Quick answer
Cubic yards to tons: US tons = cubic yards × density. Example: 2.47 cu yd of gravel × 1.4 = 3.46 tons. Reverse: tons ÷ density. Use the cubic yards to tons converter or the cubic yard calculator.
Cubic yards to tons calculator formula
US tons = Cubic yards × Density (tons per cubic yard) Cubic yards = US tons ÷ Density
Always ask your supplier for their ticket density. Moisture and compaction can move weight 10–20%+ from “typical” table values.
Typical densities (US tons per cubic yard)
| Material | Tons / cu yd | Example: 3 cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (solid) | 2.00–2.03 | ~6.1 tons |
| Asphalt (compacted HMA) | ~2.0 | ~6.0 tons |
| Gravel (loose, dry) | 1.35–1.50 | ~4.2 tons |
| Sand (loose, dry) | ~1.35 | ~4.1 tons |
| Fill dirt (compacted) | ~1.25 | ~3.8 tons |
| Topsoil (loose) | ~1.00 | ~3.0 tons |
| Mulch (bark) | ~0.30 | ~0.9 tons |
Worked conversions
- Gravel driveway: 5 cu yd × 1.4 = 7.0 US tons.
- Concrete slab: 1.23 cu yd × 2.0 ≈ 2.5 tons of concrete weight (order is still in cubic yards for ready-mix).
- Tons → yards: 10 tons topsoil ÷ 1.0 = 10 cu yd; 10 tons gravel ÷ 1.4 ≈ 7.1 cu yd.
Reverse converter: tons to cubic yards.