# Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator

Convert cubic yards to tons for gravel, sand, soil, mulch, and more. Select your material for accurate weight estimates when ordering landscaping supplies.

## What this calculates

Figure out how many tons of material you need by entering the volume in cubic yards and selecting the material type. Different materials have different densities, so 1 cubic yard of gravel weighs much more than 1 cubic yard of mulch. This calculator uses standard bulk density values used by landscape suppliers and aggregate companies.

## Inputs

- **Cubic Yards** (yd³) — min 0 — Enter the volume in cubic yards.
- **Material** — options: Gravel (1.4 tons/yd³), Sand, dry (1.3 tons/yd³), Sand, wet (1.5 tons/yd³), Topsoil (1.1 tons/yd³), Fill Dirt (1.15 tons/yd³), Crushed Stone (1.35 tons/yd³), Limestone (1.5 tons/yd³), Asphalt (1.15 tons/yd³), Concrete, broken (1.3 tons/yd³), Mulch (0.4 tons/yd³), Compost (0.5 tons/yd³), Clay, dry (1.1 tons/yd³), Custom (enter tons/yd³)
- **Custom Density (tons/yd³)** (tons/yd³) — min 0.1, max 5 — Only used when 'Custom' is selected.

## Outputs

- **US Tons (Short Tons)** (tons) — Weight in US short tons (2,000 lb).
- **Pounds** (lb) — Weight in pounds.
- **Metric Tonnes** (t) — Weight in metric tonnes (1,000 kg).
- **Kilograms** (kg) — Weight in kilograms.

## Details

When ordering landscaping materials, suppliers sometimes price by the cubic yard and sometimes by the ton. Knowing how to convert between the two helps you compare prices and order the right amount.

**Material Density Reference (US Short Tons per Cubic Yard):**

| Material | Tons/yd³ | Lbs/yd³ |
|----------|-----------|----------|
| Gravel | 1.4 | 2,800 |
| Sand (dry) | 1.3 | 2,600 |
| Sand (wet) | 1.5 | 3,000 |
| Topsoil | 1.1 | 2,200 |
| Fill Dirt | 1.15 | 2,300 |
| Crushed Stone | 1.35 | 2,700 |
| Limestone | 1.5 | 3,000 |
| Mulch | 0.4 | 800 |
| Compost | 0.5 | 1,000 |

**Important note:** These are typical bulk densities. Actual weights vary based on moisture content, compaction, particle size, and source. Wet sand can weigh 15-20% more than dry sand. Always confirm with your supplier if precision is needed for load planning.

**Practical example:** You need 10 cubic yards of gravel for a driveway base. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, that is 14 tons. A standard dump truck holds roughly 10-14 tons, so you would need 1-2 loads.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?**

A: A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs about 1.4 US short tons (2,800 pounds). This varies by gravel type and moisture: pea gravel is around 1.35 tons/yd³, while dense crushed limestone can reach 1.5 tons/yd³.

**Q: What is the difference between a short ton and a metric tonne?**

A: A US short ton equals 2,000 pounds (907.185 kg). A metric tonne equals 1,000 kg (2,204.6 pounds). The metric tonne is about 10% heavier. In the US, when someone says "ton" without qualification, they almost always mean the short ton.

**Q: Why does wet sand weigh more than dry sand?**

A: Water fills the air spaces between sand grains, adding weight without changing volume much. Dry sand weighs about 2,600 lbs per cubic yard, while wet sand can weigh 3,000+ lbs per cubic yard. Always ask your supplier whether their quoted weight is for dry or wet material.

**Q: How much does a dump truck hold?**

A: A standard single-axle dump truck holds about 5-6 cubic yards or roughly 6-8 tons. A tandem-axle dump truck holds 10-14 cubic yards or 12-16 tons. Tri-axle trucks can carry 15-20 tons. Always check your truck's rated capacity before loading.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/conversion/cubic-yards-to-tons
Category: Conversion
Last updated: 2026-04-08