Gravel weights and typical prices
| Type | Tons per yd³ | Typical bulk price / yd³ | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone (#57 / #411) | 1.35 | $40–$75 | Driveways, drainage, under sheds |
| Crusher run / road base | 1.5 | $30–$65 | Compacted base under pavers & slabs |
| Pea gravel | 1.4 | $30–$55 | Paths, play areas, dog runs |
| Decomposed granite | 1.3 | $35–$80 | Natural-look paths & patios |
| River rock (1–3") | 1.3 | $45–$100 | Decorative beds, dry creeks |
National typical ranges before delivery, checked October 2026. Local prices can fall well outside them.
The formula
We add 10% by default. Gravel settles and compacts, edges are never perfectly straight, and some always disappears into soft soil. For a compacted base (crusher run), use 15%.
Why most gravel jobs come up short
People measure the top of the area and forget that the stone sinks into the soil, especially on a new driveway. Laying landscape fabric or a geotextile underneath cuts that loss a lot, and it's cheap compared with a second delivery.
Common questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Usually about 1.3–1.5 tons. Crushed stone is around 1.35 tons per yard, pea gravel about 1.4, and crusher run (with its fines) about 1.5. Wet gravel weighs more.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A new gravel driveway usually needs 8–12" total in layers: a coarse base, then a finer top layer. Topping up an existing drive usually needs 2–4". A 12 × 50 ft drive at 4" is 7.4 yd³, about 10 tons of crushed stone.
How much does a yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers about 324 sq ft at 1" deep, 162 sq ft at 2", 108 sq ft at 3", and 81 sq ft at 4".
Can I haul gravel in my pickup?
Only small amounts. A typical half-ton pickup has 1,500–2,000 lb of payload, which is only about ½–¾ of a yard of stone, even though the bed could hold 2+ yards by volume. The trip table above takes weight into account.
Should I order gravel by the ton or by the yard?
Use whatever unit your supplier quotes in. Quarries often sell by the ton, and landscape yards often sell by the yard. We show both.