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Guide: How Much Does A Yard Of Road Base Weigh Exactly?
So, how much does a yard of road base weigh? A cubic yard of road base usually weighs between 2,000 and 2,700 pounds. This is about 1 to 1.35 tons per cubic yard of road base. The weight changes a lot based on what it is made of and how much water is in it. If you want to know how many tons in a cubic yard of gravel or crushed stone, it is often about 1.2 to 1.4 tons when dry. The weight of crushed stone per yard and the cubic yard of gravel weight are usually in this range.
What is Road Base?
Road base is a key part of building roads, driveways, and paths. It sits under the top layer, like asphalt or concrete. Think of it as a strong bed for the final surface.
h4. Why We Need Road Base
Road base does important jobs.
It spreads the weight of cars or trucks. This stops the top layer from breaking.
It helps water drain away. This keeps the road strong.
It makes a smooth, steady surface to build on.
h4. What Road Base is Made Of
Road base is made of crushed up rocks or other hard stuff. It is called aggregate base course. The material size is mixed. This helps it pack down tight.
- Crushed rock (like granite, limestone, or trap rock)
- Gravel (rounded stones)
- Recycled concrete (crushed concrete base)
- Recycled asphalt
The size of the stones in road base is not all the same. There are bigger pieces and smaller pieces. The smaller pieces fill the gaps between bigger ones. This mix helps it get very dense when packed. This high aggregate base course density is important for strength. A common type uses stones up to 3/4 inch. So, knowing the weight of a yard of 3/4 inch crushed stone is often useful.
Elements Changing Road Base Weight
The weight of one cubic yard of road base is not always the same. Many things make it lighter or heavier. Knowing these helps you figure out how much your road base will weigh.
h4. The Stuff It’s Made From
Different rocks weigh different amounts.
Hard, heavy rocks like granite weigh more than softer rocks like limestone.
Recycled materials can also have different weights. How much crushed concrete base weighs per yard can be different from natural stone. Crushed concrete is often a bit lighter than crushed stone.
h4. Water Inside the Material
Water adds a lot of weight.
Road base is often wet when you get it. This is called moisture content.
Wet road base weighs much more than dry road base.
If road base has just a little water, it might weigh 2,200 pounds per yard.
If it is very wet, it could weigh 2,700 pounds or even more per yard.
Think of a sponge. A dry sponge is light. A wet sponge is heavy. Road base is like that.
h4. Stone Size and Mixture
The size of the stones and how they mix matters.
Road base has stones of many sizes. This is called gradation.
A mix with many small stones filling gaps between big stones will pack down tight.
This high bulk density of aggregate base means more material fits in one yard.
More material in the same space means it weighs more.
If the stones are all the same size, there are bigger gaps. It won’t pack as tight. It might weigh less.
h4. How Packed Down It Is
When road base is put in place, it is often packed. This is called compaction.
Packing squeezes the air out. It makes the material more dense.
A yard of loose road base will weigh less than a yard of road base packed down hard.
The weight you get from the supplier is usually the loose weight.
Once you pack it on your job, its aggregate base course density goes up in that spot. But the total weight of the yard you bought is set.
Common Weights for Different Types
We can give you some common weights. But remember, these are just guides. The real weight can change.
h4. Weight of Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is a common road base material.
Its weight depends on the type of rock.
A cubic yard of dry crushed stone often weighs about 2,400 to 2,700 pounds.
That is about 1.2 to 1.35 tons per cubic yard of road base made from crushed stone.
The weight of crushed stone per yard can change by a few hundred pounds.
h4. Weight of Gravel
Gravel is also used, sometimes mixed with crushed stone fines (small bits).
A cubic yard of dry gravel often weighs a bit less than crushed stone.
The cubic yard of gravel weight is often around 2,200 to 2,500 pounds.
This is about 1.1 to 1.25 tons per cubic yard.
This weight also changes based on the type of rock and how rounded the stones are.
h4. Weight of 3/4 Inch Crushed Stone
Road base is often called “3/4 inch minus”. This means it has stones up to 3/4 inch and smaller bits too.
The weight of a yard of 3/4 inch crushed stone is usually in the typical crushed stone range.
A cubic yard of this dry material is often around 2,450 to 2,550 pounds.
Again, wet material will be much heavier.
h4. Weight of Crushed Concrete Base
Using crushed concrete for road base is popular now. It reuses old concrete.
How much crushed concrete base weighs per yard is usually less than natural stone.
A cubic yard of dry crushed concrete is often around 2,000 to 2,200 pounds.
This is about 1 to 1.1 tons per cubic yard.
It is lighter because concrete is less dense than most rocks.
h4. Table of Typical Weights
Here is a table showing typical dry weights per cubic yard.
Remember that wet material will be heavier.
Material Type | Typical Dry Weight (Pounds per Cubic Yard) | Typical Dry Weight (Tons per Cubic Yard) |
---|---|---|
Crushed Stone | 2,400 – 2,700 | 1.2 – 1.35 |
Gravel | 2,200 – 2,500 | 1.1 – 1.25 |
3/4 Inch Crushed Stone | 2,450 – 2,550 | 1.23 – 1.28 |
Crushed Concrete Base | 2,000 – 2,200 | 1.0 – 1.1 |
These are just average numbers. The actual weight from your supplier might be a bit different. Always ask your supplier for the exact weight.
The Significance of Knowing Road Base Weight
Knowing how much a yard of road base weighs is more important than you might think. It helps with many steps in a project.
h4. Calculating How Much Material You Need
You need to know the weight to figure out how much to order.
You might know the size of your project area. And you know how deep you need the road base layer.
This helps you figure out the volume in cubic yards.
Once you have the cubic yards, you use the weight per yard to figure out the total weight needed.
This is key for estimating road base weight for your whole job.
You need to estimate the weight right so you do not order too little or too much.
h4. Planning Your Budget
The cost of road base is often based on its weight (sold by the ton) or its volume (sold by the cubic yard).
If it’s sold by the yard, knowing the weight helps you compare prices from different suppliers.
If it’s sold by the ton, you must know the weight per yard to figure out how many tons are in the cubic yards you need.
This helps you know the full material cost for your project.
h4. Moving the Road Base
Road base is very heavy.
You need trucks to bring it to your site.
Trucks can only carry a certain weight.
Knowing the weight per yard helps you figure out how many cubic yards each truck can carry.
This helps you plan how many truck loads you need.
This is important for delivery costs and timing.
You do not want to overload trucks. That is dangerous and not allowed.
h4. Figuring Out Load Bearing
The finished road base needs to be strong.
Its strength relates to its aggregate base course density and how well it is compacted.
Heavier, denser road base can often support more weight.
Knowing the typical weight helps engineers check if the material is right for the job.
This relates to the bulk density of aggregate base needed for the project.
h4. Converting Between Volume and Weight
Materials like road base are sold in two main ways:
1. By volume (cubic yards)
2. By weight (tons)
You often need to change from one unit to the other.
For example, you plan your project in cubic yards. But the supplier sells by the ton.
Or you buy by the ton, but you need to know how many yards that will cover.
h5. Converting Cubic Yards to Tons
This is the most common need.
You have a number of cubic yards (Volume).
You know the weight of one cubic yard (Weight per Yard).
Total Weight (in pounds) = Volume (in cubic yards) × Weight per Yard (in pounds per cubic yard)
To get tons:
Total Weight (in tons) = Total Weight (in pounds) / 2000 pounds per ton
Example:
You need 10 cubic yards of crushed stone.
You know one yard weighs about 2,500 pounds (dry).
Total pounds = 10 cubic yards × 2,500 pounds/yard = 25,000 pounds
Total tons = 25,000 pounds / 2,000 pounds/ton = 12.5 tons
So, 10 cubic yards is about 12.5 tons. This is your cubic yard conversion to tons.
You can also use the tons per cubic yard number directly.
Total Weight (in tons) = Volume (in cubic yards) × Weight per Yard (in tons per cubic yard)
Example:
You need 10 cubic yards of crushed stone.
One yard is about 1.25 tons (dry).
Total tons = 10 cubic yards × 1.25 tons/yard = 12.5 tons
h5. Converting Tons to Cubic Yards
Sometimes you buy tons, and you want to know the volume.
You have a number of tons (Total Weight).
You know the weight of one cubic yard (Weight per Yard in tons).
Total Volume (in cubic yards) = Total Weight (in tons) / Weight per Yard (in tons per cubic yard)
Example:
You bought 20 tons of crushed concrete base.
One yard of crushed concrete is about 1.1 tons (dry).
Total Volume = 20 tons / 1.1 tons/yard = about 18.2 cubic yards
So, 20 tons is about 18.2 cubic yards.
It is very important to use the correct weight per yard for your specific material. And know if that weight is for dry or wet material. Suppliers often give weight for material at a “standard” moisture level. Ask them.
Steps for Getting the Right Amount
Getting the right amount of road base saves you money and hassle.
h4. Find Your Project Volume
First, measure the area for the road base.
Measure the length and width in feet.
Measure the depth you need the road base layer to be in feet.
Calculate the volume in cubic feet: Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Width × Depth
Then convert cubic feet to cubic yards: Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard)
Example:
Area is 30 feet long and 10 feet wide.
Depth needed is 0.5 feet (6 inches).
Volume in cubic feet = 30 ft × 10 ft × 0.5 ft = 150 cubic feet
Volume in cubic yards = 150 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard = about 5.56 cubic yards
h4. Account for Compaction
Road base gets packed down. This means you need to order more than the final volume you figured out.
The amount it packs down depends on the material and how you pack it.
A common estimate is that road base will compact by about 15% to 25%.
This means you need to order 15% to 25% more material than your calculated volume.
Let’s say you expect 20% compaction.
Volume to order = Calculated Volume × (1 + Compaction %)
Using the example above:
Volume to order = 5.56 cubic yards × (1 + 0.20) = 5.56 × 1.20 = about 6.67 cubic yards
h4. Get the Weight per Yard from Supplier
Now you know the volume you need (after adding for compaction).
Ask your supplier for the weight of one cubic yard of the specific road base they sell.
Ask if that weight is for dry material or material at their usual moisture level.
Use their number. Do not just guess.
h4. Calculate Total Weight
Multiply your needed volume (including compaction) by the supplier’s weight per yard.
Total Weight (pounds) = Volume to order (yards) × Supplier’s Weight (pounds per yard)
If the supplier sells by the ton, convert this total pounds to tons by dividing by 2000.
Example continued:
You need about 6.67 cubic yards.
Supplier says their crushed stone weighs 2,500 pounds per yard.
Total pounds = 6.67 yards × 2,500 pounds/yard = about 16,675 pounds
Total tons = 16,675 pounds / 2,000 pounds/ton = about 8.34 tons
So, you would order about 8.5 tons (round up) or 6.75 cubic yards (if sold by volume). Always check if the supplier sells by weight or volume.
h4. Factor in Moisture (If Needed)
If the supplier gave you a dry weight, but you know the material will be wet when delivered, you need to add more.
This is harder to guess. Moisture can add 10% to 20% or even more weight.
If the supplier gives you a weight that includes typical moisture, use that one. It is easier.
Estimating road base weight is best done with the supplier’s help for their specific product.
Reasons for Weight Differences
Let’s look a bit more at why the weight numbers are ranges, not single numbers.
h4. Rock Type Variations
Different types of rock used for crushed stone have different densities.
Density is how much stuff is packed into a space.
Granite and basalt are very dense and heavy rocks.
Limestone and sandstone are less dense and lighter.
Even within the same rock type, density can change based on where it came from.
This means the weight of crushed stone per yard changes based on the geology of the quarry.
h4. Processing Methods
How the rock is crushed and screened affects the stone sizes.
How well the sizes are mixed (gradation) changes the bulk density of aggregate base.
Good gradation with fines filling gaps makes it heavier per yard when loose.
Poor gradation leaves more air spaces. This makes it lighter per yard when loose.
The weight of a yard of 3/4 inch crushed stone can change based on how many smaller pieces (“fines”) are mixed in.
h4. Moisture Content Control
Suppliers try to manage moisture. But rain, storage conditions, and timing affect it.
Material left outside will soak up rain.
Even material stored under cover can have some moisture.
A yard of very wet road base can weigh 300-500 pounds more than a dry yard.
This is a big reason why the weight per yard is not exact.
h4. Testing for Accuracy
For big projects, the aggregate base course density might be tested.
Workers take a sample of the road base. They weigh it. They dry it out completely. Then they weigh it again.
This tells them the exact moisture content and dry density.
This level of detail is usually only needed for large jobs like public roads.
For home driveways, using the supplier’s typical weight is usually fine.
Deciphering Supplier Information
When you call a supplier, ask specific questions about the road base.
h4. Product Name
Ask for the exact name or number of the road base material.
Examples: “Graded Aggregate Base (GAB)”, “Crusher Run”, “3/4 Inch Minus”.
h4. Material Type
Ask what the material is made of.
Is it crushed granite, limestone, gravel, or crushed concrete base?
h4. Weight Unit
Ask if they sell by the ton or by the cubic yard.
If they sell by the ton, ask for the estimated number of cubic yards in a ton.
If they sell by the yard, ask for the estimated weight in pounds or tons of one cubic yard.
h4. Moisture State
Ask if the weight they give you is for dry material or includes typical moisture.
This is very important for getting the right amount.
h4. Compaction Factor
Ask if they have a suggestion for the compaction percentage for that material.
This helps you figure out how much extra to order.
Getting clear answers helps you with your estimating road base weight task. It makes your cubic yard conversion to tons more accurate. It ensures you order the right amount and do not waste money.
Working with Different Weights
Since the weight can change, it is good to think about how this affects your project.
h4. Budgeting
Allow a little flexibility in your budget for the material cost.
If the material is wetter than expected, you might get slightly fewer yards per ton if bought by weight.
If bought by the yard, wetter material means you are paying for water weight.
h4. Delivery Planning
Make sure the trucks bringing the material are not overloaded.
If the material is very wet, fewer cubic yards will fit on a truck based on its weight limit.
Confirm load size limits with the trucking company.
h4. Project Scheduling
Having the wrong amount of material can cause delays.
If you order too little, you stop work to get more.
If you order too much, you have extra material to deal with.
Accurate estimating road base weight helps keep your project on time.
Comparing Road Base Types by Weight
Let’s compare the weight differences again and what they might mean.
h4. Crushed Stone vs. Gravel
Crushed stone is usually heavier per yard than gravel.
This is often because crushed stone has sharper edges and more fines that pack better.
If you need a lot of weight for a heavy load, crushed stone might be a better choice than rounded gravel.
h4. Natural Stone vs. Crushed Concrete
Crushed concrete base is usually lighter per yard than crushed natural stone.
This can be good if weight is a concern, like on a bridge deck or elevated structure.
It also means you might need a slightly larger volume of crushed concrete to get the same total weight capacity as crushed stone, though other factors like angularity also play a big role in strength.
h4. Importance of Aggregate Base Course Density
Regardless of the material, the final strength comes from the aggregate base course density achieved after compaction.
Even a lighter material, if well-graded and compacted properly, can be very strong.
The initial weight per yard (loose) tells you how much material you need to buy to fill a volume, but the final compacted density tells you its strength.
The bulk density of aggregate base is a key technical measure. It tells you how much the material weighs per unit of volume after it has been packed down in place. This is different from the loose weight per cubic yard you buy. Engineering plans will often specify a required compacted density, not just a loose weight per yard.
Interpreting Technical Terms
Sometimes you hear technical words.
h4. Density
Density is weight per volume. Like pounds per cubic foot or pounds per cubic yard.
Higher density means more material packed into the same space.
Bulk density of aggregate base is the density of the material in a pile, including air spaces.
Compact density is the density after air is squeezed out by packing.
h4. Gradation
This means the mix of different stone sizes in the material.
Good gradation has sizes from big down to dust. This helps it pack tight.
Poor gradation has stones mostly the same size. This leaves more gaps.
h4. Moisture Content
This is the amount of water in the material, shown as a percent of the dry weight.
Even a few percent of water adds significant weight.
h4. Compaction
This is the process of packing the material down.
You use heavy machines like rollers or vibratory plates.
Compaction increases the aggregate base course density.
Knowing these terms helps you talk to suppliers or contractors. It helps you better grasp how much does a yard of road base weigh.
Practical Tips for Your Project
h4. Always Ask the Supplier
This is the single most important tip. They know their product best.
Ask for the weight per yard or tons per cubic yard of road base.
Ask about the moisture level.
h4. Order a Little Extra
It is usually better to have a little extra material than not enough.
Returning material can be hard or cost money.
Running out stops your work.
A common practice is to order 5-10% more than your calculation, especially if you are new to this.
Estimating road base weight perfectly is hard. A small buffer is wise.
h4. Consider Delivery Truck Size
Know the weight limit of the delivery trucks.
Divide the truck’s weight limit by the weight per cubic yard (from your supplier) to see how many yards fit on one truck.
Example: Truck limit is 20 tons (40,000 pounds). Road base is 2,500 pounds per yard.
Yards per truck = 40,000 pounds / 2,500 pounds/yard = 16 cubic yards.
So, a 20-ton truck can carry about 16 cubic yards of that road base.
h4. Factor in Waste
Some material might be wasted.
Maybe a little spills during delivery.
Maybe some is spread too thin in areas.
This is another reason a little extra is good.
h4. Dry vs. Wet Weight Matters for Cost
If you are buying by weight (tons), and the material is very wet, you pay for water.
If you are buying by volume (yards), and the material is very wet, you still get the full yard volume of material (plus water), but it will be harder on your truck/trailer if you pick it up yourself due to the extra weight.
Most suppliers price based on a typical moisture content, so you usually get a fair deal either way. But be aware that rain right before delivery can make it much heavier.
Wrapping Up the Weight Question
To sum up, a cubic yard of road base weighs roughly between 2,000 and 2,700 pounds. This is about 1 to 1.35 tons. The main things that change this weight are the type of rock, the amount of water in it, and how well the different sizes of stones are mixed.
The weight of crushed stone per yard is typically higher than the cubic yard of gravel weight or how much crushed concrete base weighs per yard. Road base with 3/4 inch stone and smaller bits (3/4 inch crushed stone) falls in the middle to high end of the range.
Knowing the weight helps you figure out how much material you need, plan your budget, and arrange for delivery. Always talk to your material supplier to get the most accurate weight for the specific product you are buying. This helps ensure your estimating road base weight is correct for your project. Using the supplier’s weight makes your cubic yard conversion to tons accurate.
Remember that aggregate base course density after compaction is what gives the road base strength. The bulk density of aggregate base (the loose weight you buy) tells you how much material volume you are getting for a certain weight or vice-versa.
Taking the time to understand these weights and factors will lead to a smoother, more successful project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4. How many tons are in a cubic yard of road base?
Usually, a cubic yard of dry road base is about 1 to 1.35 tons. It changes based on the material. Wet road base weighs more tons per yard.
h4. What is the typical weight of a cubic yard of crushed stone?
A cubic yard of dry crushed stone is typically 2,400 to 2,700 pounds, or about 1.2 to 1.35 tons.
h4. Does rain make road base heavier?
Yes, absolutely. Road base soaks up water. Wet road base can weigh several hundred pounds more per cubic yard than dry road base.
h4. Is crushed concrete road base lighter than crushed stone?
Yes, generally how much crushed concrete base weighs per yard is less than crushed natural stone. Crushed concrete is usually 2,000 to 2,200 pounds per dry yard.
h4. How do I figure out how many yards I need?
Measure your project area (length, width, depth) in feet. Multiply them to get cubic feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. Then add 15-25% more volume to account for the material packing down (compaction).
h4. Why is the weight per yard different from the supplier?
Suppliers might have material with different rock types, different amounts of small stones (gradation), or different moisture levels. Always use the weight your specific supplier gives you for their specific product.
h4. Does the size of the stone matter for weight?
Yes, the mix of stone sizes (gradation) changes how much air is in the material when loose. A mix with more small stones to fill gaps can mean a higher bulk density of aggregate base, making it weigh more per yard when loose. The weight of a yard of 3/4 inch crushed stone includes these smaller sizes.
h4. If I buy road base by the ton, how do I know the volume?
Ask your supplier for the weight of one cubic yard in tons. Then divide the total tons you bought by that number. For example, if you bought 10 tons and the supplier says one yard is 1.25 tons, you have 10 / 1.25 = 8 cubic yards. This is your cubic yard conversion to tons calculation in reverse.
h4. What is aggregate base course density?
This is how much the road base weighs per volume after it has been put in place and packed down. It’s a measure of how tight the material is. Higher density usually means stronger base.
h4. Can I estimate road base weight myself?
You can estimate using typical weight ranges. But for accuracy, especially for larger jobs, get the weight per yard directly from your supplier for the material you plan to buy.
This information should help you better understand road base weight and plan your projects.