Ordering gravel: yards, tons and delivery
Volume and weight are different
Cubic yards measure space. US short tons measure weight. To convert, multiply cubic yards by the supplier’s bulk density in US tons per cubic yard. Two products filling the same space can weigh different amounts.
A worked example
A 20-foot by 10-foot area at 3 inches deep contains 50 cubic feet, or approximately 1.85 cubic yards. Adding 10% gives approximately 2.04 cubic yards. At an assumed 1.4 US tons per cubic yard, the estimate is 2.85 US tons. At $50 per ton, material is approximately $142.59 before delivery and taxes.
Compare complete quotes
Ask each supplier for the same material specification and quantity. Separate the material rate, minimum order, delivery charge, taxes and any fuel or distance surcharge. Confirm whether the quote uses short tons, metric tonnes or cubic yards.
Before you pay
Confirm availability, minimum load size, whether the seller rounds quantities, and what the truck can deliver in one trip. If buying bags, divide total estimated pounds by pounds per bag and round up. Bag volume and weight are not interchangeable without a density assumption.