Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator
Convert cubic yards to tons for construction materials including gravel, sand, topsoil, concrete, asphalt, and more. Calculate material weight accurately for your project estimates.
Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator
Standard construction gravel
Yards to Tons: (Cubic Yards × Density) ÷ 2,000
Tons to Yards: (Tons × 2,000) ÷ Density
Standard material densities provided. Adjust for moisture and compaction as needed.
Common Material Densities
How to Convert Cubic Yards to Tons
Converting cubic yards to tons requires knowing the material's density. Different materials have different weights per cubic yard. Our calculator includes preset densities for common construction materials, or you can enter a custom density for specialty materials.
Conversion Formula
Tons = (Cubic Yards × Density) ÷ 2,000
Where density is in pounds per cubic yard (lbs/yd³)
Common Material Densities
Gravel (Dry)
2,835 lbs/yd³ ≈ 1.42 tons/yd³
Sand (Dry)
2,600 lbs/yd³ ≈ 1.30 tons/yd³
Concrete
3,975 lbs/yd³ ≈ 1.99 tons/yd³
Asphalt
3,980 lbs/yd³ ≈ 1.99 tons/yd³
Topsoil
2,400 lbs/yd³ ≈ 1.20 tons/yd³
Mulch
600 lbs/yd³ ≈ 0.30 tons/yd³
When to Use This Calculator
- Ordering Materials: Convert volume estimates to weight for supplier quotes
- Truck Load Planning: Determine how many truckloads you need for delivery
- Cost Estimation: Most materials are priced by ton, not cubic yard
- Weight Limits: Check if your project stays within structural weight limits
- Disposal Planning: Landfills often charge by ton for material disposal
Factors Affecting Material Weight
Moisture content significantly affects material weight. Wet sand can weigh 25% more than dry sand. Compaction also increases density—compacted soil weighs more than loose soil. Always account for these variables when ordering materials and use the appropriate moisture setting in our calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
A cubic yard of dry gravel weighs approximately 1.42 tons (2,835 lbs). Wet gravel weighs about 1.69 tons (3,375 lbs) per cubic yard due to moisture content.
How do you convert cubic yards to tons?
To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply the volume in cubic yards by the material density in pounds per cubic yard, then divide by 2,000. Formula: Tons = (Cubic Yards × Density) ÷ 2,000.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of sand?
There are approximately 0.77 cubic yards in a ton of dry sand (2,600 lbs/yd³). For wet sand, there are about 0.62 cubic yards per ton (3,240 lbs/yd³).