Side by side
| Crushed Stone | Gravel | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 3,000 lb (1.50 t) | 2,835 lb (1.42 t) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.67 | 0.71 |
| Sq ft per ton at 3 in | 72 | 76 |
| Average price | $10–$50/ton, $15–$75/yd³ | $10–$50/ton, $15–$75/yd³ |
Weights and prices from the sources listed below.
Site Prep notes that, strictly, gravel means round river stone, while foundations are built with crushed stone; many people use the two words for the same thing.
Working it out
Cubic yards = area × depth ÷ 324 (sq ft and inches). Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard.
For 200 sq ft at 3 inches, both need 1.85 cubic yards: 2.78 tons of crushed stone or 2.62 tons of gravel.
Common questions
Which is heavier, crushed stone or gravel?
Crushed Stone at about 1.50 tons per cubic yard, against 1.42.
Sources
- https://new.siteprep.com/?p=553
- https://hellogravel.com/guides/2025-gravel-prices-per-ton-delivered-cost-calculator-and-regional-rates/
- https://homeguide.com/costs/gravel-prices
- https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dirt-mud-densities-d_1727.html