A cubic yard of #57 stone weighs about 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) loose, as it comes off the truck — published factors run 1.3–1.65 tons.
“Cheapest” compares bulk delivered with 0.5 cu ft bags at the prices below.
Payload is on the Tire & Loading sticker in the driver's door jamb. Single-axle dump trucks carry about 5 tons; bigger orders come on a tandem (up to 18 tons).
Bulk prices are typical 2026 yard and national-guide prices (American Rock Supply, Mulch Pros, Roseville Rock Supply); bag prices are retail snapshots. Tap any price to use your yard's.
| Depth | Sq ft per cu yd | Sq ft per ton | Tons per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 | 240 | 0.42 |
| 2 in | 162 | 120 | 0.83 |
| 3 in | 108 | 80 | 1.25 |
| 4 in | 81 | 60 | 1.67 |
| 6 in | 54 | 40 | 2.5 |
Weight converts yards to tons: tons = cubic yards × 1.35. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet; spread 1 in deep it covers 324 sq ft, so coverage at any depth is 324 ÷ inches, and per ton it is 324 ÷ (inches × 1.35).
Quarry tables disagree because stone type, gradation and moisture change the weight, and because some list compacted rather than loose weights — Martin Marietta's "base" figures (1.90–1.95 t) are compacted-in-place values. If your yard prints a factor on its ticket or website, enter it in the calculator; it beats any average.
Driveway base layers, drainage behind walls and around pipes, under decks. Locks together but stays free-draining.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main gravel calculator page.