Convert cubic yards to tons (and tons to cubic yards) by material type — gravel, sand, topsoil, crushed stone, asphalt, mulch, and concrete with adjustable density for hauling and supplier quotes.
Cubic yards × material density = tons
You need approximately
Densities are planning estimates. Moisture, compaction, and stone type change real weight — confirm with your quarry or supplier.
Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density (tons per cubic yard)
Reverse: Cubic Yards = Tons ÷ Material Density
A cubic yard is a volume unit; a ton is weight. Crushed stone and gravel pack heavier than mulch. Wet topsoil weighs more than dry. Always use a density matched to your actual product.
Example: 3 cu yd gravel × 1.4 = 4.2 tons.
Typical tons per cubic yard for field estimates (verify with supplier).
| Material | Tons / cu yd | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel / crushed stone | 1.35 – 1.45 | Driveway base, #57 stone |
| Sand | 1.30 – 1.40 | Mason, paver, fill sand |
| Topsoil | 1.20 – 1.35 | Varies with moisture |
| Asphalt (hot mix) | ~2.0 | Paving, patches |
| Mulch | 0.45 – 0.60 | Bark, lighter than aggregate |
| Concrete | ~2.0 | Wet ready-mix planning value |
Gravel & stone: Quarries often price by the ton — convert your gravel calculator cubic yards to tons before ordering.
Sand & pavers: Bedding sand haul limits are weight-based — pair with the sand calculator.
Topsoil & mulch: Lighter organic materials still have tonnage limits on trucks — see topsoil and mulch calculators.
Asphalt: Plants quote hot mix in tons — use the asphalt calculator for area and thickness, then convert here.
It varies by material. Gravel is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard; sand ~1.35; topsoil ~1.3; asphalt ~2.0.
Multiply cubic yards by the material density in tons per cubic yard.
Usually slightly. Crushed gravel is often ~1.4 tons/cu yd vs sand at ~1.35, but product and moisture matter.
Many aggregate trucks haul 10–14 cubic yards depending on payload and material weight limits.
Divide tons by the material density. On this yards to tons calculator, use the Tons → Cu Yd tab or #reverse.