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