Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator: Free Online Material Weight Converter
Use our free cubic yards to tons calculator to convert volume to weight for any bulk material. Whether you are ordering gravel, sand, asphalt, topsoil, or crushed stone, this tool converts cubic yards to tons using the correct material density. Select from common materials or enter a custom density for precise results.
How to use this calculator.
- Enter the volume. Input the number of cubic yards you need to convert.
- Select your material. Choose from the preset material list (gravel, sand, asphalt, topsoil, etc.) or enter a custom density.
- Click calculate. The weight in tons appears instantly.
- Adjust for moisture. Wet materials weigh more than dry ones. Increase the density by 5–10% if the material is wet.
How do you calculate weight conversions from cubic yards?
To convert cubic yards to tons, first find the material's weight in pounds by multiplying volume by density and by the number of cubic feet in a cubic yard, then divide by 2,000 to get short tons.
Pounds = Cubic Yards × Density (lb/ft³) × 27
Tons = Pounds ÷ 2,000
Metric Tonnes = Pounds ÷ 2,204.62
Where:
- Cubic Yards: The volume of material you need to convert, as calculated from your project dimensions.
- Density: The material's weight per cubic foot, in lb/ft³. This is the key variable: get it wrong and every result downstream is wrong too.
- 27: The constant number of cubic feet in one cubic yard, used to convert the density (a per-cubic-foot figure) up to a per-cubic-yard weight.
- 2,000 / 2,204.62: The number of pounds in one US short ton and one metric tonne, respectively.
Typical material densities (pounds per cubic foot):
- Gravel (dry): ~100 lb/ft³ (1.35 tons/cu yd)
- Sand (dry): ~100 lb/ft³ (1.35 tons/cu yd)
- Crushed stone: ~100 lb/ft³ (1.35 tons/cu yd)
- Topsoil: ~85 lb/ft³ (1.15 tons/cu yd)
- Asphalt: ~145 lb/ft³ (1.96 tons/cu yd)
- Concrete: ~145 lb/ft³ (1.96 tons/cu yd)
Example calculation.
Let us convert 10 cubic yards of dry gravel to tons.
Scenario: Your supplier delivers gravel by the ton, but your project estimate says you need 10 cubic yards, and you know the gravel's density is about 100 lb/ft³.
- Calculate the weight in pounds: 10 cu yd × 100 lb/ft³ × 27 = 27,000 lbs
- Convert to tons: 27,000 lbs ÷ 2,000 = 13.5 tons
- Convert to metric tonnes (optional): 27,000 lbs ÷ 2,204.62 = 12.25 tonnes
Result: 10 cubic yards of gravel at 100 lb/ft³ weighs approximately 13.5 tons (about 12.25 metric tonnes).
Tips from the field.
- Use the correct density for your specific material.Density varies by quarry, gradation, and stone type. Granite gravel is denser than limestone gravel. Ask your supplier for the exact bulk density of their material rather than relying on a generic average.
- Moisture can add 10–20% to weight. If gravel has been sitting in rain, it can hold 5–10% water by weight. Wet sand holds even more. Increase the density value when conditions are wet.
- A standard dump truck holds 10–14 cubic yards or 14–20 tons.Knowing this helps you estimate delivery costs and number of truckloads. Most suppliers have 10-yard and 14-yard trucks available.
- Density is a per-cubic-foot number, not per-cubic-yard.Mixing up lb/ft³ and lb/yd³ is a common estimating error. This calculator's formula already accounts for the ×27 conversion, so just enter the density as lb/ft³.
- Round up, not down, when ordering. Suppliers typically sell in half-ton or full-ton increments. Round your calculated tonnage up to avoid a mid-project material shortage.
Disclaimer: Density values are industry averages and vary by source, gradation, moisture content, and compaction. Always confirm the actual density with your material supplier. PavementCalculator.com assumes no liability for estimation errors.
Cost, price, and density figures on this page reflect approximate U.S. averages as of August 2026 and vary by region, supplier, and material availability.
Frequently asked questions.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
One cubic yard of gravel typically weighs about 1.35 tons (2,700 lbs), assuming a density of 100 lb/ft³. However, this varies by material type: crushed stone is about 1.35 tons/yd³, sand is about 1.35 tons/yd³, and pea gravel is about 1.45 tons/yd³. Enter your exact material density above for a precise conversion.
How do you convert cubic yards to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the material density (in lb/ft³) times 27, then divide by 2,000 (pounds per ton). The formula is: Tons = (Cubic Yards × Density × 27) / 2,000. Our calculator above performs this calculation automatically.
What is the density of common bulk materials?
Common material densities: gravel 100 lb/ft³ (1.35 tons/yd³), sand 100 lb/ft³ (1.35 tons/yd³), asphalt 145 lb/ft³ (1.96 tons/yd³), concrete 145 lb/ft³ (1.96 tons/yd³), topsoil 85 lb/ft³ (1.15 tons/yd³), crushed stone 100 lb/ft³ (1.35 tons/yd³), and mulch 45 lb/ft³ (0.61 tons/yd³).
Why do I need to know the density to convert cubic yards to tons?
Cubic yards measure volume while tons measure weight. Different materials have different densities (weight per unit volume). For example, a cubic yard of feathers weighs much less than a cubic yard of gravel. The density factor accounts for this difference, making your weight calculation accurate for your specific material.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons of gravel?
Multiply cubic yards by 1.35 for gravel (1 cubic yard ≈ 2,700 lbs). For 10 cubic yards: 10 × 1.35 = 13.5 tons. The exact factor varies by material and moisture content. Use our calculator: select gravel and enter your yardage.
Why do different materials have different ton-per-yard values?
Each material has a unique density based on its composition, particle size, and void space. Dense materials like asphalt and concrete weigh more per cubic yard than lighter materials like mulch or topsoil. Always use the correct density for your specific material.
Does moisture affect the weight?
Yes, significantly. Wet sand can weigh 10–20% more than dry sand. Wet topsoil can be 30% heavier. If your material has been exposed to rain or is naturally moist, increase the density value accordingly.
How accurate is this conversion?
The accuracy depends on the precision of your density value. Using a supplier-provided density or a laboratory-tested bulk density for your specific material source yields the most accurate results. Preset values are industry averages and should be treated as estimates.