Gravel and stone are sold by the ton. Cubic yards times the material’s density (tons per cubic yard) converts volume to the weight you order.
The example
5 cubic yards, 1.4 tons/yd.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | 5 × 1.4 | — |
| 3 | Tons | → 7 |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- Compute cubic yards first: area × depth(ft) ÷ 27.
- Multiply by the material’s tons per cubic yard (gravel ~1.4, sand ~1.3, riprap heavier).
- The result is the tonnage to order — how stone is sold.
- A ton of gravel covers ~100 sq ft at 2 inches — a quick field estimate.
Density is material-specific — don’t guess it. Pea gravel, crushed limestone, sand, and riprap have different tons-per-cubic-yard, so the same volume orders different weights. Get the density from the supplier for the exact product, compute cubic yards from area and depth, then multiply. Skipping the density step (or reusing the wrong one) leaves you short or with an expensive pile of surplus stone.
Try it: interactive demo
Cubic yards and tons per yard.
Variations
From area & depth
All in one:
Cost
Tons × price:
Coverage per ton
Sq ft at a depth:
Pitfalls & errors
Material density. Use the supplier’s tons/yard for the exact product.
Yards first. Convert area × depth to cubic yards before tonnage.
Compaction. Add extra if the base will be compacted.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate gravel tonnage in Excel?
How do I go from area straight to tons?
What's the density of gravel?
Stop fighting formulas. Learn them in a day.
This recipe is one of hundreds of real-world formulas we teach. Our Excel Formulas & Functions class covers lookups, logic, text, and dynamic arrays hands-on — live in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class