Planning a landscaping or construction project often means measuring your space in cubic yards, while your supplier sells the material by the ton.
Our free converter bridges this gap by providing accurate weight estimates for everything from gravel to topsoil, ensuring you order exactly what you need without overspending. It’s the simplest way to stay on budget and avoid the hassle of expensive extra delivery trips.
Cubic Yards to Tons Converter | Free Material Weight Calculator
Material Density:1.10 tons/yd³
tons per cubic yard
yd³
Volume of material
tons
Weight of material
Total Weight
11.00
US tons
10 yd³ × 1.10 tons/yd³ = 11.00 tons
Short Tons (US)
11.00
tons
Metric Tonnes
9.98
tonnes
Pounds (lbs)
22,000
lbs
Kilograms
9,979
kg
📝 Conversion Formula
Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density (tons/yd³)
📖 How to Use This Converter
1
Select Material
Choose your material type from 25+ options
2
Enter Volume
Input the cubic yards you need to convert
3
Get Weight
Instantly see tons, pounds & kilograms
4
Use Results
Copy or print for ordering materials
📊 Material Density Reference Chart
Material
Density (tons/yd³)
1 yd³ Equals
Action
🪨Crushed Stone
1.35
2,700 lbs
🪨Gravel (dry)
1.45
2,900 lbs
🪨Gravel (wet)
1.65
3,300 lbs
🪨Limestone
1.50
3,000 lbs
🏖️Sand (dry)
1.35
2,700 lbs
🏖️Sand (wet)
1.60
3,200 lbs
🌱Topsoil
1.10
2,200 lbs
🌱Dirt (loose)
1.05
2,100 lbs
🌱Clay (dry)
1.70
3,400 lbs
🏗️Concrete
2.00
4,000 lbs
🏗️Asphalt
1.15
2,300 lbs
🌿Mulch (wood)
0.45
900 lbs
🌿Compost
0.40
800 lbs
🌿Wood Chips
0.30
600 lbs
📋 Common Conversions Quick Reference
🪨 Gravel
1 yd³1.45 tons
5 yd³7.25 tons
10 yd³14.50 tons
20 yd³29.00 tons
🏖️ Sand
1 yd³1.35 tons
5 yd³6.75 tons
10 yd³13.50 tons
20 yd³27.00 tons
🌱 Topsoil
1 yd³1.10 tons
5 yd³5.50 tons
10 yd³11.00 tons
20 yd³22.00 tons
🌿 Mulch
1 yd³0.45 tons
5 yd³2.25 tons
10 yd³4.50 tons
20 yd³9.00 tons
📐 What is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard (yd³) is a unit of volume equal to 27 cubic feet (3ft × 3ft × 3ft). It’s commonly used for measuring landscaping materials, concrete, and bulk deliveries.
⚖️ Why Does Weight Vary?
Different materials have different densities. Wet materials weigh more than dry ones. Compacted materials weigh more than loose ones. Always check moisture content when ordering.
🚛 Truck Capacity Guide
Pickup truck: 1-2 cubic yards
Small dump truck: 5-6 cubic yards
Standard dump truck: 10-14 cubic yards
Tri-axle: 15-20 cubic yards
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
A cubic yard of dry gravel weighs approximately 1.45 tons (2,900 lbs). Wet gravel is heavier at about 1.65 tons per cubic yard. The exact weight depends on the gravel size and moisture content.
How do I calculate cubic yards from tons?
To convert tons to cubic yards, divide the weight in tons by the material’s density. Formula: Cubic Yards = Tons ÷ Density. Use the swap button in our calculator to easily convert tons to cubic yards.
What’s the difference between a ton and a tonne?
A US ton (short ton) equals 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne equals 1,000 kg or about 2,205 pounds. Our calculator provides both conversions for your convenience.
How many cubic yards fit in a dump truck?
A standard dump truck typically holds 10-14 cubic yards. However, weight limits may restrict the actual load. For heavy materials like wet gravel or concrete, you may only be able to load 8-10 cubic yards before hitting weight limits.
Why is my delivered material different from the calculated weight?
Material weight varies based on moisture content, compaction, and actual density. Wet materials can weigh 10-20% more than dry. Our calculations use average densities – actual weights may vary by ±10-15%.
How much topsoil do I need for my lawn?
For a new lawn, apply 4-6 inches of topsoil. Calculate: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards needed. Then use our converter to find the weight in tons for ordering.