How do you convert cubic yards to tons?
1.5tons per cubic yard
gravel — every material differs
There is no single conversion: tons per cubic yard depends on the material. Gravel runs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard, dry topsoil 1.1, concrete just over 2, and bark mulch only 0.3. Multiply your cubic yards by the figure for your material.
tons = cubic yards × pounds per cubic yard ÷ 2,000
- Gravel and crushed stone: about 1.5 tons per cubic yard
- Dry topsoil: about 1.1 tons per cubic yard
- Dry sand: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard
- Concrete: about 2 tons per cubic yard
- Bark mulch: about 0.3 tons per cubic yard
US tons per cubic yard, loose and as delivered
| Material | lb per cubic yard | US tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone / #57 gravel | 2,970 lb | 1.49 |
| Crusher run / road base | 3,186 lb | 1.59 |
| Pea gravel | 2,754 lb | 1.38 |
| River rock | 2,511 lb | 1.26 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,808 lb | 1.4 |
| Screened topsoil | 2,187 lb | 1.09 |
| Compost | 1,188 lb | 0.59 |
| Bark or wood mulch | 594 lb | 0.3 |
| Concrete (normal weight) | 4,050 lb | 2.03 |
| Hot mix asphalt | 3,915 lb | 1.96 |
Common quantities converted
| Cubic yards | Gravel | Topsoil | Concrete |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 1.49 tons | 1.09 tons | 2.03 tons |
| 3 yd³ | 4.46 tons | 3.28 tons | 6.07 tons |
| 5 yd³ | 7.43 tons | 5.47 tons | 10.13 tons |
| 10 yd³ | 14.85 tons | 10.93 tons | 20.25 tons |
| 20 yd³ | 29.7 tons | 21.87 tons | 40.5 tons |
| 100 yd³ | 148.5 tons | 109.4 tons | 202.5 tons |
Cubic yard calculator
Any area and depth — in cubic yards, feet, metres and tons.
Why the supplier quotes tons
Quarries and landscape yards load by weight because a scale is exact and a bucket is not. You plan in volume, they bill in tons, so the conversion decides whether the delivery matches the hole you dug.
Moisture changes the answer
These are dry, loose weights. Wet sand or topsoil can weigh 15–25% more, and you pay for the water. After heavy rain, expect a load to weigh at the top of the published range.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.5 US tons (2,970 lb) for ¼–2 inch gravel, inside the published 1.4–1.7 ton range.
How many cubic yards is a ton of gravel?
About 0.67 cubic yards, since a yard weighs roughly 1.5 tons.
How many tons is a yard of topsoil?
About 1.1 tons dry and screened, rising to 1.5–1.7 tons when wet.
Does concrete weigh more than gravel?
Yes. A cubic yard of concrete is about 4,050 lb (2.03 tons), against 2,970 lb for gravel.
Is 3 cubic yards 3 tons?
No. Three cubic yards of gravel is about 4.5 tons, of topsoil about 3.3 tons, and of mulch under 1 ton. Volume and weight only match by coincidence.
How do I convert tons to cubic yards?
Divide the tons by the material weight in tons per cubic yard. Ten tons of gravel at 1.5 tons per yard is 6.7 cubic yards.