Gravel Calculator

On average, 1 cubic yard of standard gravel or crushed stone weighs approximately 2,800 pounds, which equals 1.4 tons.

• Clean washed gravel / #57 stone: ~1.35 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,700 - 2,800 lbs).
• Pea gravel: ~1.35 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,600 - 2,800 lbs).
• Crusher run / dense graded aggregate (with stone dust): ~1.45 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard (2,900 - 3,000 lbs) due to tight compaction.

Our calculator uses the standard industry benchmark of 1.4 tons per cubic yard.

For a standard residential driveway holding passenger cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks, gravel should be 4 to 6 inches deep.

If you are installing a brand new driveway from scratch over bare soil, landscapers recommend an 8 to 12-inch total layered foundation:

1. Sub-base layer (4-6 inches): Heavy coarse crushed stone (#3 or #4, 2" to 3" diameter) over geotextile fabric.
2. Base layer (3-4 inches): Dense graded stone with dust (crusher run or #21A) compacted firm.
3. Top surface layer (2 inches): #57 angular gravel (3/4" stone) for vehicle traction and watershedding.

The primary differences are shape, texture, and structural load-bearing capacity:

• Pea Gravel: Naturally rounded, smooth river pebbles (roughly 3/8" size). Because it has smooth rounded surfaces, it does not lock together and acts like ball bearings under heavy loads. It is fantastic and comfortable for bare feet around patios, dog runs, and flower borders, but poor for vehicle driveways.
• Crushed Stone: Mechanically blasted limestone, granite, or trap rock with sharp, jagged, angular edges. When compacted, the angular facets interlock into a rock-solid, rigid platform that does not rut, making it the superior material for driveways, shed pads, and road sub-bases.

One standard US ton equals 2,000 pounds. Therefore:

2,000 lbs ÷ 50 lbs = Exactly 40 Bags

To buy 1 cubic yard of gravel in bags (which weighs ~2,800 lbs), you need approximately 54 to 56 bags (50 lbs each). If your job demands more than 20 bags, bulk delivery is almost always 50% to 70% cheaper and saves strenuous lifting.