Question 1

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

Accepted Answer

A cubic yard of typical gravel weighs about 2,800 lb (1.4 US tons / 1.27 metric tonnes). Pea gravel is lighter at roughly 2,600 lb/yd³, while crushed stone can reach 3,000 lb/yd³. Density varies with moisture and rock type.

Question 2

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

Accepted Answer

A residential gravel driveway is usually 4 to 6 inches (100-150 mm) of compacted gravel over a sub-base. A pathway or patio base typically uses 2 to 4 inches (50-100 mm). Use the depth field to match your project.

Question 3

How do I calculate how much gravel I need?

Accepted Answer

Volume = length × width × depth. Convert to cubic yards by dividing cubic feet by 27, or cubic meters by dividing by 1,000 if dimensions are in meters. Multiply the volume by the gravel density to get weight.

Question 4

Should I order extra gravel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Order 5-10% extra to allow for compaction, settling, uneven ground, and future top-ups. Gravel packs down by roughly 15-20%, so a 4-inch loose layer may settle to about 3 inches.