Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator
A cubic yards to tons calculator converts a volume in cubic yards to weight in tons by multiplying by the material's density. Gravel is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, sand about 1.3, and soil about 1. Enter your cubic yards and choose the material below to get the tons.
tons = cubic_yards x density (tons/yd3) per selected material; user can override density.
- Material
- Gravel
- Density (t/yd³)
- 1.4
Enter cubic yards and pick a material to see the tonnage.
Estimate only. Densities, yields and prices vary by supplier, moisture and region; confirm before ordering.
How Do You Convert Cubic Yards to Tons?
To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply the cubic yards by the material's density in tons per cubic yard. Gravel runs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, crushed stone about 1.35, sand about 1.3, and topsoil about 1. So 5 cubic yards of gravel is about 7 tons. Because density varies by material and moisture, the calculator lets you pick the material or enter your own density.
Why Do You Need to Convert Yards to Tons?
You need the conversion because suppliers often price and sell bulk materials by the ton at the quarry, while you calculate the volume you need in cubic yards. Converting lets you order the right tonnage and compare quotes. The density differs by material, so the same volume of gravel and topsoil weighs very differently, which is why the calculator is material-aware.
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Frequently asked questions
- How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
- Multiply cubic yards by the material density in tons per cubic yard. Gravel is about 1.4, so 5 cubic yards is about 7 tons.
- How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
- About 1.4 tons, though it varies with stone type and moisture. The calculator lets you set the material or density.