A young man who took 10 people for a spin in the tray of his ute and crashed, killing a teenager, has been jailed for three years.

Alexander Wells, 21, was driving around in a paddock at an 18th birthday party in country Victoria in 2017 when his ute rolled, killing William Grace, 16.

Others were also injured at the scene at Gladysdale, east of Melbourne.

Judge Paul Higham said the case was a tragedy and hoped it would serve as a warning to other young men.

"Do not act in this risky way because if you do, there will be tragic consequences," he added.