Quick answer: to convert cubic yards to tons, multiply the volume by the material’s weight per cubic yard in pounds, then divide by 2,000 (one US ton). Gravel and sand are roughly 2,500 to 2,900 lb per yard, or about 1.35 tons. Topsoil is about 2,000 to 2,800 lb depending on moisture. Mulch is about 500 to 800 lb. Ten cubic yards of gravel at 2,700 lb per yard is 13.5 tons.
The Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator uses the same method. This guide gives the typical weights and explains why they vary.
The formula
Tons = cubic yards × (lb per cubic yard) ÷ 2,000
Cubic yards = tons × 2,000 ÷ (lb per cubic yard)
Tons here are US short tons (2,000 lb). Metric tonnes are about 2,205 lb.
Typical weights per cubic yard
| Material | Pounds per yd³ | Tons per yd³ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel and crushed stone | 2,500 to 2,900 | about 1.25 to 1.45 (≈1.35) | North Bay Materials |
| Sand | 2,500 to 2,900 | about 1.25 to 1.45 | North Bay Materials |
| Topsoil, dry | about 2,000 | about 1.0 | Topsoil.com |
| Topsoil, moist | about 2,400 | about 1.2 | Topsoil.com |
| Topsoil, saturated | about 2,800 | about 1.4 | Topsoil.com |
| Mulch, bark, wood chips | 500 to 800 | about 0.25 to 0.4 | North Bay Materials |
These are approximate. Particle size, moisture and how tightly the material packs change the weight, so ask your supplier for the number they use. Many sell by the ton, which is why this conversion matters.
Worked examples
Gravel for a driveway base. You need 8 cubic yards, and your supplier says 2,700 lb per yard:
8 × 2,700 ÷ 2,000 = 10.8 tons.
Tons to yards. Your supplier delivers 12 tons of sand at 2,700 lb per yard:
12 × 2,000 ÷ 2,700 = 8.9 cubic yards.
Moist topsoil. 5 yards at 2,400 lb:
5 × 2,400 ÷ 2,000 = 6.0 tons.
Mulch. 5 yards at 650 lb:
5 × 650 ÷ 2,000 = 1.6 tons.
Asphalt and concrete are different
Asphalt and concrete are heavier than loose aggregate. Using the standard rule of 110 lb per square yard per inch of thickness for compacted asphalt (Asphalt Magazine), one yd³ of compacted asphalt (36 inches thick over one square yard) works out to 110 × 36 = 3,960 lb, or about 1.98 tons per cubic yard. Ready-mix concrete is also much heavier than loose aggregate, and its weight depends on the mix, so use your concrete supplier’s figure. For asphalt tonnage in a driveway, see our asphalt tonnage guide.
Why the weight changes
- Moisture. Wet soil, sand and mulch weigh more than dry.
- Size and shape. Crushed stone with fines packs tighter than uniform round gravel.
- Compaction. Material is heavier in place than loose in a truck.
- Rock type. Granite, limestone and river rock differ.
Truck limits
Weight, not volume, usually limits a load. A truck that can hold 10 yd³ of mulch may carry only a few yards of wet soil or gravel before reaching its payload limit. Ask the supplier how much their truck can legally carry and for the yards in a load of the specific material.
Common mistakes
- Using one weight for every material. Mulch and gravel differ by a factor of three or four.
- Mixing up tons and tonnes.
- Forgetting moisture. Stockpiles outside after rain are heavier.
- Using loose weights for compacted material. Compaction changes how much you need.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons is 1 cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.35 tons, with a range of roughly 1.25 to 1.45.
How many cubic yards in a ton of gravel?
2,000 ÷ 2,700 ≈ 0.74 yd³. A ton of gravel covers about 0.74 cubic yards.
How many yards of mulch in a ton?
At 650 lb per yard, a ton is about 3.1 yd³. Mulch weights vary widely, so ask your supplier.
Is a “yard” of material the same as a ton?
No. A yard is volume and a ton is weight. Heavy materials have more tons per yard.
How many tons of topsoil in a cubic yard?
About 1.0 to 1.4 tons, depending on moisture.
Sources
- North Bay Materials, >Landscape Materials Density Chart: weights of gravel, sand and mulch.
- Topsoil.com, >How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?: topsoil weights by moisture.
- Asphalt Magazine, >5 rules of pavement construction: 110 lb per square yard per inch for asphalt.
Approximate figures. Always confirm unit weights with your supplier.