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Crushed Stone & Gravel Tonnage Converter

Convert driveway, patio base, and drainage gravel dimensions into exact cubic yards, cubic feet, and US Short Tons. Calibrated for quarry scale tickets across #21A crusher run, Dense Graded Aggregate (DGA), clean #57 stone, and pea gravel.

⚡ Quick Takeoff: How Many Tons is 6 Yards of Gravel?

Six (6) cubic yards of crushed stone or gravel equals 7.5 to 8.7 US tons (15,000 to 17,400 lbs) depending on compaction and stone density (average 1.4 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard).

Measurements

US customary
ft
ft
in
Length (ft) Width (ft) Depth
Crushed stone & gravel coverage • Vibratory compacted grade • AASHTO #57
Estimating bulk weights • Density varies by quarry moisture content & quarry scale calibration
ESTIMATE READY
Quarry Order Weight
14.36 Tons
9.78 yd³ quarry order volume (+ 10% compaction settling)
Total volume in cubic feet 264.0 cu ft
Metric tonnes equivalent 13.03 Tonnes
Total weight in pounds 28,710 lbs
Tandem dump truck loads (~12.5 T) 1.1 Loads
Tri-Axle dump truck loads (~19 T) 0.8 Load
Quarry Order Summary: To cover 720 sq ft at 4″ depth with Crushed Limestone #57 (1.45 tons/yd³), order 14.36 US Short Tons (~9.78 cu yds). This accounts for 10% mechanical compaction settling. Order 1 full Tri-Axle truckload to avoid short-load fees.
Field Guide & Technical Contents

How to Convert Cubic Yards to Tons Manually

When contractors estimate gravel for a driveway or foundation, dimensions are taken in feet and inches, yielding volume in cubic yards. However, aggregate suppliers and quarry scale houses bill exclusively by US Short Tons (2,000 lbs). Converting volume to weight requires multiplying cubic yards by the stone’s specific bulk density factor.

The Master Gravel Tonnage Formula:
Volumetric Aggregates Formula:
Cubic Yards (yd³) = [ Length (ft) × Width (ft) × ( Depth (in) ÷ 12 ) ÷ 27 ] × Compaction Factor
Quarry Weight Conversions:
US Short Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/yd³)  •  Metric Tonnes = US Tons × 0.9072

Worked-Out Jobsite Numerical Example

Consider a typical residential driveway overhaul: laying a 4-inch layer of #57 clean crushed limestone over a 60 ft long by 12 ft wide driveway with a 10% compaction settling factor.

  1. Calculate Surface Area: 60 ft × 12 ft = 720 sq ft.
  2. Convert Depth to Feet: 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.3333 ft.
  3. Calculate Base Cubic Volume: 720 sq ft × 0.3333 ft = 240.0 cu ft.
  4. Convert to Geometric Cubic Yards: 240.0 ÷ 27 = 8.89 cu yds.
  5. Apply 10% Compaction Settling Buffer: 8.89 × 1.10 = 9.78 order cu yds.
  6. Multiply by Stone Density (#57 Limestone = 1.45 tons/yd³): 9.78 cu yds × 1.45 tons/yd³ = 14.18 US Short Tons.

Technical Reference: Aggregate Density & Weight Standards

Aggregate weight varies based on crushed stone geometry, gradation (whether fines and stone dust fill the interstitial voids), and moisture absorption:

Stone Classification Gradation / Size Pounds per Cu Yd Tons per Cu Yd Best Practical Application
#21A / Crusher Run 3/4″ minus with stone dust 2,800 lbs 1.40 Tons Compacting base for driveways, walkways, pavers
Dense Graded Aggregate (DGA) 1″ minus dense blend 3,000 lbs 1.50 Tons Heavy commercial road base, subgrade stabilization
#57 Crushed Limestone 1/2″ to 1″ clean crushed 2,900 lbs 1.45 Tons Driveway top layer, retaining wall backfill, French drains
Pea Gravel (#8) 3/8″ washed river pebble 2,700 lbs 1.35 Tons Exposed aggregate patios, dog runs, decorative beds
#4 Clean Ballast Stone 1.5″ to 2.5″ fractured rock 2,750 lbs 1.38 Tons Muddy construction site entrances, erosion control
Riprap (Class I / II) 6″ to 12″ fractured boulders 3,200 lbs 1.60 Tons Culvert protection, steep slope erosion armor
Looking for AASHTO sizing, compaction curves & quarry test data?

For complete crushed stone gradations (#57 vs Crusher Run), Proctor densities, and delivery logistics, review our in-depth Gravel & Crushed Stone Sizing & Tonnage Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel Tonnage

On average, 1 cubic yard of gravel equals 1.40 to 1.50 US short tons (2,800 to 3,000 lbs). Clean #57 stone averages 1.45 tons/yd³, while dense graded road base with stone dust reaches 1.50 tons/yd³.
A standard tri-axle dump truck delivers 18 to 22 tons of gravel per trip (roughly 12 to 15 cubic yards). A smaller tandem-axle truck hauls 12 to 14 tons. Most quarries charge a flat delivery fee per truck trip regardless of whether the truck is fully or partially loaded.
A durable gravel driveway should be a minimum of 6 inches deep (4 inches of compacted #21A road base topped with 2 inches of clean #57 stone). If vehicles heavier than passenger cars (such as RVs or delivery trucks) will park on it, install an 8-inch base over heavy-duty non-woven geotextile fabric.
Yes. Installing a heavy-duty non-woven geotextile stabilization fabric (4 to 6 oz rating) between the native dirt and the crushed stone base prevents the gravel from sinking into the subgrade over time and permanently stops mud from pumping up to the driveway surface during wet spring thaws.
Planning Disclaimer

Results are estimates based on the dimensions and material assumptions entered. Actual material requirements can vary due to site conditions, material density, compaction, waste, supplier specifications, and construction methods. Confirm quantities with your supplier or project professional before ordering.

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