1 yard of concrete by type
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 1 yard is 27 cubic feet. Multiply by the weight of a cubic foot of the concrete you are using.
| Type of concrete | Density | Weight | US tons | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight concrete, a rough figure | 115 lb/ft³ | 3,105 lb | 1.55 | 1,408 |
| Plain concrete, no steel | 145 lb/ft³ | 3,915 lb | 1.96 | 1,776 |
| Reinforced concrete, and the usual rule of thumb | 150 lb/ft³ | 4,050 lb | 2.03 | 1,837 |
| Heavily reinforced, a rough figure | 160 lb/ft³ | 4,320 lb | 2.16 | 1,960 |
The slab 1 yard makes, and what it weighs per square foot
The total stays at 4,050 lb. A thinner slab spreads it over more ground.
| Slab thickness | Area from 1 yard | Weight per sq ft | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 37.5 lb | 4,050 lb |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 50.0 lb | 4,050 lb |
| 5 in | 65 sq ft | 62.5 lb | 4,050 lb |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | 75.0 lb | 4,050 lb |
| 8 in | 41 sq ft | 100.0 lb | 4,050 lb |
One cubic yard: what it looks like
A cubic yard is a block 3 feet on each side, 27 cubic feet. At 150 lb per cubic foot that block weighs 4,050 lb, a little over 2 US tons. It is 10% of what a 10-yard ready-mix truck carries, so a single yard arrives as a small part load.
Mixed from bags it is 45 bags of 80 lb mix, about 3,600 lb of dry material before the water goes in. Spread 4 inches thick, one yard covers 81 square feet, close to an 8x10 slab, which takes 0.99 cubic yards and weighs 4,000 lb.
Worked example
1 × 27 = 27 cubic feet. 27 × 150 lb = 4,050 lb. 4,050 ÷ 2,000 = 2.03 US tons.
Nearby amounts
| Concrete | Cubic feet | Weight | US tons | Truck loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 yard | 27 ft³ | 4,050 lb | 2.03 | 1 |
| 2 yards | 54 ft³ | 8,100 lb | 4.05 | 1 |
| 3 yards | 81 ft³ | 12,150 lb | 6.08 | 1 |
| 4 yards | 108 ft³ | 16,200 lb | 8.10 | 1 |
For a slab, wall or footing of your own size use the concrete weight calculator, and the concrete calculator for how many yards to order. The guide how much does concrete weigh has the weights per square foot. Hauling bagged mix yourself? See how many 80 lb bags a pickup can carry.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Concrete Weight Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
Affiliate links As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
About 4,050 lb, or 2.03 US tons, for normal concrete at 150 lb per cubic foot. 1 yard is 27 cubic feet.
How many tons is 1 yard of concrete?
2.03 US tons (1,837 kg). Heavily reinforced concrete is nearer 2.16 tons and lightweight concrete 1.55 tons.
Will 1 yard of concrete fit in one truck?
Yes. A ready-mix truck carries around 10 cubic yards, so 1 yard is 10% of a 10-yard ready-mix truck.
Is 4,050 lb the wet or the cured weight of 1 yard of concrete?
It is a planning figure for either: we have no sourced separate cured weight for normal concrete, so this page does not give one. The Federal Highway Administration puts typical normal-weight concrete at 145 lb per cubic foot plain and about 5 lb more with reinforcement, and says ready-mix is accepted at delivery on its fresh (wet) density. At 145 lb per cubic foot 1 yard is 3,915 lb, 135 lb less than at 150. If a trailer, truck or floor limit is close, ask the plant for the fresh unit weight of your mix.
Related sizes and 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.