27
Cubic yards → Cubic feet	× 27
Cubic yards → Tons (gravel)	× 1.40
Tons → Cubic yards (gravel)	÷ 1.40
Square feet × depth (in) → ft³	÷ 12
Cubic meters → Cubic yards	× 1.308
Tonnes (metric) → US tons	× 1.102

ASTM Stone Size Guide

Grade	Size	Common Use
#1	3½ – 1½ in	Large drainage fill
#2	2½ – 1½ in	Erosion control, large drainage
#4	1½ – ¾ in	Drainage, fill
#57	1 – ¼ in	Driveway base, drainage, concrete mix
#67	¾ – ¼ in	Road base, drainage, concrete mix
#8	⅜ in	Asphalt mix, walkways
#10 (stone dust)	< ¼ in	Leveling base for pavers/patios

How to Calculate Gravel Quantity

Measure your area — length × width in feet (or diameter for circles). For irregular shapes, break into rectangles and add them together.

Choose your depth — decorative paths need 2–3 in; driveways need 4–6 in of base. Confirm with your local code for structural applications.

Calculate cubic feet — Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft) = cubic feet. Convert to cubic yards by dividing by 27.

Add compaction factor — Loose material compacts 10–20% after settling. Add 10–15% for driveways, 5% for decorative use.

Convert to tons — Multiply cubic yards by material density (t/yd³). Divide by your truck capacity to get load count.

Glossary

Cubic Yard (yd³) — Standard unit for ordering bulk aggregates. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, roughly the size of a washing machine box.

Compaction factor — Loose material settles 10–20% after delivery and spreading. Always order extra to account for compaction loss.

ASTM grade — American Society for Testing and Materials stone size classification (#57, #67, etc.). Controls drainage, strength, and compactability.

Base course — The compacted aggregate layer beneath driveways, patios, or pavement providing load distribution and drainage.

Bulk density — The weight of material per unit volume including air spaces between particles. Varies by moisture content and compaction state.

Truck ton — US short ton = 2,000 lb. Distinct from metric tonne (2,205 lb). Gravel is sold and delivered by the short ton in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a 200 sq ft driveway at 4 inches deep?

200 sq ft × (4/12) ft = 66.7 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards. Add 10% compaction: 2.72 yd³. At 1.4 t/yd³ that's about 3.8 tons — roughly one single-axle truck load.

Should I order by tons or cubic yards?

Suppliers sell and deliver gravel by the ton (weight) in most of the US, but may quote by the yard. Always ask your supplier which unit they bill by. This calculator shows both so you can use whichever you need.

What is the difference between #57 and #67 crushed stone?

#57 stone is 1 inch down to ¼ inch — coarser, excellent drainage, good driveway base. #67 is ¾ inch down to ¼ inch — slightly finer, also used in concrete mix design. Both are common driveway and drainage materials with essentially the same density (~1.35 t/yd³).

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

A residential driveway needs at minimum 4 inches of compacted #57 or #67 base stone. Heavy vehicle traffic or poor soil needs 6 inches. A thin 2-inch top layer of pea gravel or decorative stone is optional. Total depth: 4–8 inches depending on use.

Why is wet sand heavier than dry sand?

Water fills the air voids between sand particles, increasing density from ~1.3 t/yd³ (dry) to ~1.6 t/yd³ (wet). If your sand has been sitting in rain, use the wet density to avoid ordering too little. Always weigh a sample if precision matters.

How much does gravel cost?

Gravel typically costs $15–$75 per ton depending on type and region. Pea gravel runs $25–$55/ton; crushed stone $28–$50/ton; limestone $30–$65/ton. Delivery adds $50–$200 per load. Minimum orders are usually 5–10 tons. Prices fluctuate with fuel costs.