Gravel Weight Calculator

Convert a gravel volume to weight, or a weight to volume, using the bulk density of the actual product. No generic gravel density is assumed.

Gravel weight calculator

Convert

Why density is required

Weight and volume cannot be converted directly without knowing the bulk density of the product and its condition.

Use the figure your supplier gives for this exact product.

Where can I find bulk density?

Ask your quarry, landscape supplier, aggregate supplier or delivery company for the product's bulk density, unit weight, or tons-per-cubic-yard figure.

  • Ask for the loose bulk density if you are ordering loose delivered material.
  • Confirm whether the figure is loose delivered, compacted/in-place, or another condition.
  • Confirm whether “tons” means US short tons or metric tonnes.

Result

Your result will appear here

Enter a quantity and applicable bulk density to calculate the conversion.

How this calculator works

Weight and volume are linked by one number: the product's bulk density — how much a given volume of the material weighs, including the spaces between the stones.

Weight = Volume × Bulk density

Volume = Weight ÷ Bulk density

The calculator converts the units for you, using NIST conversion factors. US short tons (2,000 lb) and metric tonnes (1,000 kg) are always labelled separately.

Because the result depends on a density you supply, it is always marked Estimated.

Getting the right bulk density

Why there is no default

There is no single weight for “a yard of gravel”. Stone type, size range, fines, moisture and how the material is measured all change the figure. A number published for one supplier's product describes that product only. Research into published figures found no defensible nationwide density for common gravel products, so this calculator asks for yours.

Match the condition

Bulk density is measured in a condition — loose, as delivered, or compacted in place. A compacted figure applied to a loose volume (or the reverse) gives a wrong answer. Choose the condition your supplier's figure describes, and convert a volume in that same condition.

Not specific gravity

Specific gravity (particle relative density) describes the solid rock itself. A pile of gravel contains air between the stones, so its bulk density is lower. ASTM test methods treat these as different measurements; specific gravity is never used here.

Where to find it

Ask your quarry, landscape supplier or delivery company for the product's bulk density or tons-per-cubic-yard figure, and confirm the condition and whether it is in US short tons or metric tonnes.

Need the volume first? Start with the Gravel Calculator. Converting US short tons to cubic yards for an order? The Gravel Tons-to-Yards Calculator starts from weight.

Worked examples

Example: 3 cubic yards with a supplier density of 1.4 US short tons per cubic yard (loose)

  1. Weight: 3 yd³ × 1.4 US short tons/yd³ = 4.2 US short tons
  2. In pounds: 4.2 × 2,000 = 8,400 lb

Result: an estimated 4.20 US short tons (3.81 metric tonnes). The density is an example input, not a gravel value.

Example: 5 metric tonnes with a supplier density of 1,500 kg/m³ (loose)

  1. Weight: 5 t = 5,000 kg
  2. Volume: 5,000 kg ÷ 1,500 kg/m³ = 3.33 m³

Result: an estimated 3.33 cubic metres (4.36 cubic yards). The density is an example input.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

It depends on the product and its condition. Enter your supplier’s bulk density with a volume of 1 cubic yard to see the weight for that product.

What is the difference between a US short ton and a metric tonne?

A US short ton is 2,000 lb (907.1847 kg). A metric tonne is 1,000 kg. They differ by about 10%, so the calculator always names which one it means.

My supplier gave me “tons” per cubic yard. Which unit do I pick?

If the supplier is in the US, “tons” usually means US short tons — choose US short tons/yd³, and confirm with the supplier if unsure.

What if I don’t know the density condition?

You can choose Unknown and still calculate, but the result will carry a warning. Ask the supplier whether the figure is loose delivered or compacted.

Sources & methodology

Conversions use your density and NIST unit factors. Sources relevant to this page: