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Yards to Tons Calculator

Convert cubic yards to tons for gravel, sand, dirt, mulch, and other landscaping materials. Get accurate weight estimates for your construction and gardening projects.

Conversion Settings

Weight in Tons

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Enter values to calculate

💡 Quick Reference (Gravel)

1 yd³ = 1.40 tons
5 yd³ = 7.00 tons
10 yd³ = 14.00 tons
20 yd³ = 28.00 tons

What is Cubic Yards to Tons Conversion?

Converting cubic yards to tons is essential for landscaping, construction, and material ordering. While cubic yards measure volume (how much space material takes up), tons measure weight. Since different materials have different densities, the same volume can weigh vastly different amounts.

For example, 1 cubic yard of lightweight mulch weighs only about 0.4 tons, while 1 cubic yard of concrete weighs approximately 2 tons. Understanding this conversion helps you order the right amount of material and estimate delivery costs.

How to Convert Cubic Yards to Tons

The conversion formula is straightforward:

Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density (tons/yd³)

Example Calculation:

Volume: 10 cubic yards of gravel

Density: 1.4 tons per cubic yard

Result: 10 yd³ × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 14 tons

Material Density Reference Guide

Different materials have varying densities. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you estimate weights:

MaterialTons/Yard³Lbs/Yard³Yards/Ton
🪨 Gravel1.42,8000.71
🏖️ Sand (dry)1.352,7000.74
🏖️ Sand (wet)1.53,0000.67
🌱 Topsoil1.12,2000.91
🍂 Mulch0.48002.50
🧱 Concrete24,0000.50
🛣️ Asphalt2.14,2000.48
🪨 Crushed Stone1.53,0000.67

Note: Actual weights may vary based on moisture content, compaction, and material source. Always verify with your supplier.

💡 Quick Tips

  • ✓Add 10% extra to account for settling and waste
  • ✓Wet material is heavier than dry material
  • ✓Always verify density with your supplier
  • ✓1 US ton = 2,000 lbs = 0.907 metric tonnes

📏 Recommended Depths

  • • Driveway: 3-4 inches
  • • Walkway: 2-3 inches
  • • Patio Base: 4-6 inches
  • • Garden Mulch: 2-4 inches
  • • French Drain: 12+ inches

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the material density. For gravel, 1 ton equals approximately 0.71 cubic yards. For sand, it's about 0.74 cubic yards. For lighter materials like mulch, 1 ton equals about 2.5 cubic yards. Always check with your supplier for exact conversion rates.

Multiply the cubic yards by the material's density (in tons per cubic yard). For example: 10 cubic yards of gravel × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 14 tons. Different materials have different densities, so always use the correct density for your specific material.

10 cubic yards converts to different tonnages depending on the material: Gravel = 14 tons, Sand = 13.5 tons, Dirt = 11 tons, Mulch = 4 tons, Concrete = 20 tons. Use our calculator above for precise conversions.

One cubic yard of mulch weighs approximately 0.4 tons (800 pounds). However, this can vary based on moisture content and mulch type. Wet mulch is heavier than dry mulch, and hardwood mulch is typically heavier than pine bark.

One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 pounds), though this can range from 1.4 to 1.7 tons depending on the gravel type, size, and moisture content. Pea gravel and river rock tend to be on the lighter end, while dense crushed stone is heavier.