How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most gravel weighs roughly 1.3–1.5 tons (2,600–3,000 lb) per cubic yard. Many quarries sell by the ton, while landscape yards often sell by the cubic yard – this calculator shows both. Densities used here are typical averages; ask your supplier for the exact figure.
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Garden path / walkway | 2–3 in |
| Patio base or pea gravel patio | 3–4 in |
| Driveway (top layer) | 4–6 in |
| Drainage / French drain | depends on trench size |
Tips for a long-lasting gravel area
Lay landscape fabric first to keep weeds down and stop gravel from sinking into the soil. Install an edging (steel, stone or plastic) so the gravel stays in place, and compact crushed stone in layers of 2–3 inches.