How this calculator works
Bulk materials are sold by the ton or by the cubic yard, and the link between them is the weight of a cubic yard, which depends on the material. Multiply cubic yards by the tons per cubic yard to get tons, or divide tons by it to get cubic yards. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, and a US ton is 2,000 pounds.
Worked example: 10 cubic yards of 3/4 inch crushed stone, at 1.4 tons a yard, weigh 14.0 tons (28,000 lb, or 12.70 metric tonnes). In the other direction 14 tons of the same stone is 10.0 cubic yards. Ten yards of dry sand weigh 13.5 tons, and of topsoil 11.0 tons.
Tons per cubic yard of common materials
Typical figures. Moisture and compaction change them.
| Material | Tons per yd³ | Pounds per yd³ | Yards per ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone or gravel (3/4 in) | 1.4 | 2,800 | 0.71 |
| Pea gravel | 1.35 | 2,700 | 0.74 |
| Road base or crushed gravel mix | 1.5 | 3,000 | 0.67 |
| River rock or decorative stone | 1.3 | 2,600 | 0.77 |
| Sand (dry) | 1.35 | 2,700 | 0.74 |
| Topsoil | 1.1 | 2,200 | 0.91 |
| Fill dirt | 1.25 | 2,500 | 0.80 |
| Compost | 0.6 | 1,200 | 1.67 |
| Wood mulch | 0.35 | 700 | 2.86 |
| Concrete (150 lb per ft³) | 2.025 | 4,050 | 0.49 |
| Asphalt (145 lb per ft³) | 1.96 | 3,920 | 0.51 |
Tips before you buy
- Always check the supplier's figure. Pit-run gravel, sand and soil vary a lot with moisture, and a yard of wet soil can weigh half a ton more than dry.
- Trucks have weight limits as well as volume limits. A tandem dump truck usually carries about 10 to 15 tons of stone, which is only 7 to 11 cubic yards.
- Bulk material is sold by the ton or by the yard. Compare prices by converting both to the same unit.
- To work out how much you need, use the gravel, mulch, topsoil or concrete calculator, which allow for compaction and waste.
- Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. A yard is 3 × 3 × 3 feet.
Tools & materials for this project
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.4 tons for 3/4 inch crushed stone, so 10 cubic yards weigh 14.0 tons. Pea gravel is about 1.35, road base about 1.5 and river rock about 1.3.
How many cubic yards in a ton of gravel?
About 0.71 cubic yards of crushed stone (14 tons is 10.0 yards). A ton of sand is about 0.74 yards.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
About 1.1 tons (2,200 lb) of topsoil, and more when it is wet. Ten yards weigh 11.0 tons.
How many cubic yards will a dump truck carry?
A tandem dump truck carries roughly 10 to 15 tons, which is about 7 to 11 cubic yards of crushed stone or 12 to 15 yards of lighter soil or mulch. Check the truck's limit.
Add this calculator to your website
Running a blog, a contractor site or a class page? You can put this calculator on it for free. Copy the code below, and please leave the link underneath the calculator in place. The small script just resizes the frame to fit the results; if your site strips scripts, the calculator still works inside a scrolling frame.
Related calculators & guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.