Gravel yards to tons guide (why the conversion varies)
Why yards-to-tons conversions vary, what density means, and how to get a reliable number from your supplier.
Why conversions vary
Gravel is planned by volume (cubic yards) but often sold by weight (tons). The conversion depends on density, which varies by product type, moisture content, and compaction.
Loose vs compacted volume
Delivered gravel is loose. After spreading and compaction, installed volume is smaller, which can make the delivered tonnage feel short if you planned by compacted depth.
Delivery and truck limits
If ordering by truckload, supplier minimums can drive the final tonnage more than the exact math.
- Ask if loads are based on short tons or metric tonnes.
- Confirm whether pricing is by delivered tons or by truck size.
Typical ranges (rough planning only)
| Material | Typical tons per cubic yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone | 1.2-1.5 | Most common homeowner estimates |
| Pea gravel | 1.2-1.4 | Often slightly lighter |
| Road base | 1.3-1.6 | Varies by fines and moisture |
Moisture swings change weight
- Wet gravel is heavier; dry gravel is lighter.
- Ask if the supplier conversion assumes wet, dry, or average conditions.
Tons vs tonnes (avoid unit mix-ups)
A “ton” is not always the same unit. In the US, many suppliers use short tons (2000 lb). Many other regions quote metric tonnes (2204.62 lb). Mixing them up can shift a quote by about 10%.
| Unit | Equals | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 short ton (US) | 2000 lb | Common in the US |
| 1 metric tonne | 2204.62 lb | Common outside the US |
- If a quote says “ton” without specifying, confirm the unit in writing before ordering.
- Quick check: 1 metric tonne ≈ 1.102 short tons.
Best practice
- Ask your supplier for their exact conversion for the specific product you are buying.
- If you are doing layers (base + top), estimate them separately and do not mix products.
- Plan a small buffer for uneven base and compaction.
Conversion math (if you need a quick estimate)
If you know your product density, you can convert directly: tons (short tons) = cubic yards × (lb per cubic yard) / 2000.
Example: 5 yd³ of crushed stone at 2800 lb/yd³ is 5 × 2800 / 2000 = 7.0 tons.
- If you only have tons per yard, multiply: tons = yards × (tons per yard).
- Round up to delivery minimums; running short is a big time penalty mid-project.
Compaction and “installed depth”
Delivered gravel is loose; your finished base is compacted. That means your installed depth can be less than the loose depth you dumped, and compaction effort affects the result.
- For base layers, place material in lifts and compact each lift (project dependent).
- Edges and transitions often run thicker than the “average” plan; include that in your buffer.
Ordering checklist (questions to ask the supplier)
- What’s the product name/gradation (crushed stone, road base, pea gravel, etc.)?
- Do you sell by the ton, yard, or truckload, and what unit is a “ton” for your region?
- What density or conversion do you use for this product?
- What’s the delivery minimum and where can the truck dump safely?
Proof of quantity (keep the ticket)
Keep the scale ticket or delivery slip. It lists the product name, tons delivered, and often the moisture condition. It helps match future loads and validate your real-world coverage.