A cubic yard is a big box. It is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet high. People often ask, how much does a cubic yard of stone weigh? The weight changes. It depends on the type of stone. It depends on how wet it is. But a common cubic yard of stone or gravel weighs about 2,400 to 2,900 pounds. This is roughly 1.2 to 1.45 tons. For example, a cubic yard of gravel is usually around 1.2 to 1.4 tons. This means a cubic yard of crushed stone or gravel weighs about 2,400 to 2,800 pounds on average. A yard of crushed rock typically falls within this weight range too. The weight of crushed stone per cubic yard is not just one number. It is a range because many things affect it.
Image Source: www.earthhaulers.com
Getting Started: What is a Cubic Yard?
Let’s picture a box. The box is 3 feet tall. It is 3 feet wide. It is 3 feet deep. This box holds one cubic yard of material. It is a measure of space. Sand, soil, mulch, and stone are often sold by the cubic yard. It helps people know how much volume they are buying. Volume is the amount of space something takes up. Weight is how heavy something is. We need to know the weight to move it. We also need it for building rules.
Deciphering Stone Weight
Why does the weight change? Stone is not all the same. Different types of stone have different weights. How big the pieces are also matters. Small pieces pack together more tightly. Big pieces have more air pockets. Water adds weight. Wet stone is heavier than dry stone. All these things make the weight of a cubic yard of stone vary.
Weight of Different Types of Stone
Stone comes in many forms. There is gravel. There is crushed stone. There is landscape rock. Each type has a different weight range.
Gravel
Gravel is common. It is used for driveways. It is used for paths. Gravel is usually small, rounded stones. The size of gravel pieces changes the weight. Small gravel packs tighter. Large gravel has more air. The average weight of a cubic yard of gravel is about 2,400 to 2,800 pounds. This is about 1.2 to 1.4 tons. This weight can go up with water.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is also common. It is made by breaking larger rocks. The pieces have sharp edges. Crushed stone comes in different sizes too. It is used for roads. It is used as a base for building. Crushed stone often packs very well. The weight of crushed stone per cubic yard is often like gravel. It is usually between 2,400 and 2,900 pounds. This is about 1.2 to 1.45 tons. How much does a yard of crushed rock weigh? About this much.
Landscape Rock
Landscape rock is used in gardens. It includes larger stones. It also includes decorative gravel. This type of stone can weigh very differently. River rock might be rounded. Crushed rock for gardens might be sharp. The weight of landscape rock per yard depends a lot on the stone type and size. It can range from 2,000 pounds (lighter rocks) to over 3,000 pounds (denser rocks) per cubic yard.
Other Stone Types
Many rocks are used.
* Limestone: Often used for crushed stone. A cubic yard is usually 2,500 to 2,700 pounds.
* Granite: A hard, heavy rock. A cubic yard can be 2,600 to 3,000 pounds.
* Basalt: Another dense rock. Weight is similar to granite.
* Sandstone: Lighter than granite. A cubic yard might be 2,200 to 2,500 pounds.
The weight of different types of stone is a key factor.
Things That Change Stone Weight
We know the type of stone matters. Other things matter too.
Moisture Content
Water makes things heavier. Stone can hold water. Rain adds water. Water in the ground adds water. Wet stone weighs more than dry stone. If a cubic yard of stone has water, it might weigh 10% or 20% more. This is a big change. A cubic yard that is 2,500 pounds dry might be 3,000 pounds when wet.
Size of the Stone Pieces
Think about marbles and tennis balls. If you fill a box with marbles, they pack tight. There is less air. If you fill the same box with tennis balls, there is more air. Stone size works the same way. Smaller crushed stone often packs tighter. Larger stones or very uniform stones can have more air spaces. This air space changes the overall weight in the cubic yard. Smaller aggregate usually means less air.
Compaction
Compaction means how tightly the stone is packed. Stone that is poured loosely will have more air. Stone that has been vibrated or driven over will be packed tighter. Tighter packing means less air. Less air means more stone in the same space. More stone means more weight. The bulk density of aggregate goes up with compaction. Bulk density is the weight of the material in a certain space, like a cubic yard.
Source of the Stone
Where the stone comes from matters. Stone from one quarry might be a bit different from stone from another. The rock type might be slightly different. The shape of the crushed pieces might be different. This can cause small changes in weight.
Grasping Bulk Density of Aggregate
Bulk density helps us figure out weight. It is the weight of the stone including the air spaces between pieces. It is usually given in pounds per cubic foot. Or it can be pounds per cubic yard. The bulk density of aggregate changes based on the things we talked about. Dry, loosely packed gravel has a lower bulk density. Wet, well-compacted crushed stone has a higher bulk density.
Here is how bulk density relates to the cubic yard weight:
* Find the bulk density. Let’s say it is pounds per cubic foot.
* A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet (3 x 3 x 3 = 27).
* Multiply the bulk density (pounds per cubic foot) by 27. This gives you the weight in pounds per cubic yard.
Example: If gravel weighs 90 pounds per cubic foot (this is the gravel weight per cubic foot), then a cubic yard weighs 90 pounds/cubic foot * 27 cubic feet/cubic yard = 2430 pounds per cubic yard.
This shows why the gravel weight per cubic foot is important. It directly tells us the weight per cubic yard.
Cubic Yard to Ton Conversion for Stone
Stone is sold by the cubic yard. But trucks and loaders have weight limits. These limits are often in tons. We need to change cubic yards to tons.
One ton equals 2000 pounds.
Let’s take the average weight of a cubic yard of gravel: 2,700 pounds.
To convert pounds to tons, divide by 2000.
2700 pounds / 2000 pounds/ton = 1.35 tons.
So, one cubic yard of this gravel weighs 1.35 tons.
The cubic yard to ton conversion for stone needs the weight per cubic yard first.
Use this simple rule:
Weight in Tons = Weight in Pounds / 2000
Let’s look at ranges:
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,400 pounds: 2400 / 2000 = 1.2 tons.
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,600 pounds: 2600 / 2000 = 1.3 tons.
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,800 pounds: 2800 / 2000 = 1.4 tons.
* If a cubic yard weighs 3,000 pounds: 3000 / 2000 = 1.5 tons.
This helps answer how many tons in a cubic yard of gravel. It is usually between 1.2 and 1.4 tons. It helps with the cubic yard to ton conversion stone.
Figuring Out How Many Cubic Yards in a Ton
Sometimes you buy stone by the ton. But you need to know the volume. You need to know how many cubic yards in a ton of crushed stone.
This is the opposite of the last step.
We know 1 ton is 2000 pounds.
We know a cubic yard weighs, let’s say, 2,600 pounds.
To find out how many cubic yards are in one ton:
Divide the weight of one ton (2000 pounds) by the weight of one cubic yard (in pounds).
Number of Cubic Yards in a Ton = 2000 pounds / Weight of 1 Cubic Yard (in pounds)
Example: If a cubic yard weighs 2,600 pounds.
Cubic Yards per Ton = 2000 pounds / 2600 pounds/cubic yard = 0.769 cubic yards.
So, one ton of this stone is less than one cubic yard.
Let’s use our weight ranges:
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,400 pounds: 2000 / 2400 = 0.83 cubic yards per ton.
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,600 pounds: 2000 / 2600 = 0.77 cubic yards per ton.
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,800 pounds: 2000 / 2800 = 0.71 cubic yards per ton.
* If a cubic yard weighs 3,000 pounds: 2000 / 3000 = 0.67 cubic yards per ton.
This calculation is useful. It helps you buy the right amount. It tells you how many cubic yards in a ton of crushed stone.
Table of Approximate Stone Weights
This table shows common stone weights. These are average numbers. Real weight can be different. Water is a big factor.
| Material Type | Approximate Weight per Cubic Yard (Dry) | Approximate Weight per Cubic Yard (Tons, Dry) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel (various sizes) | 2,400 – 2,800 pounds | 1.2 – 1.4 tons | Driveways, drainage, pipe bedding |
| Crushed Stone (various) | 2,400 – 2,900 pounds | 1.2 – 1.45 tons | Road base, concrete/asphalt mix, drainage |
| Limestone | 2,500 – 2,700 pounds | 1.25 – 1.35 tons | Crushed stone, building material |
| Granite | 2,600 – 3,000 pounds | 1.3 – 1.5 tons | Crushed stone, decorative, building |
| Sandstone | 2,200 – 2,500 pounds | 1.1 – 1.25 tons | Building stone, decorative, some aggregate |
| River Rock (small) | 2,400 – 2,800 pounds | 1.2 – 1.4 tons | Landscaping, drainage |
| Large Landscape Boulders | Varies greatly | Varies greatly | Landscaping, retaining walls |
Remember these are rough numbers. The actual weight can change. Always ask your supplier. They know the exact weight of their product.
Planning Your Project: Why Weight Matters
Knowing the weight is very important.
Transporting Stone
Stone is heavy. Trucks have weight limits. If you order 10 cubic yards of gravel, it could weigh 12 to 14 tons. You need a truck that can carry that much. Overloading a truck is dangerous. It can damage the truck. It can damage roads. Always check the truck’s limit. Know the weight of your stone.
Structural Support
Stone is used for building bases. It goes under roads. It goes under buildings. The ground under the stone must be strong enough. Knowing the weight helps engineers plan. They make sure the ground can hold the load. The weight of crushed stone per cubic yard is key for these plans.
Cost
Stone is often priced per cubic yard or per ton. Knowing the weight helps you compare prices. If one place sells by the yard and another by the ton, you can figure out which is better. You need the weight to do this.
How Much You Need
Sometimes you buy stone by the ton. You need a certain depth. You need to know how many cubic yards that equals. Knowing how many cubic yards in a ton of crushed stone helps you buy the right amount. You don’t want to buy too much or too little.
Learning About Weight Variation
Let’s look deeper at why the weight changes.
Air Voids
Stone pieces are not perfect cubes. They are bumpy. When you put them together, there are spaces between them. These spaces are filled with air. Air has almost no weight. More air means less stone in the cubic yard. Less stone means less weight. The amount of air space depends on the stone size and shape. It also depends on how well it is packed. This is part of the bulk density of aggregate.
Stone Porosity
Some rocks soak up water. Think of a sponge. Other rocks do not soak up much water. This is called porosity. Rocks like sandstone can be more porous. They can hold more water. Rocks like granite are not very porous. They hold less water. A porous rock that is wet will be much heavier than when it is dry. This is another reason the weight of different types of stone varies.
Shape and Texture
Rounded stones (like river gravel) might pack differently than sharp, angular stones (like crushed granite). Sharp stones can interlock. This might lead to less air space if well compacted. Rounded stones might have more space if not compacted. The surface texture can also affect how much water sticks to the stone.
Practical Examples of Stone Weight
Let’s use real project sizes.
A Small Driveway
Suppose you need 5 cubic yards of gravel for a small driveway area.
Average weight per cubic yard of gravel is 2,700 pounds.
Total weight = 5 cubic yards * 2700 pounds/cubic yard = 13,500 pounds.
To find tons: 13,500 pounds / 2000 pounds/ton = 6.75 tons.
You need a truck that can carry 6.75 tons or more.
A Patio Base
You might need 3 cubic yards of crushed stone for a patio base.
Average weight per cubic yard of crushed stone is 2,800 pounds.
Total weight = 3 cubic yards * 2800 pounds/cubic yard = 8,400 pounds.
To find tons: 8,400 pounds / 2000 pounds/ton = 4.2 tons.
Make sure your delivery truck can handle 4.2 tons.
These examples show why knowing the weight matters for planning.
Making Sense of Stone Weight
To wrap up the weight part, remember these key ideas:
* A cubic yard is a measure of volume (space).
* Stone weight depends on its type, size, and water content.
* Average gravel/crushed stone is 2,400-2,900 pounds per cubic yard (1.2-1.45 tons).
* Wet stone is heavier than dry stone.
* Small, tight packing means more weight in the same space.
* Bulk density tells you how much a certain space of stone weighs.
* You can convert cubic yards to tons and tons to cubic yards using the weight per cubic yard (2000 pounds per ton).
Always confirm the weight with your stone supplier. They can give you the most accurate number for the specific material they sell.
Reading Stone Specifications
When you buy stone, you might see specifications. These specs tell you about the stone. They might mention size range. They might mention quality. They might mention density. Density relates to weight. Solid density is the weight of the rock itself, with no air or water. Bulk density is the weight including air and water. The bulk density of aggregate is what you need to know for weight per cubic yard.
Look for terms like:
* Unit Weight: This is another term for bulk density. It is often given in pounds per cubic foot.
* Specific Gravity: This compares the stone’s density to water’s density. It’s a solid density measure. You need bulk density to get the cubic yard weight.
If you have the unit weight in pounds per cubic foot (this is the gravel weight per cubic foot or crushed stone weight per cubic foot), just multiply by 27 to get pounds per cubic yard.
Calculating How Much Stone You Need
Knowing the weight helps you buy stone. First, figure out the volume you need in cubic yards.
Steps:
1. Measure the area where you need stone. Length, Width, Depth. Use feet.
2. Multiply Length x Width x Depth to get cubic feet.
3. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards (because 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
Example: You need stone for an area 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 0.5 feet deep.
Cubic feet = 20 ft * 10 ft * 0.5 ft = 100 cubic feet.
Cubic yards = 100 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/cubic yard = 3.7 cubic yards.
Now you know the volume. You can use the weight information.
If you need 3.7 cubic yards of gravel that weighs 2,700 pounds per yard:
Total weight = 3.7 cubic yards * 2700 pounds/cubic yard = 9,990 pounds.
In tons: 9990 pounds / 2000 pounds/ton = 4.995 tons.
You need about 3.7 cubic yards or 5 tons of gravel. You can decide how to order based on price and availability. This shows how the cubic yard to ton conversion stone is used in real life.
Different Applications, Different Weights
Different projects use different types of stone. This affects the weight you deal with.
- Drainage: Often uses “clean” stone. This means it has fewer small particles (fines). It might have more air space if not packed. The weight per cubic yard might be on the lower end of the range for crushed stone or gravel.
- Road Base: Uses crushed stone with different sizes, including fines. These fines help it compact tightly. This type of crushed stone often has a higher bulk density. The weight per cubic yard might be on the higher end.
- Decorative Use: Landscape rock can vary greatly. Large, light lava rock weighs much less per yard than heavy granite boulders. The weight of landscape rock per yard depends completely on the rock type.
Knowing the use helps predict the type of stone. Knowing the stone type helps predict the weight.
Safety First: Dealing with Heavy Stone
Stone is heavy. Always be careful when working with it.
* Use strong tools.
* Get help when lifting heavy rocks.
* Be careful with trucks and machinery moving stone.
* Know the weight before you load anything. Do not exceed weight limits.
A cubic yard might not look huge, but it holds a lot of weight. Always respect the weight of stone.
Summary of Key Points
- A cubic yard is 3ft x 3ft x 3ft volume.
- Stone weight per cubic yard varies.
- Common weights: Gravel (1.2-1.4 tons), Crushed Stone (1.2-1.45 tons).
- Weight changes based on stone type, water, size, packing.
- Wet stone is heavier.
- Bulk density is weight per volume (like pounds per cubic foot or yard).
- 1 ton = 2000 pounds.
- Convert yards to tons: (Yards * Weight per Yard) / 2000.
- Convert tons to yards: 2000 / Weight per Yard.
- Weight affects transport, building, and cost.
- Always ask your supplier for exact weight info.
Knowing the weight helps you plan better. It helps you order the right amount. It helps you work safely. The weight of crushed stone per cubic yard is not just a number. It is key info for your project. The average weight of a cubic yard of gravel is a good starting point for many projects. Understanding gravel weight per cubic foot helps grasp bulk density. The weight of landscape rock per yard is more variable. Knowing how many tons in a cubic yard of gravel and how many cubic yards in a ton of crushed stone are essential skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many pounds are in a cubic yard of gravel?
A cubic yard of gravel usually weighs between 2,400 and 2,800 pounds. This depends on how wet it is and the size of the stones.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of crushed stone?
A cubic yard of crushed stone typically weighs between 1.2 and 1.45 tons. This is because 1 ton is 2000 pounds, and crushed stone is usually 2,400 to 2,900 pounds per cubic yard.
Does wet stone weigh more than dry stone?
Yes, absolutely. Water adds weight. Wet stone can weigh 10% to 20% more than the same amount of dry stone.
Is the weight of gravel different from the weight of crushed stone?
The average weights are very similar. Both are usually in the range of 2,400 to 2,900 pounds per cubic yard. But the exact weight depends more on the type of rock (like granite vs. sandstone) and its size and how it is crushed or naturally formed.
How can I find the exact weight of the stone I need?
The best way is to ask the stone supplier. They should know the weight of the specific material they are selling. This is usually measured in pounds per cubic yard or tons per cubic yard.
Why is bulk density important?
Bulk density tells you how much the stone weighs per unit of volume (like cubic foot or cubic yard), including the air spaces. It is important for figuring out the total weight of a large amount of stone. It helps answer questions about gravel weight per cubic foot and weight of crushed stone per cubic yard.
How do I convert cubic yards of stone to tons?
First, find out the weight of one cubic yard in pounds. Then, multiply the number of cubic yards you have by that weight. Finally, divide the total pounds by 2000 (since 1 ton = 2000 pounds) to get the weight in tons.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of stone?
First, find out the weight of one cubic yard in pounds. Then, divide 2000 pounds (which is 1 ton) by the weight of one cubic yard in pounds. This will tell you how many cubic yards equal one ton of that specific stone. This is useful for knowing how many cubic yards in a ton of crushed stone.