Yards to Tons Calculator (Cubic Yards ↔ Tons)
Suppliers sell by the ton, haulers think in cubic yards, and the two are not the same number. Pick the material, enter a quantity, and convert in either direction.
To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by the material's density in tons per cubic yard: about 1.4 for gravel, 1.1 for topsoil, 1.3 for dry sand and 2.0 for concrete. For example, 10 cubic yards of gravel weighs about 14 tons. To go back from tons to yards, divide by the same density.
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How to convert cubic yards to tons
A cubic yard is a measure of volume and a ton is a measure of weight, so the conversion needs the material's density. Multiply the volume by how many tons one cubic yard of that material weighs.
cubic yards = tons ÷ density
Example: 10 cubic yards of gravel at about 1.4 tons per yard is 10 × 1.4 = 14 tons. Going the other way, a 20-ton delivery of the same gravel is 20 ÷ 1.4 = 14.3 cubic yards.
Typical densities used here
| Material | Tons per cubic yard | Cubic yards per ton |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel / crushed stone | 1.4 | 0.71 |
| Topsoil | 1.1 | 0.91 |
| Sand, dry | 1.3 | 0.77 |
| Fill dirt | 1.25 | 0.80 |
| Concrete | 2 | 0.50 |
| Compost | 0.75 | 1.33 |
| Mulch, shredded | 0.5 | 2.00 |
These are planning figures. Wet sand and wet soil weigh noticeably more than dry, and crushed stone varies with the stone type and how finely it is graded. If you order by the ton, ask your supplier for their number, then enter it as a custom density above.
Why the answer changes by material
A cubic yard of dry mulch is light enough to carry in a pickup, while a cubic yard of concrete weighs about 2 tons. That is also why trucks and trailers are limited by weight, not by volume, when you haul gravel, sand or wet soil.
Worked examples
- Driveway gravel: a 12 × 40 ft driveway with 4 inches of gravel is 5.9 cubic yards, about 8.3 tons. Use the gravel calculator for the full order.
- Topsoil for a lawn: 12.3 cubic yards of topsoil at 1.1 is about 13.6 tons. See the topsoil calculator.
- Sand base: 3 cubic yards of dry sand is about 3.9 tons, which the sand calculator also gives you directly.
To work out the number of cubic yards in the first place, use the cubic yard calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the material. As planning values, gravel is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, dry sand about 1.3, topsoil about 1.1, concrete about 2.0 and shredded mulch about 0.5.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Multiply the cubic yards by the material's density in tons per cubic yard. For 10 cubic yards of gravel at 1.4, that is 14 tons.
How do I convert tons to cubic yards?
Divide the tons by the density. 14 tons of gravel at 1.4 tons per cubic yard is 10 cubic yards.
Why does a ton of gravel cover less than a ton of mulch?
Gravel is far denser. One ton of gravel is about 0.71 cubic yards, while one ton of shredded mulch is about 2 cubic yards.
Is wet material heavier?
Yes. Water adds weight without adding volume, so wet sand, topsoil and fill weigh more per cubic yard than the dry values used here.
Sources and further reading
- NIST Special Publication 811: conversion factors — National Institute of Standards and Technology
These references support the general guidance on this page. The calculator applies the standard formulas shown above to the numbers you enter.
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Related calculators
. Estimates only. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering, and add extra for waste and site conditions.