Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator

How do I convert cubic yards to tons?

To roughly convert cubic yards to tons you can multiply your cubic yard figure by 1.4. Cubic yards × 1.4 = US tons (approx). This conversion will give an approximation for many sand and gravel products.

To get a more accurate conversion, you'll need to involve a density figure in your calculation. This is because the cubic yard is a unit of volume and the ton (or tonne) is a unit of weight. To convert between the two, you'll need to know the density of the material. To give a crude example, the weight of a cubic yard of feathers will be much lighter than a cubic yard of sand. We go into this in more detail in our article about the weight of a cubic yard.

How many tons of topsoil in a cubic yard?

A cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 1.08 US tons (1.22 metric tons).

The weight of a cubic yard of topsoil depends upon the density of the soil. Soils that are topsoil will be denser and heavier than dry topsoil. Using the estimate of 1080lb/ft³ for dry topsoil, we can calculate as follows:

1. Convert your density to lb/yd³: 100 lb/ft³ × 27(ft³/yd³) = 2700 lb/yd³ (1 pound per cubic foot equals 27 pounds per cubic yard).
2. If you're in the US, divide 2700 by 2000 (there are 2000lb in a US ton). If you're in the UK, divide by 2019 (there are 2204.62 lb in a metric tonne).
3. You now have your answer in tons (1.35 US tons or 1.22 metric tonnes).

For a super-accurate conversion, give your topsoil supplier a call to find out the usual density of their product. Note that we have other tools to help you convert between tons and yd³ and gallons and pounds.

Cubic yards to tons for common materials

The figures below use estimates of densities from Engineering Toolbox and SI Metric and should be used as a rough guide.

It is important to note that if you choose to use the supplied list of approximations, you will get a rough estimate of the weight of materials. To obtain a more accurate conversion you should find out the exact density of the material you are measuring for.

Materials for cubic yards to tons conversion

I have supplied the following material density approximations for converting cubic yards to US tons and metric tons. To request the addition of a material not currently listed, please contact me.

• Asite (crusite)
• Asphalt (For Mix)
• Asphalt (liquid)
• Cement (portland)
• Concrete
• Dirt
• Gravel (loose, dry)
• Gravel (dry, 1/4 to 2 in)
• Gravel (wet, 1/4 to 2 in)
• Gravel (with sand)
• Limestone (crushed)
• Limestone (low density)
• Limestone (high density)
• Mulch (bark)
• Mulch (woodchip)
• Riprap
• Sand (dry)
• Sand (loose)
• Sand (wet)
• Topsoil
• Topsoil (saturated)
• Topsoil (screened)