Gravel Yards <-> Tons
Convert cubic yards to tons (or tons to yards) using density presets or custom density.
Quick guide
- Suppliers often sell gravel by tons, but homeowners estimate by area and volume (cubic yards).
- The conversion depends on density, which varies by gravel type and moisture.
- Use a density preset or ask your supplier for their yards-to-tons conversion.
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- Rule of thumb only: many gravels fall around 1.2-1.6 tons per cubic yard, but supplier conversions are more reliable.
- If you start from length x width x depth, convert depth to feet (in / 12) before calculating cubic yards.
- Compacted thickness is not the same as loose delivered thickness—plan a buffer if you’re building a base.
- For layered builds (base + top), estimate each layer separately because materials and densities can differ.
Conversions vary by supplier
A yards-to-tons conversion is only as good as the density assumption. Different gravel mixes can vary enough to change your order size.
Density or supplier conversion notes: the most reliable number is the supplier's stated yards-to-tons conversion for the exact product you are buying (including typical moisture). If you use a generic conversion, treat it as a rough planning estimate only.
If you're close to delivery minimums, rounding up to a clean order size is usually cheaper than needing a second load.
If your supplier offers their own conversion table for the exact product, use it—generic density presets are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Moisture matters. Wet material can weigh more per yard than dry material, so the same “yards” can turn into more tons on the scale ticket.
Confirm units: many US suppliers quote short tons (2,000 lb), while others may reference metric tonnes (1,000 kg).
Gradation changes density: round pea gravel, crushed stone, and dense base (crusher run/road base) commonly have different yards-to-tons factors.
If you’re building a driveway, the base course and the surface stone are often different products—don’t assume one conversion fits both layers.
Delivery logistics can influence the practical order size: truck payload limits, minimum delivery charges, and whether the supplier allows split loads.
Stockpiles settle. If you’re measuring an existing gravel pile, the pile shape estimate can be very rough; ordering by supplier conversion is typically more reliable than trying to “back into” tons from a pile measurement.
If your project needs multiple deliveries, ask whether the supplier can keep the same product source. A change in quarry or product gradation can change density and make the later loads look different even if the tonnage is similar (project dependent).
Keep the scale ticket and product name. If you need touch-up loads later, knowing the exact product and delivered tons helps you match appearance and lets you compare your real coverage to your estimate.
Gravel Yards <-> Tons
Convert cubic yards to tons (or tons to yards) using density presets or custom density.
Results
- Volume (cubic yards)
- 3
- Weight (tons, US)
- 4.2
How to convert yards to tons
- Calculate area (length x width) and choose an average depth for the layer you’re buying.
- Convert depth to feet (in / 12) and compute volume in cubic feet, then convert to cubic yards (divide by 27).
- If you already have cubic yards from a volume estimate, use that as your starting point.
- Pick a density preset (pea gravel, crushed stone, base rock) or enter a custom density from your supplier.
- Convert cubic yards to tons using the selected density, then round up to the closest practical order size.
- Add a buffer for compaction, irregular subgrade, and edge loss (often 5-10%, more for first-time grading).
- For uneven surfaces, measure depth at multiple points and use an average instead of a single low spot.
Assumptions to double-check
- Density varies by product, moisture, and compaction—supplier conversions may differ.
- Rule-of-thumb conversions are only for planning; use the supplier's number for ordering.
- Some suppliers use short tons (US), others use metric tonnes.
- Rounding up usually prevents shortages and extra delivery fees.
- Your input volume is a loose-material estimate; installed (compacted) coverage may be smaller.
- Supplier conversions are typically for loose delivered material; compacted coverage is usually smaller for the same tons.
- Scale tickets show delivered weight; coverage still depends on how far that volume spreads after grading and compaction.
- If you’re replacing an existing layer, removal and grade correction can change the effective depth you need.
- Very deep lifts can be hard to compact correctly; the “right” tonnage also depends on proper base prep and compaction method.
Buying tips
- Ask your supplier whether they sell by tons, yards, or both—and what conversion they use.
- Confirm whether the conversion is for loose delivered material or compacted install (most are loose).
- Confirm whether you're buying the same product (pea gravel vs crushed stone vs base rock).
- Include a small buffer for compaction and uneven base.
- If you're building layers (base + top), estimate and order them separately to avoid mixing products.
- Ask for the recommended depth for your use (walkway vs driveway) and the correct base material for your soil.
- Check access before ordering: truck turning radius, dump location, overhead wires, and whether you need a smaller truck.
- If you’re spreading by hand, consider ordering slightly smaller loads so you can place and grade them in manageable sections.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a generic density that doesn't match your supplier's product.
- Mixing short tons and metric tonnes without noticing.
- Ordering with no buffer for compaction and uneven base.
- Estimating depth from one low spot (which can over-order) instead of averaging several checks.
- Assuming base stone and decorative/top stone use the same conversion factor and depth target.
- Ignoring compaction lifts; dumping a thick layer and hoping it compacts evenly can lead to settling and ruts.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Always verify measurements and product specifications.