Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator
Convert cubic yards to tons, or tons to cubic yards, for gravel, sand, soil, mulch, asphalt and concrete. Use a typical density or enter your supplier's figure.
Tons = cubic yards × density (lb/yd³) ÷ 2,000
How Much a Cubic Yard Weighs, by Material
Typical loose, dry-to-damp weights, which this calculator uses. Real loads vary by about 10–20% with moisture, grading and how tightly the material is packed.
| Material | lb per yd³ | US tons per yd³ | Tonnes per m³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1.6 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1.6 |
| Crushed stone | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1.6 |
| Fill dirt | 2,200 | 1.1 | 1.31 |
| Topsoil | 2,160 | 1.08 | 1.28 |
| Mulch | 800 | 0.4 | 0.47 |
| Asphalt | 3,960 | 1.98 | 2.35 |
| Concrete | 4,050 | 2.02 | 2.4 |
The Cubic Yards to Tons Formula
Cubic yards measure volume and tons measure weight, so there is no single conversion factor. You need the material's density, its weight per cubic yard. A US (short) ton is 2,000 lb.
A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. To get cubic yards from measurements in feet, multiply length × width × depth and divide by 27.
Worked Example: Gravel for a Driveway
A driveway is 60 ft long and 12 ft wide, and needs a 6-inch layer of gravel. The supplier sells by the ton.
Step 1: Volume in cubic feet (6 inches = 0.5 ft)
Step 2: Convert to cubic yards
Step 3: Convert to tons at 2,700 lb/yd³
Order about 20 tons: the 18 tons calculated plus roughly 10% for compaction and uneven ground.
How Far a Cubic Yard Spreads
The same 27 cubic feet covers less ground the deeper you spread it. These areas apply to any material. Only the weight changes.
| Depth | Area covered by 1 yd³ | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | Decorative mulch top-up |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | Mulch beds, paths |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | Gravel paths, topsoil for lawns |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | Driveway base layer |
| 12 in | 27 sq ft | Raised beds, deep fill |
Moisture, Compaction and Ordering Extra
- Moisture. Wet sand and soil can weigh noticeably more than dry. If you pay by the ton after rain, you're partly paying for water.
- Compaction. Gravel and fill settle when rolled or driven on, so a compacted layer needs more material than its finished volume suggests.
- Extra to order. Allow about 5–10% for most jobs, 10–15% for compacted gravel driveways, and more for fill that will settle.
- Scale tickets. Bulk deliveries are weighed, and the ticket shows the actual weight. A small difference from your estimate is normal.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.35 US tons (2,700 lb) for dry gravel, and somewhat more when wet or compacted.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of mulch?
About 2.5 cubic yards at 800 lb per cubic yard. Mulch is light, which is why it's usually sold by volume rather than weight.
Is this a US ton or a metric ton?
The main result is in US short tons (2,000 lb). The metric tonne (1,000 kg, about 2,205 lb) is shown underneath for comparison.
My supplier gives density in tons per cubic yard. How do I enter it?
Choose "Custom density" and multiply their figure by 2,000. For example, 1.5 tons per yd³ is 3,000 lb/yd³.
Related Tools
Convert between hundreds of cubic feet and gallons.
Estimate weight in pounds using ingredient density.
Estimate liquid volume from a drop count.
Convert gallons to other volume units.
Convert liquid volume to weight using density.
Convert ingredient weight to cups using density.