Cubic Yards to Tons Converter
Convert cubic yards of gravel, sand, soil or other bulk material into tons, using the density you choose.
Calculator
| Weight in pounds | 2,800 lb |
|---|---|
| Volume in cubic feet | 27.0 ft³ |
How it is calculated
1 yd³ × 1.4 tons per yd³ = 1.40 tons. In pounds: 1.40 × 2,000 = 2,800 lb. In cubic feet: 1 × 27 = 27.0 ft³.
About this calculator
A cubic yard measures how much space material takes up, while a ton measures how heavy it is. To convert between them you need the material's density, in tons per cubic yard. The formula is tons = cubic yards × density.
Crushed stone and gravel commonly weigh about 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard depending on size, moisture and compaction. This converter starts at 1.4, the low end, and lets you change the density to match your supplier's figure.
Worked examples
| Project | Weight in tons |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard at 1.4 tons per cubic yard | 1.40 tons |
| 10 cubic yards at 1.4 tons per cubic yard | 14.00 tons |
| 10 cubic yards at 1.7 tons per cubic yard | 17.00 tons |
| 25 cubic yards at 1.2 tons per cubic yard | 30.00 tons |
Notes
- Ask your supplier for the weight per cubic yard of the exact product.
- Delivery trucks are limited by weight, so loads are often quoted in tons even when you plan in yards.
- Order a little extra, as loose material compacts once spread.
Quick answers by size
Click one for the exact answer.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Find the volume in cubic yards. If you only have an area and depth, use the square feet to cubic yards converter first.
- Enter the density of your material in tons per cubic yard. Ask your supplier, or start with 1.4 as a low-end figure for crushed stone.
- Read the weight in tons and pounds.
- Compare with the supplier's own conversion before you order.
Common mistakes
- Using one density for every material; mulch, soil, sand and stone all weigh differently.
- Forgetting that wet material weighs more than dry material.
- Mixing short tons (2,000 lb) with metric tonnes.
Tips
- Tons = cubic yards × density. The density is the part that changes from one material to another.
- Crushed stone and gravel commonly weigh about 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard; ask your supplier for the exact figure for your product.
- Wet material is heavier than dry material, so the same volume can weigh noticeably more after rain.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the answer depend on the material?
Cubic yards measure volume and tons measure weight. Heavier materials such as crushed stone weigh more per cubic yard than lighter ones such as mulch.
How many tons is 10 cubic yards of gravel?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, 14 tons; at 1.7, 17 tons. Use your supplier's density for an exact answer.