Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator
Bulk materials are measured by volume (cubic yards) but often sold and delivered by weight (tons). Pick your material and enter the cubic yards to get the tonnage, using typical densities. Confirm the exact density with your supplier for large orders.
Your measurements
Each material uses its own typical dry density (tons per cubic yard). Wet material weighs more — confirm with your supplier for big loads.
Weight (US tons)
7 tons
5 yd³ of gravel (loose)
Conversion
- Density used
- 1.4 tons/yd³
Estimates only. Verify against your supplier's coverage figures before ordering.
The formula
Tons = Cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)
Example: 5 cubic yards of loose gravel × 1.4 = 7 tons.
How it works
- 1Find your material's density in tons per cubic yard (loose gravel ≈ 1.4, topsoil ≈ 1.1).
- 2Multiply the cubic yards by that density to get tons.
- 3Densities vary with moisture and gradation — confirm with your supplier for large orders.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.4 tons for loose gravel. It ranges from 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on the stone size and moisture content — denser crushed stone is closer to 1.45.
Why convert cubic yards to tons?
Quarries and aggregate suppliers usually price and deliver by the ton, while you measure the job by volume. Converting lets you order the correct weight.