Gravel Tons to Yards Calculator
Reviewed by Engr. Talha Tariq | PEC License #: PEC-CIVIL-37815 | Last updated: 2025-10-25
Some landscape suppliers sell materials by the cubic yard, while quarries sell by the ton. Use this straightforward converter to seamlessly translate between weight (tons) and volume (cubic yards) taking material density into account.
Easily switch between tons and cubic yards based on gravel density.
Conversion relies heavily on the type of gravel. A cubic yard of typical gravel is approx 1.4 tons.
Weight
Select for accurate weight conversion
Features of this Converter
Easily swap between translating Tons to Yards, or Yards to Tons.
Conversion relies on accurate densities rather than rough averages.
Quickly choose between general gravel, pea gravel, and crushed stone.
Input your own material's exact density if provided by your local supplier.
How to Convert Tons to Yards (and vice-versa)
- Select the Conversion Mode by clicking the swap arrow button. Decide whether you are starting with "Tons" or "Yards".
- Input the Quantity you need to convert.
- Select the Gravel Type. This adjusts the density (weight-per-volume) that drives the conversion formula.
- (Optional) If you know the exact weight of your gravel, select "Custom Density" and enter its weight in lb/ft³.
- Click Convert to seamlessly translate the measurement.
Understanding the Math
You cannot convert volume (Cubic Yards) directly to weight (Tons) without knowing the Density of the material. Different gravel types pack differently. For example, General Gravel is usually around 105 pounds per cubic foot.
- 1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet
- Weight of 1 Cubic Yard (lbs) = 27 × Density (lb/ft³)
- Tons per Cubic Yard = Weight of 1 Cubic Yard (lbs) ÷ 2000
- Yards = Input Tons ÷ Tons per Cubic Yard
- Tons = Input Yards × Tons per Cubic Yard
FAQs
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
On average, a cubic yard of standard gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs). However, this can range between 1.3 and 1.5 tons depending on stone type, rock size, and moisture content.
Is gravel sold by the ton or by the yard?
It depends entirely on your local supplier. Some landscape yards sell by volume (the cubic yard bucket of their loader), while commercial quarries often weigh trucks on a scale and sell strictly by the ton.
Why does gravel type matter for conversion?
Since a ton is a measure of weight and a yard is a measure of space, you must know how 'heavy' the gravel is to convert them. Dense, solid crushed stone will yield fewer yards out of one ton than lighter volcanic rock or mulch.
How many yards is 5 tons of gravel?
Assuming typical gravel at 1.4 tons per yard: 5 tons divided by 1.4 equals approximately 3.57 cubic yards.
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