Convert cubic yards to tons, or tons to cubic yards. Pick the material, enter the amount, and the calculator uses a typical weight for that material.
Weights are typical for dry, loose material. Wet material is heavier, so ask your supplier for their figure if you need it exact.
Cubic yards to tons formula
- Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard
- Cubic yards = tons ÷ weight per cubic yard
There’s no single answer to “how many tons in a cubic yard”, because every material weighs something different. A cubic yard of lava rock weighs less than a third of a cubic yard of concrete.
Worked examples
- 10 cubic yards of #57 crushed stone: 10 × 1.35 = 13.5 tons.
- 20 tons of crusher run: 20 ÷ 1.55 = 12.9 cubic yards.
- 5 cubic yards of topsoil: 5 × 1.10 = 5.5 tons.
Weight per cubic yard by material
| Material | Tons per cubic yard | Pounds per cubic yard | Cubic yards per ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (fresh) | 2.03 | about 4,050 | 0.49 |
| Asphalt (compacted hot mix) | 1.96 | 3,920 | 0.51 |
| Crusher run / road base | 1.55 | 3,100 | 0.65 |
| #411 (#57 with stone dust) | 1.45 | 2,900 | 0.69 |
| Pea gravel | 1.40 | 2,800 | 0.71 |
| Stone dust / screenings | 1.40 | 2,800 | 0.71 |
| Fill sand | 1.40 | 2,800 | 0.71 |
| Crushed stone (#57) | 1.35 | 2,700 | 0.74 |
| River rock | 1.35 | 2,700 | 0.74 |
| Sand (all-purpose) | 1.35 | 2,700 | 0.74 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.30 | 2,600 | 0.77 |
| Fill dirt | 1.30 | 2,600 | 0.77 |
| Screened topsoil | 1.10 | 2,200 | 0.91 |
| Garden soil blend | 1.00 | 2,000 | 1.00 |
| Lava rock | 0.60 | 1,200 | 1.67 |
| Compost | 0.55 | 1,100 | 1.82 |
Stone, sand and soil figures are for dry, loose material.
Why your supplier’s figure may differ
- Moisture: wet sand, soil and gravel weigh noticeably more than dry.
- The rock itself: limestone, granite and trap rock have different densities.
- Size mix: material with fine particles packs tighter and weighs more per cubic yard.
If your supplier gives you their own weight, choose “Custom weight” and enter it.
Tons and tonnes
A US ton (short ton) is 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg, about 2,205 pounds, so 1 metric tonne is about 1.1 US tons. Switch the calculator to metric for cubic metres and tonnes.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard?
Most gravel and stone weigh 1.3 to 1.55 tons per cubic yard. Soil weighs about 1 to 1.3 tons, asphalt about 2 tons and fresh concrete about 2 tons.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
About 0.74 cubic yards for #57 crushed stone, and about 0.71 for pea gravel.
How do I convert tons to cubic yards?
Divide the tons by the weight of one cubic yard of that material. For example, 15 tons of sand ÷ 1.35 = 11.1 cubic yards.
Is a ton 2,000 pounds?
In the US, yes. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg, or about 2,205 pounds.
How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?
Dry topsoil weighs about 2,200 pounds and fill dirt about 2,600 pounds per cubic yard. Wet dirt can weigh a lot more.
Results are estimates based on typical material weights. See How We Calculate for the formulas and values we use.