How Much Does a Cubic Foot of Gravel Weigh?
How much does a cubic foot of gravel weigh? A cubic foot of dry gravel typically weighs about 95 to 110 pounds, and 100 pounds is a handy rule of thumb. The exact number depends on rock type, size, and how much fine material is mixed in. Wet gravel weighs more. A cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet, so the same range works out to roughly 2,600 to 3,000 pounds per yard.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Weight by type
| Material | Approx. lb per cubic foot |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 95 to 107 |
| #57 clean stone | 90 to 104 |
| Crusher run (dense-graded) | 100 to 110 loose |
| River rock | 95 to 105 |
| Sand, dry | 95 to 100 |
| Stone dust | 95 to 107 |
These are loose, dry figures. Compacted dense-graded base can exceed 120 pounds per cubic foot in place.
Wet vs dry
Water fills the gaps between stones. Washed gravel straight from a stockpile or after rain can weigh several percent more. For hauling and lifting, assume the high end. See how much does a yard of sand weigh for sand, which holds more water.
Bags and buckets
| Container | Volume | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cu ft bag | 0.5 cu ft | about 50 lb |
| 5-gallon bucket | about 0.67 cu ft | about 60 to 70 lb |
| Wheelbarrow, 6 cu ft | 6 cu ft | about 600 lb heaped, too heavy |
| Wheelbarrow, half full | 3 cu ft | about 300 lb |
A full contractor wheelbarrow of gravel is heavier than most people can safely push, so fill it about half. See how much does a 5-gallon bucket of gravel weigh.
From cubic feet to project needs
Measure the area, multiply by depth in feet for cubic feet, then multiply by 100 for a quick weight estimate in pounds. Divide by 2,000 for tons. For example, a 4x20-foot path at 3 inches is 20 cubic feet, about 2,000 pounds or 1 ton. The asphalt base calculator can handle larger areas.
Why it matters
Weight affects how many trips you need, whether your truck or trailer is overloaded, and how many bags to buy. It also helps check supplier quotes given in tons versus yards. See gravel weight per yard.
Rock type
Granite, trap rock, and basalt are denser than limestone or sandstone. If you know the rock source, ask the supplier for its measured weight.
Bottom line
A cubic foot of gravel weighs about 95 to 110 pounds dry, so use about 100 pounds for quick estimates. Wet gravel weighs more, and compacted base more still. Multiply cubic feet by 100 for pounds, and fill wheelbarrows only about halfway.
Questions people ask
How much does one cubic foot of gravel weigh?
About 95 to 110 pounds dry; 100 pounds is a good estimate.
How many cubic feet of gravel in a ton?
About 19 to 21 cubic feet.
Does wet gravel weigh more?
Yes, water in the voids adds weight.
How much does a 0.5 cubic foot bag of gravel weigh?
About 50 pounds.
Related guides
- How Much Does a 5-Gallon Bucket of Gravel Weigh?
- How Much Does a Yard of Gravel Weigh? Tons per Yard by Stone Type
- How Much Does a Yard of Pea Gravel Weigh?
- How Much Does a Yard of Sand Weigh? Dry vs. Wet Tons
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