Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator

Convert volume to weight for construction materials and bulk substances

Volume to Weight Converter

Soil & Earth

Aggregates & Stone

Construction Materials

Organic Materials

About Cubic Yards to Tons Conversion

Converting cubic yards to tons requires knowing the material's density. Different materials have vastly different densities - for example, mulch is much lighter than concrete.

This calculator uses industry-standard density values for common construction and landscaping materials. The density is measured in tons per cubic yard.

Important: These calculations provide estimates. Actual weights may vary due to moisture content, compaction, and material variations. Always verify with your supplier.

Common Applications

Construction: Ordering concrete, asphalt, or aggregate materials
Landscaping: Calculating soil, mulch, or gravel quantities
Excavation: Estimating disposal weights for dirt and debris
Shipping: Determining transportation requirements

Material Density Guide

Light Materials (0.2 - 0.6 tons/cu yd)

Mulch, compost, dry leaves - typically for landscaping

Medium Materials (0.8 - 1.5 tons/cu yd)

Soil, sand, gravel - common construction materials

Heavy Materials (1.5 - 3.0 tons/cu yd)

Concrete, wet clay, stone - structural materials

Material Density Reference Table

MaterialDensity (tons/cu yd)Category
Topsoil1.08Soil & Earth
Clay (Wet)1.75Soil & Earth
Clay (Dry)1.6Soil & Earth
Sand (Dry)1.35Soil & Earth
Sand (Wet)1.9Soil & Earth
Dirt/Fill1.25Soil & Earth
Gravel (Pea)1.28Aggregates & Stone
Gravel (3/4")1.25Aggregates & Stone
Crushed Stone1.5Aggregates & Stone
River Rock1.2Aggregates & Stone
Limestone1.3Aggregates & Stone
Granite1.4Aggregates & Stone
Concrete (Cured)2.4Construction Materials
Asphalt1.4Construction Materials
Mortar2.2Construction Materials
Portland Cement1.5Construction Materials
Mulch (Bark)0.3Organic Materials
Mulch (Wood Chips)0.4Organic Materials
Compost0.6Organic Materials
Leaves (Dry)0.2Organic Materials
Leaves (Wet)0.55Organic Materials

Tips for Accurate Calculations

• Moisture content significantly affects weight - wet materials are heavier

• Compaction can increase density by 10-20%

• Particle size affects how materials pack together

• Temperature can affect material density slightly

• Always add 10-15% extra for waste and compaction

• Verify with suppliers for exact specifications