Gravel types, sizes and weight per yard
Names vary by region and quarry, so the same stone can be sold under two names. Use this page to match a material to the job, then use the weights as a starting point in the gravel calculator.
Typical weight of each material
Weight per cubic yard depends on the stone, how damp it is and how it was loaded. The ranges below are typical, not a promise. Your supplier's figure is always better, and the calculator lets you replace ours.
| Material | Typical density (lb per ft³) | Typical weight (US tons per yd³) |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 95 to 110 | 1.28 to 1.49 |
| #57 stone | 95 to 110 | 1.28 to 1.49 |
| 3/4 inch crushed stone | 95 to 110 | 1.28 to 1.49 |
| Crusher run / road base | 105 to 130 | 1.42 to 1.75 |
| River rock | 90 to 110 | 1.22 to 1.49 |
| Decomposed granite | 90 to 115 | 1.22 to 1.55 |
| Sand | 90 to 120 | 1.22 to 1.62 |
| Topsoil | 70 to 100 | 0.94 to 1.35 |
US tons are 2,000 lb. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. For metric tonnes, use the yards to tons converter.
Pea gravel
Size and shape: About 3/8 inch, rounded.
Common uses: Paths, patios, play areas, dog runs, light drainage.
The stones are round, so they shift underfoot and do not lock together. Edge it well and expect to rake it back now and then.
#57 stone
Size and shape: About 3/4 to 1 inch, angular.
Common uses: Driveway top layer, drainage, under concrete slabs.
Clean stone with few fines, so water passes straight through. The sharp faces grip each other better than round stone.
3/4 inch crushed stone
Size and shape: About 3/4 inch, angular.
Common uses: Driveways, French drains, walkway base.
A common all-round stone. Check with your supplier whether it is washed, because stone with dust packs tighter and drains slower.
Crusher run / road base
Size and shape: Stone from 3/4 inch down to dust.
Common uses: Base under driveways, pavers, sheds and patios.
The fine dust fills the gaps, so it compacts into a firm, flat base. Order extra, because it settles when you roll it.
River rock
Size and shape: About 1 to 3 inches, smooth and rounded.
Common uses: Decorative beds, dry creek beds, drainage swales.
Looks good and drains well, but it is a poor surface to walk or drive on.
Decomposed granite
Size and shape: Fine crushed granite, up to about 1/4 inch.
Common uses: Garden paths, patios, fire pit areas.
Firms up when wetted and compacted. Some blends include a binder; ask which one you are buying.
Sand
Size and shape: Fine grains.
Common uses: Leveling bed under pavers, filling joints, base leveling.
Weight changes a lot with moisture. Wet sand can weigh noticeably more per yard than dry.
Topsoil
Size and shape: Loose soil.
Common uses: Garden beds, lawn repair, grading.
Not a stone, but people order it alongside gravel, so the calculator includes it. It is the lightest per yard of the group.
Picking one for a driveway
Most driveways use two layers: a compacting base such as crusher run, then a thinner top layer of angular stone such as 3/4 inch or #57. The driveway calculator handles both layers and their compaction in one go.
Picking one for drainage
Choose clean angular stone with few fines so water can pass. The French drain calculator takes the pipe volume off the trench so you do not over-order.
Last updated: . Planning guidance only. Confirm product names and weights with your supplier.