Quck answer
To convert yards to tons in gravel, you need to know the density of the gravel. The formula to calculate the conversion is:
Tons = Yards x Density (in tons per cubic yard)
First, determine the density of the gravel you are working with. This information can usually be found on the packaging or by contacting the supplier. Once you have the density, simply multiply the number of yards by the density to get the equivalent weight in tons.
For example, if the density of the gravel is 1.5 tons per cubic yard, and you have 10 yards of gravel, the conversion would be:
Tons = 10 yards x 1.5 tons/cubic yard = 15 tons
Keep in mind that the density may vary depending on the type and size of the gravel, so it’s important to use the specific density for accurate conversions.
When it comes to buying gravel for landscaping projects, it’s important to be precise. Ordering too little means waiting for a second delivery, while ordering too much leaves you with an unsightly mound in your yard. To ensure you buy the right amount, you’ll need to do some quick calculations, which are easier than you might think.
Calculating Gravel Coverage Area
Two measurements are key when determining the amount of gravel needed: the linear square footage of the area and the desired depth of the gravel layer.
Measure the width and length of the area using a laser distance meter or tape measure. The required depth of gravel depends on its intended use. For instance, landscaping with pea gravel may only require a 2- or 2.5-inch layer, while creating a gravel driveway with a sub-base may require multiple layers totaling around 18 inches.
Multiply the length, width, and depth of the area (using the same unit of measurement for each). For example, suppose you want to cover a 5-foot-square area with a 3-inch layer of gravel. Convert 3 inches to 0.25 feet, then multiply 5 x 5 x 0.25 to get 6.25 cubic feet. Divide this by 27 to obtain cubic yards. In this case, you would need slightly less than 0.25 cubic yards of gravel to cover the area. These calculations are important because gravel is often sold by cubic feet or cubic yards rather than by weight.
Different Types of Gravel Have Different Weights
There is no standard weight for gravel as it comes in various types, each with its own weight. Pea gravel, which consists of small, rounded pebbles in different colors, is commonly used for landscaping. Other types of gravel include crushed stone, white marble chips, and aggregates of crushed concrete and sand.
The material itself and the size of the gravel affect its weight. Smaller pieces are more tightly compacted and therefore weigh more. For example, one cubic yard of 3/4-inch coarse gravel weighs approximately 2,565 pounds (1.28 tons), while 1 cubic yard of 3/8-inch pea gravel weighs around 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons). These variations make it impractical to order gravel by weight.
How Much Gravel Do You Need?
In the past, calculating the amount of gravel needed for a project required complex math. Nowadays, there’s no need to convert yards to tons or perform weight calculations. All you need are the dimensions of the area you want to fill. Many retailers that sell landscaping materials provide online calculators that determine the exact amount of gravel required based on the length, width, and depth of the project area.
Even if you’re buying from a retailer that sells gravel by the ton, it’s better to provide them with the cubic yards of space you need to fill rather than calculating the tonnage yourself. Let the experts determine the exact number of tons based on volume and the type of gravel you want to purchase.
