Cubic Yards to Tons Converter
Convert cubic yards to tons, or tons back to cubic yards, for gravel, sand, topsoil, mulch, asphalt millings and concrete. Pick your material and direction — the density used for the conversion is always shown, not hidden.
What this converter does
This tool converts a quantity of a construction material between cubic yards (volume) and tons (weight), using that material's typical density. Enter an amount in either unit, pick the material, and it works out the other unit plus cubic feet, pounds and an approximate truck-load count.
How the math works
- Cubic yards → tons: cubic yards × the material's density in lb per cubic yard, divided by 2,000.
- Tons → cubic yards: tons × 2,000, divided by the material's density in lb per cubic yard.
- Truck loads: the converted tonnage ÷ 10 (a standard dump truck's capacity in tons), rounded up to a whole load.
Why not just use a generic unit converter?
A generic length/volume converter has no idea what a cubic yard of gravel weighs — it can only convert units it already knows are equivalent, like yards to feet. Converting volume to weight requires a material's density, which is different for every material (gravel and mulch are not remotely the same weight per cubic yard). This tool bakes in typical density values for six common construction materials so you get a real weight or volume answer, not just a unit-math identity.
Worked example
10 cubic yards of gravel, at a typical density of 2,700 lb per cubic yard: 10 × 2,700 = 27,000 lb, divided by 2,000 = 13.5 tons — about two loads for a standard 10-ton dump truck.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.35 tons, using a typical gravel density of 2,700 lb per cubic yard. The exact figure varies by stone type and moisture content.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Approximately 2,000 lb (1 ton), though moisture content can push this higher — wet topsoil weighs noticeably more than dry, screened topsoil.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of sand?
At a typical sand density of 2,700 lb per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.74 cubic yards.
Why does mulch weigh so much less than gravel per cubic yard?
Mulch is a loose, low-density organic material — around 500 lb per cubic yard, versus roughly 2,700 lb for gravel or sand — because it's mostly air and wood fiber, not dense mineral aggregate.
Is this the same as a gravel driveway calculator?
No. A driveway calculator starts from your project dimensions and works out how much material you need. This tool starts from a known quantity — cubic yards or tons — and converts it to the other unit for the material you pick.
Limitations
This tool estimates weight/volume using typical published density values. It doesn't account for the moisture content, compaction or exact grade of a specific supplier's material. It is not a substitute for a supplier's own weight ticket on a delivered load, and it isn't a project material calculator — it doesn't work out how much of a material you need for a given area or depth.
Put this converter on your site
Run a site for suppliers, contractors or DIYers? You can embed the Cubic Yards to Tons Converter as a free widget — responsive, no registration, and nothing added to your page beyond the calculator itself.
Cite this converter
Referencing this converter in coursework, an article or a project write-up? Grab a citation in the format you need:
Already know your project dimensions?
If you're planning a gravel driveway rather than converting a quantity you already have, BuildMaterialPlanner's gravel calculator works out cubic yards, tons and a cost range directly from your driveway's length, width and depth.