How do I convert cubic yards to tons?

Multiply the number of cubic yards by the density of the material in tons per cubic yard. Each material has a different density. For example, crushed limestone weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. So 3 cubic yards of crushed limestone = 3 × 1.35 = 4.05 tons.

How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?

Gravel weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on the rock type and whether it is crushed or rounded. As a typical estimate, 1 cubic yard of gravel = about 1.35 tons. Crushed stone is slightly heavier, averaging 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard.

How many tons is a cubic yard of dirt?

Dry topsoil weighs about 0.85–1.0 tons per cubic yard. Moist fill dirt is heavier at around 1.0–1.2 tons per cubic yard. Wet clay soil can weigh 1.3–1.4 tons per cubic yard. The calculator uses approximately 1.1 tons per cubic yard for typical fill dirt.

How many tons is a cubic yard of sand?

Dry sand weighs about 1.25–1.35 tons per cubic yard. Wet or compacted sand is slightly heavier at 1.4–1.6 tons per cubic yard. The exact figure depends on grain size and moisture content. Use 1.3 tons per cubic yard as a safe average for ordering.

How much does a cubic yard of mulch weigh?

Mulch is much lighter than soil or rock. Dry wood mulch weighs about 0.2–0.3 tons per cubic yard. Wet mulch can be double that at 0.4–0.5 tons per cubic yard. This is important when estimating truck load limits — a full truck of mulch weighs far less than a truck of gravel.

Why do material suppliers use tons instead of cubic yards?

Suppliers often price and deliver bulk materials by weight (tons) because weighing is more precise and uniform than volume measurement. Loose materials shift and settle during transport, making volume inconsistent. Quarries and gravel suppliers typically charge by the ton.

What is a short ton vs a long ton vs a metric ton?

A US short ton = 2,000 pounds. A British long ton = 2,240 pounds. A metric ton (tonne) = 2,205 pounds. This calculator uses US short tons, which is the standard for construction material ordering in the United States.

How many bags of concrete does one cubic yard equal?

Concrete weighs about 2.0–2.1 tons per cubic yard when wet. Dry pre-mix weighs slightly less. Standard 80 lb (0.6 cu ft) bags: you need 45 bags for one cubic yard. Standard 60 lb bags (0.45 cu ft): you need 60 bags per cubic yard. For large pours, ready-mix concrete is almost always more economical.

Everyday

Yards to Tons Calculator

Convert cubic yards to tons for any bulk landscape or construction material. Choose your material for an accurate weight estimate.

Cubic yards

Material

Weight in tons

—

US short tons—

Weight in pounds—

Metric tonnes—

Material density used—

FormulaTons = Yd³ × density

Conversion formula

Tons = Cubic yards × Material density (tons/yd³) Pounds = Tons × 2,000 Metric tonnes = Tons × 0.9072 Reverse (tons → cubic yards): Cubic yards = Tons ÷ Material density Example: 3 cubic yards of crushed gravel (1.35 t/yd³) = 3 × 1.35 = 4.05 US short tons = 4.05 × 2,000 = 8,100 lbs

Why material density matters

Cubic yards and tons are connected by a material's density — how much one cubic yard of that material weighs. Density varies dramatically between different materials. One cubic yard of dry wood mulch weighs about 520 lbs, while one cubic yard of wet clay weighs about 2,700 lbs. Using the wrong density can cause you to underestimate delivery loads or exceed truck weight limits.

Construction suppliers quote prices and load amounts in tons because they weigh trucks at certified scales. When you order from a quarry or soil supplier, they price by the ton. Knowing how many tons your cubic yard volume equals helps you verify quotes and avoid billing discrepancies.

Material density reference table

Material	Tons/yd³	Lbs/yd³
Topsoil (dry)	0.85	1,700
Topsoil (moist)	1.10	2,200
Fill dirt (typical)	1.10	2,200
Clay soil (wet)	1.35	2,700
Sand (dry)	1.30	2,600
Sand (wet)	1.45	2,900
Gravel (loose)	1.35	2,700
Crushed stone/gravel	1.43	2,860
Crushed limestone	1.35	2,700
Crushed granite	1.45	2,900
Concrete (cured)	2.03	4,060
Asphalt (compacted)	1.89	3,780
Wood mulch (dry)	0.26	520
Bark mulch	0.35	700
Compost	0.45	900
Pea gravel	1.35	2,700

Frequently asked questions

Multiply the number of cubic yards by the density of the material in tons per cubic yard. Each material has a different density. For example, crushed limestone weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. So 3 cubic yards of crushed limestone = 3 × 1.35 = 4.05 tons.
Gravel weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on the rock type and whether it is crushed or rounded. As a typical estimate, 1 cubic yard of gravel = about 1.35 tons. Crushed stone is slightly heavier, averaging 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard.
Dry topsoil weighs about 0.85–1.0 tons per cubic yard. Moist fill dirt is heavier at around 1.0–1.2 tons per cubic yard. Wet clay soil can weigh 1.3–1.4 tons per cubic yard. The calculator uses approximately 1.1 tons per cubic yard for typical fill dirt.
Dry sand weighs about 1.25–1.35 tons per cubic yard. Wet or compacted sand is slightly heavier at 1.4–1.6 tons per cubic yard. The exact figure depends on grain size and moisture content. Use 1.3 tons per cubic yard as a safe average for ordering.
Mulch is much lighter than soil or rock. Dry wood mulch weighs about 0.2–0.3 tons per cubic yard. Wet mulch can be double that at 0.4–0.5 tons per cubic yard. This is important when estimating truck load limits — a full truck of mulch weighs far less than a truck of gravel.
Suppliers often price and deliver bulk materials by weight (tons) because weighing is more precise and uniform than volume measurement. Loose materials shift and settle during transport, making volume inconsistent. Quarries and gravel suppliers typically charge by the ton.
A US short ton = 2,000 pounds. A British long ton = 2,240 pounds. A metric ton (tonne) = 2,205 pounds. This calculator uses US short tons, which is the standard for construction material ordering in the United States.
Concrete weighs about 2.0–2.1 tons per cubic yard when wet. Dry pre-mix weighs slightly less. Standard 80 lb (0.6 cu ft) bags: you need 45 bags for one cubic yard. Standard 60 lb bags (0.45 cu ft): you need 60 bags per cubic yard. For large pours, ready-mix concrete is almost always more economical.