Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator
Convert volume to weight for construction materials and bulk substances
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
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
Material | Density (tons/cu yd) | Category |
---|---|---|
Topsoil | 1.08 | Soil & Earth |
Clay (Wet) | 1.75 | Soil & Earth |
Clay (Dry) | 1.6 | Soil & Earth |
Sand (Dry) | 1.35 | Soil & Earth |
Sand (Wet) | 1.9 | Soil & Earth |
Dirt/Fill | 1.25 | Soil & Earth |
Gravel (Pea) | 1.28 | Aggregates & Stone |
Gravel (3/4") | 1.25 | Aggregates & Stone |
Crushed Stone | 1.5 | Aggregates & Stone |
River Rock | 1.2 | Aggregates & Stone |
Limestone | 1.3 | Aggregates & Stone |
Granite | 1.4 | Aggregates & Stone |
Concrete (Cured) | 2.4 | Construction Materials |
Asphalt | 1.4 | Construction Materials |
Mortar | 2.2 | Construction Materials |
Portland Cement | 1.5 | Construction Materials |
Mulch (Bark) | 0.3 | Organic Materials |
Mulch (Wood Chips) | 0.4 | Organic Materials |
Compost | 0.6 | Organic Materials |
Leaves (Dry) | 0.2 | Organic Materials |
Leaves (Wet) | 0.55 | Organic 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