Tons to Cubic Yards Calculator - Yards to Tons Converter

Last updated June 16, 2026 by our expert review team

Density by Material

To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by the material's density and divide by 2,000 — most gravel and sand land around 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so yd³ × 1.4 is a fast field estimate. A cubic yard of #57 stone is about 1.35 tons.

Density is the whole game: crusher run is heavier, topsoil and mulch are lighter and moisture-sensitive.

Material	Density	Tons / yd³	Yd³ / ton
Crushed Stone #57← selected	2,700 lb/yd³	1.35 tons	0.74 yd³
Crusher Run	2,800 lb/yd³	1.4 tons	0.71 yd³
Pea Gravel	2,700 lb/yd³	1.35 tons	0.74 yd³
Paver / Fill Sand	2,800 lb/yd³	1.4 tons	0.71 yd³
Screened Topsoil	2,200 lb/yd³	1.1 tons	0.91 yd³
River Rock	2,600 lb/yd³	1.3 tons	0.77 yd³
Standard Concrete	4,050 lb/yd³	2.03 tons	0.49 yd³

Densities match the current DIYdigits material calculators where available. Local moisture, gradation, and compaction can change scale-ticket weights.

Expert Contributors

Creator

Cherry Jane Limbago

Licensed Civil Engineer & Master Plumber

Cherry Jane Limbago

Licensed Civil Engineer & Master Plumber

Licensed civil engineer and master plumber with 10+ years in structural design, estimation, and project management. Currently Project Engineer at Universal Robina Corporation.

See full profile

Expert Review

Hawkin

Certified Cost & Estimating Professional

Hawkin

Certified Cost & Estimating Professional

AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.

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Updated June 2026

How we verify our calculators

Methodology

How the Tons to Yards Calculator Works

The converter uses the selected material density as the bridge between weight and volume. Type into either side and the other side updates from the same density.

Use this after you know the volume from a project calculator. For depth, waste, and compaction, start with the gravel calculator, stone calculator, or sand calculator.

Formulas

Cubic yards = tons × 2,000 ÷ density (lb per yd³)

Tons = cubic yards x density in lb per yd³ / 2,000

Tons per cubic yard = density in lb per yd³ / 2,000

Uses U.S. short tons. Supplier density, moisture, and compaction can change the actual ticket weight.

Quick Reference

1 short ton: 2,000 lb
#57 stone: 2,700 lb/yd³
Crusher run: 2,800 lb/yd³
Topsoil: 2,200 lb/yd³
Concrete: 4,050 lb/yd³

Density bridges tons and cubic yards: tons times 2,000 divided by density gives cubic yards, and cubic yards times density divided by 2,000 gives tons. — Density (lb/yd³) bridges weight and volume. Rule of thumb: 1 yd³ ≈ 1.4 tons of gravel.

Tons and Cubic Yards Examples

Order crushed stone by the ton

5 yd³ of #57 stone

5.00 yd³6.75 tons2,700 lb/yd³

Useful when you measured a drainage bed in yards but the quarry quotes #57 stone by the ton.

Topsoil delivery check

3 tons of screened topsoil

2.73 yd³3.00 tons2,200 lb/yd³

Topsoil is lighter than crushed stone at the same volume, but wet loads can still be heavy.

Crusher-run base

4 yd³ of crusher run

4.00 yd³5.60 tons2,800 lb/yd³

Crusher run includes fines, so it uses a denser assumption than washed decorative gravel.

Concrete debris or mix weight

2 yd³ of standard concrete

2.00 yd³4.05 tons4,050 lb/yd³

Concrete is much heavier than landscape aggregate. Confirm hauling limits before loading.

Common Conversion Mistakes

Avoid these

Mistakes That Cost You Money

Using one density for all materials

A cubic yard of topsoil is not the same weight as a cubic yard of concrete. Pick the closest material before converting.

Ignoring moisture

Wet sand and wet soil can weigh more than dry stockpile material. Ask the supplier which density they use for tickets.

Mixing short tons and metric tonnes

This converter uses U.S. short tons: 2,000 lb. Metric tonnes are about 2,204.6 lb.

Forgetting compaction

Dense-grade base materials can settle under compaction. Use project calculators for depth, waste, and compaction allowances.

Tons to Cubic Yards FAQ

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

For #57 crushed stone, 1 cubic yard is about 1.35 tons using the 2,700 lb/yd³ density from our gravel calculator. Crusher run is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.

How many cubic yards are in 1 ton of gravel?

One ton of #57 stone is about 0.74 cubic yards. One ton of crusher run is about 0.71 cubic yards because it is denser.

What is the formula for tons to cubic yards?

Cubic yards = tons × 2,000 ÷ density in lb per cubic yard. The density is the material assumption, so changing from topsoil to concrete changes the answer.

What is the formula for cubic yards to tons?

Tons = cubic yards x density in lb per cubic yard / 2,000. This calculator shows the density used under the result so the supplier can confirm it.

Why do gravel yards quote by tons instead of cubic yards?

Many aggregate suppliers load by scale weight because truck payload and inventory are tracked in tons. Homeowners often measure volume, so this converter bridges the two units.

Should I use tons or cubic yards when ordering?

Use the unit your supplier sells. Measure the project in cubic yards with a material calculator, then convert to tons only after choosing the closest density.

How much does delivery change the cost?

Delivery fees often matter more than the conversion on small orders. Local gravel and soil yards commonly set minimum loads or charge separate delivery, fuel, and spreading fees.

Is a ton the same as a tonne?

No. This calculator uses U.S. short tons of 2,000 lb. A metric tonne is about 2,204.6 lb, so confirm the unit if your supplier writes tonnes.

Supplier Check Before Ordering

Ask whether the yard sells by scale ton, cubic yard bucket, or bag. The same pile may be quoted in different units.

For aggregate base, state DOT guidance such as the Caltrans aggregate base manual focuses on gradation, spreading, and compaction. Your supplier density should still win for ordering.

Need a full depth estimate first? Use the crushed stone calculator or pea gravel calculator, then convert the result here.

Important Disclaimer

These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.