Tonnage Calculator
Suppliers sell bulk materials by the ton, but you usually figure out how much you need by volume. This calculator converts cubic yards (or cubic feet and cubic meters) to tons using the density of your material. Pick from common materials or enter a custom density.
Common Material Weights
Here is how much common construction materials weigh per cubic yard:
| Material | Weight (lb/yd³) | Tons/yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,500 | 1.25 |
| Crushed stone | 2,800 | 1.40 |
| Topsoil | 2,200 | 1.10 |
| Concrete | 4,050 | 2.03 |
| Asphalt | 3,800 | 1.90 |
| Fill dirt | 2,100 | 1.05 |
| Limestone | 2,900 | 1.45 |
| Mulch | 600 | 0.30 |
| Clay | 1,800 | 0.90 |
Short Tons vs. Metric Tonnes
In the US, a "ton" means a short ton (2,000 lbs). A metric tonne is 2,204.6 lbs. When ordering materials from US suppliers, they use short tons. This calculator shows both so you can convert if needed.
Moisture Content Matters
Wet materials weigh significantly more. Wet sand can weigh 3,000+ lb/yd³ vs 2,500 lb/yd³ dry. Wet topsoil might hit 2,800 lb/yd³ vs 2,200 dry. If you are hauling wet material, bump up the density or use the custom density field.