Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator
Convert cubic yards of gravel, stone, sand, or soil to tons (and back) using accurate material bulk densities.
Quick Answer
To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply the cubic yards by the material's density — about 1.4 for gravel, 1.5 for crushed stone, 1.6 for sand. So 5 cubic yards of crushed stone ≈ 7.5 tons. Divide to go from tons back to cubic yards.
Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator Guide
The cubic yards to tons calculator converts a volume of gravel, stone, sand, or soil into weight — and back again — using the material's bulk density. This matters because you measure a project by area and depth (which gives cubic yards), but suppliers quote and deliver by the ton. Getting the conversion right means you order the correct amount instead of guessing.
The formula is tons = cubic yards × density, where density is measured in tons per cubic yard. Every material is different: dense sand weighs more per yard than light topsoil, so the same volume can be a very different tonnage. The table below lists the bulk densities this tool uses.
Bulk density of common materials (U.S. short tons per cubic yard):
| Material | Density (tons/yd³) | 1 yd³ weighs | 1 ton = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | 1.60 | 1.60 tons | 0.63 yd³ |
| Crushed stone | 1.50 | 1.50 tons | 0.67 yd³ |
| River rock | 1.45 | 1.45 tons | 0.69 yd³ |
| Gravel (dry) | 1.40 | 1.40 tons | 0.71 yd³ |
| Stone dust | 1.40 | 1.40 tons | 0.71 yd³ |
| Pea gravel | 1.35 | 1.35 tons | 0.74 yd³ |
| Crushed concrete | 1.35 | 1.35 tons | 0.74 yd³ |
| Topsoil | 1.10 | 1.10 tons | 0.91 yd³ |
Why Convert Cubic Yards to Tons?
Suppliers price aggregate per ton, delivery trucks are rated in tons, and quarries weigh loads on a scale — but your tape measure gives you cubic yards. Converting lets you compare a $/yard quote against a $/ton quote, confirm a delivery matches what you paid for, and split an order across trucks. To go straight from dimensions to tonnage, use the stone tonnage calculator; to work out how many yards a project needs, see how many yards of stone you need.
Working in Metric?
If your project is quoted in cubic metres and tonnes, use the aggregate cubic meter calculator instead — it applies the same densities in metric units. Once you know your tonnage, the gravel cost per ton calculator turns it into a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
A cubic yard of dry gravel weighs about 1.4 tons. Crushed stone is closer to 1.5 tons per cubic yard and sand about 1.6 tons, because heavier, denser materials weigh more for the same volume.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Multiply the cubic yards by the material's density in tons per cubic yard. For example, 5 cubic yards of crushed stone × 1.5 = 7.5 tons. Enter your figures above and the calculator applies the correct density automatically.
How many cubic yards are in a ton?
Divide 1 by the density. For gravel at 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.71 cubic yards. For crushed stone at 1.5, one ton is about 0.67 cubic yards.
Does 1 cubic yard equal 1 ton?
No. Almost all aggregates weigh more than a ton per cubic yard — gravel, stone, and sand range from about 1.35 to 1.6 tons per yard. Only lighter materials like some mulches weigh less than a ton per cubic yard.
Why do different materials have different tonnage?
Because bulk density differs. Fine, dense materials like sand pack tightly and weigh more per cubic yard, while porous or organic materials like topsoil weigh less. Moisture and compaction also nudge the numbers up or down.