Find out how much a cubic yard of gravel, sand, topsoil, mulch, and other landscaping materials weighs. Complete weight chart with pounds, tons, and per-cubic-foot values.
This chart shows the weight of 15 common landscaping and construction materials. Weights are given in pounds per cubic yard, tons per cubic yard, and pounds per cubic foot. Use these values when converting between volume and weight for ordering and delivery.
| Material | lbs / cu. yd. | tons / cu. yd. | lbs / cu. ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel (loose) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 100 |
| Gravel (compacted) | 3,100 | 1.55 | 115 |
| Crushed Stone | 2,700 | 1.35 | 100 |
| Pea Gravel | 2,700 | 1.35 | 100 |
| River Rock | 2,500 | 1.25 | 93 |
| Limestone | 3,000 | 1.50 | 111 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 100 |
| Sand (wet) | 3,400 | 1.70 | 126 |
| Topsoil | 2,200 | 1.10 | 81 |
| Mulch | 800 | 0.40 | 30 |
| Fill Dirt | 2,300 | 1.15 | 85 |
| Crushed Concrete | 2,600 | 1.30 | 96 |
| Rip Rap | 2,700 | 1.35 | 100 |
| Crusher Run | 3,000 | 1.50 | 111 |
| Road Base | 3,100 | 1.55 | 115 |
Weights are approximate averages. Actual weight varies based on moisture content, gradation, and source quarry.
A cubic yard of loose gravel weighs approximately 2,700 pounds or 1.35 tons. This is the most commonly referenced weight and applies to standard crushed gravel, pea gravel, and crushed stone in their loose, uncompacted state.
When gravel is compacted, the weight increases to about 3,100 pounds or 1.55 tons per cubic yard. Compaction forces the particles closer together, eliminating air voids and packing more material into the same volume. This is why a compacted driveway uses more gravel than a loose decorative bed of the same dimensions.
The weight also depends on the type of rock. Limestone is denser than most gravel at 3,000 lbs per cubic yard, while river rock is lighter at 2,500 lbs because the larger, rounder stones create more void space between them.
To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by the appropriate density factor from the chart above. To convert tons to cubic yards, divide the tonnage by the density. For example, 5 tons of gravel ÷ 1.35 = 3.70 cubic yards.
Use our cubic yards calculator to convert between volume and weight for any material.
A cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons), which is the same as standard gravel. However, sand absorbs water readily, and wet sand is significantly heavier.
A cubic yard of wet sand weighs approximately 3,400 pounds (1.70 tons). That is a 26% increase over dry sand. Water fills the small voids between sand grains, and because sand particles are fine and tightly packed, a substantial amount of water can be held within a cubic yard.
This distinction matters when ordering sand, especially in rainy climates or when the sand has been stored outdoors. If you are ordering by weight, ask your supplier whether the sand is dry or saturated, as the difference can affect how much volume you receive per ton.
Moisture content is one of the biggest variables affecting the weight of bulk materials. All porous materials absorb water, and the weight increase depends on the particle size and void structure.
When calculating material needs, use dry weights as your baseline. If the material will be delivered wet, the same number of cubic yards will simply weigh more, so make sure your delivery vehicle can handle the load.
For area coverage estimates, see the gravel coverage chart, which shows how much surface area each quantity covers at various depths.
Converting between cubic yards and tons is a common need when ordering landscaping materials. Suppliers may price by the ton while you have calculated your needs in cubic yards, or vice versa.
Formula: Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/cu. yd.)
Example: 3 cubic yards of gravel × 1.35 = 4.05 tons
Formula: Cubic Yards = Tons ÷ Density (tons/cu. yd.)
Example: 5 tons of gravel ÷ 1.35 = 3.70 cubic yards
Always use the correct density factor for your specific material. Using the gravel default of 1.35 for mulch (0.40) would result in a significant ordering error. Check the weight table above for the right value.
Need to estimate total project cost? Try our gravel cost calculator.
Enter your project dimensions and material type to get cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost automatically.
Open Gravel Calculator →A cubic yard of loose gravel weighs approximately 2,700 pounds or 1.35 tons. Compacted gravel is heavier at about 3,100 pounds (1.55 tons) per cubic yard. The exact weight depends on the type of stone, its particle size, and moisture content.
Dry sand weighs about 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Wet sand is significantly heavier at approximately 3,400 pounds (1.70 tons) per cubic yard due to water filling the voids between grains. Always ask your supplier about moisture conditions when ordering by weight.
Gravel weight varies because different rock types have different mineral densities, particle sizes affect how tightly material packs together, and angular crushed stone has less void space than rounded river rock. Moisture content also adds weight — wet materials can weigh 15-25% more than dry. Compacted material weighs more per cubic yard than loose material because the air gaps have been reduced.