Guide

Gravel Types and Coverage Guide

Common gravel types, their uses, and how coverage and weight per cubic yard vary.

Gravel is a broad term, and the type affects both how it performs and how much it weighs.

Common types

  • Crushed stone: angular, locks together well, good for bases and driveways.
  • Pea gravel: smooth and rounded, good for paths and decorative use, but shifts underfoot.
  • Crusher run or road base: a mix of stone and fines that compacts hard, ideal as a sub base.

Coverage and weight

Crushed gravel runs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard, but this varies with stone size and moisture, so confirm density with your supplier. A cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.

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Common questions

How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?

Roughly 1.4 tons for crushed gravel, varying with type and moisture.

Which gravel is best for a driveway?

Crushed stone or crusher run, which compact and lock together, rather than smooth pea gravel.
Knowledge Base

Estimating Guides & Reference

Plain-language guides on measuring, coverage and how much extra to buy, written for DIYers and trades.

Measuring & Estimating
Concrete & Aggregate
Soil & Lawn
Interior & Finishing