What Does A Yard Of Crushed Stone Weigh? A Comprehensive Guide

The question, “What does a yard of crushed stone weigh?” seems simple, but the answer is complex and critical for anyone involved in landscaping, construction, or DIY projects. Ordering too little can halt a project, while ordering too much can lead to unnecessary expenses and disposal challenges. The weight of a cubic yard of crushed stone is not a single figure; it is a variable that depends primarily on the stone’s density, which is influenced by its type, size, and moisture content.

Fundamentally, the weight ranges from 2,400 to 3,000 pounds (1.2 to 1.5 tons) per cubic yard. However, to understand why this range exists and how to apply it accurately, one must delve into the factors that determine this crucial measurement.

The Fundamental Unit: Understanding a “Cubic Yard”

First, it is essential to define the unit in question. A “yard” in this context refers to a cubic yard, which is a measurement of volume. It represents a cube that measures three feet in length, three feet in width, and three feet in height (3′ x 3′ x 3′). This equates to 27 cubic feet. When you order crushed stone from a quarry or landscape supplier, you are ordering by volume. However, the logistical constraints of transportation and the engineering requirements of a project are governed by weight.

The Primary Factor: Material Density and Stone Type

The single most significant factor affecting the weight of crushed stone is its inherent density. Different types of rock have different molecular structures and mineral compositions, leading to varying weights per unit volume.

Here is a breakdown of approximate weights for common types of crushed stone per cubic yard:

• Granite: 2,600 to 2,900 pounds (1.3 to 1.45 tons)
  • Why: Granite is a dense, hard, igneous rock composed mainly of quartz and feldspar. Its high density makes it one of the heavier options.
• Limestone: 2,500 to 2,700 pounds (1.25 to 1.35 tons)
  • Why: Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is less dense than granite but still quite heavy. Its exact weight can vary based on its purity.
• Sandstone: 2,300 to 2 ,500 pounds (1 .15 to 1 .25 tons)
  • Why: Sandstone is composed of sand-sized mineral particles and is generally more porous and less dense than granite or limestone.
• Trap Rock: 2 ,700 to 3 ,000 pounds (1 .35 to 1 .5 tons)
  • Why: This category includes dark-colored igneous rocks like basalt and gabbro. They are extremely dense and are often among the heaviest crushed stones available.
• Crushed Concrete / Asphalt Millings: Varies widely
  • These recycled materials are generally lighter than virgin stone due to the presence of air pockets and less dense binding materials.
  • Crushed Concrete: ~2 ,200 – 2 ,700 lbs/cy
  • Asphalt Millings: ~2 ,400 – 3 ,000 lbs/cy (can be heavier when compacted due to residual tar).

Secondary Influences: Size and Compaction

Beyond the type of rock itself two other physical characteristics play a crucial role: the size of the aggregate (the individual pieces) and its degree of compaction.

1. Aggregate Size and “Voids”
Crushed stone is not a solid mass; it is an aggregate composed of individual pieces with air gaps—or “voids”—between them.

• Smaller Sizes (e.g., Crusher Run #5 #57 #8): These consist of finer stones mixed with stone dust (“fines”). The fines effectively fill the voids between the larger pieces resulting in less air space and more solid material per cubic yard Consequently these grades are denser and heavier when compacted.
• Larger Sizes (e.g., #3 #4 Rip Rap): These consist of larger individual stones which cannot pack together as tightly The voids between them are larger meaning there is more air and less actual rock in a given cubic yard Therefore they weigh less per cubic yard than their finer counterparts.

The Principle: For any given type of stone finer grades will be heavier per cubic yard than coarse grades because they have fewer air pockets.

2 . Compaction
The state in which you measure the stone also matters Loose dumped crushed stone will have maximum void space Once it is spread and compacted with machinery like a plate compactor or roller those voids are reduced The same volume of material becomes denser as it settles Therefore one cubic yard placed loosely will compact down significantly potentially losing up up%of its volume but becoming heavier for that reduced space This principle explains why calculating for base material under pavers requires considering both loose volume for transport/placementand compacted volume for final design thickness

Practical Application: Calculating Your Needs

Understanding weight becomes critical when planning delivery estimating costsand ensuring structural integrity

Step-by-Step Calculation:

Let’s assume you need crushed limestone for driveway baseand your supplier quotes limestone at ~2600 lbs(13 tons)per cubic yard

Scenario: You calculate your area requires4cubic yardsof material

Weight Calculation:
4cubic yardsx2600 lbs/cubic yard=10400lbs
In tons(US short ton=2000lbs):10400lbs /2000lbs/ton=52tons

This calculation immediately informs you:
Delivery Requirements:A standard dump truck typically carries10-14tonsA smaller dump trailer might carry~3tonsYou know you will needa full-sized truck
Project Cost:Suppliers may charge by tonor byyardKnowing this conversion allows youto compare quotes accurately
Site Access:Can your driveway supportthe weightofa +10-ton truck?

Why Accuracy Matters: Consequencesof Miscalculation

Underestimating Weight:
Delivery Issues:The supplier’s truck could be overloadedleadingto legal violationsand potential fines
Structural Damage:A heavytruck deliveringmaterial could cracka residential drivewayor pavement not designedfor such loads
Safety Hazards:Lifting equipmentlike small excavatorsor forklifts may have their capacity exceededif moving material bythe bucketful

Overestimating Weight:
Financial Waste:Paying formore materialthan neededis an obvious direct cost
Logistical Headache:Excess material requires disposalwhich canbe costlyand time-consuming
Environmental Impact:Unnecessary extraction transportationand potential wasteof natural resources

Best Practicesfor Professionalsand DIYers

To ensure accuracy follow these steps:

Consult Your Supplier:The most reliable sourceforweight informationis your local quarryor landscape supplyyardThey knowthe exact densityofthe specific materials they stockincluding local variationsAskfortheweightper cubic yardin both poundsand tonsfor your chosenstone typeand grade
Use Online Calculators Cautiously:Many websites offeraggregate calculatorsTheseare excellenttoolsfor estimating volumebut they often use genericweight averagesAlways cross-reference their defaultvalueswithyour supplier’s data
Whenin Doubt Round Up:Slight overestimation(+10%)is often prudentto accountfor compaction lossesthe difficultyof achievingperfect calculationson irregular terrainandan inabilityto useevery last bitof materialIt providesa small bufferagainst falling short

Conclusion

In summarythe weightofa cubic yardof crushed stoneis avariable governedbythe fundamental principlesof material scienceWhilethe general rangeof2400to3000poundsprovidesa useful starting pointtrue precision requires knowledgeofthe specific stonetypeits gradationandits stateof compactionFor any significant projectmoving beyond rough estimatesto precise calculationsbasedon supplier datais not merely an academic exercise—itis an essential stepin ensuringproject successbudgetary controland operational safetyBy respectingthe massof this foundational constructionmaterialyou laythe groundwork fora job doneright