Gravel Weight Chart
What gravel actually weighs, by material and by volume — and how much of it your vehicle can legally carry.
Weight by material
These are in-place compacted densities — what suppliers quote against. Loose material straight off the truck occupies about 10 to 15% more volume for the same weight.
| Material | Tons per yd³ | Lb per yd³ | Lb per ft³ | Yd³ per ton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher Run / #411 (base) | 1.5 | 3,000 | 111 | 0.67 |
| #57 Crushed Stone (3/4") | 1.4 | 2,800 | 104 | 0.71 |
| #8 Crushed Stone (3/8") | 1.4 | 2,800 | 104 | 0.71 |
| #4 Crushed Stone (1.5") | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 | 0.74 |
| Pea Gravel (3/8" rounded) | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 | 0.74 |
| River Rock (1" – 2") | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 | 0.74 |
| Decomposed Granite | 1.4 | 2,800 | 104 | 0.71 |
| Crushed Limestone | 1.45 | 2,900 | 107 | 0.69 |
| Marble Chips | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 | 0.74 |
| Coarse / Bedding Sand | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 | 0.74 |
Weight by volume
Using crushed stone at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
| Volume | Weight (lb) | Weight (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 yd³ | 700 | 0.35 |
| 0.5 yd³ | 1,400 | 0.70 |
| 1 yd³ | 2,800 | 1.40 |
| 2 yd³ | 5,600 | 2.80 |
| 3 yd³ | 8,400 | 4.20 |
| 5 yd³ | 14,000 | 7.00 |
| 10 yd³ | 28,000 | 14.00 |
| 15 yd³ | 42,000 | 21.00 |
| 20 yd³ | 56,000 | 28.00 |
What your vehicle can carry
Payload is the binding constraint, not bed volume. Cubic yards below are for crushed stone at 2,800 lb per yard.
| Vehicle | Typical payload | Max gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Half-ton pickup (F-150, Silverado 1500) | 1,200 lb | 0.43 yd³ (0.60 t) |
| Three-quarter-ton pickup (F-250, 2500) | 2,500 lb | 0.89 yd³ (1.25 t) |
| One-ton pickup (F-350, 3500) | 4,000 lb | 1.43 yd³ (2.00 t) |
| Single-axle utility trailer | 3,000 lb | 1.07 yd³ (1.50 t) |
| Tandem-axle dump truck | 24,000 lb | 8.57 yd³ (12.00 t) |
| Tri-axle dump truck | 36,000 lb | 12.86 yd³ (18.00 t) |
Payloads vary by trim, cab, and drivetrain — check the sticker in your own door jamb before loading. Overloading a half-ton with gravel is genuinely easy to do and hard on brakes and suspension.
Moisture
Gravel absorbs water, and after heavy rain a load can weigh noticeably more than the same volume dry. If you are buying by weight, that means you receive less stone.
- Dry: baseline
- Damp: +5%
- Saturated: +12%
Check your own load with the gravel weight calculator, which includes the moisture adjustment and a payload check.
Wheelbarrows and hauling gear
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TICONN 4.80/4.00-8 Tire, 14.5" Flat Free Wheelbarrow Tire and Wheel
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Orange Mason Line String Line - #18 Braided Nylon String - 250 Ft Length - Nylon Twine for Gardening Or Masonry Tools - Perfect Construction String for A String Level, Twine String for Gardening
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VEVOR 800lbs Poly Dump Garden Cart, Heavy Duty Yard Dump Cart Wagon, 4 Wheel Wheelbarrow with 10in Tires, 180°Rotating Handle, Steel Frame and Quick Release System
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View on Amazon →Prices as of Sep 25, 2026, 6:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
Between about 2,700 and 3,000 pounds for most crushed stone. Crusher run is heaviest at roughly 3,000 lb per cubic yard; pea gravel and river rock are closer to 2,700 lb.
How much does a cubic foot of gravel weigh?
About 100 to 111 pounds depending on the stone, since a cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet.
How much gravel can a half-ton pickup carry?
About half a cubic yard, roughly 1,400 lb. Payload rather than bed volume is the limit — the bed would physically hold twice that.
Does wet gravel weigh more?
Yes, roughly 5% more when damp and up to 12% more when saturated.
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