Tons to Cubic Yards Calculator
Convert between tons and cubic yards based on material density
1. Select Conversion Direction
2. Select Material
3. Enter Value
Results
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Understanding Tons to Cubic Yards Conversion
How Weight and Volume Are Related
Converting between weight (tons) and volume (cubic yards) requires knowing the density of the material. Density is the weight of a material per unit volume, and it varies significantly between different materials.
Tons to Cubic Yards
Cubic Yards = Tons ÷ Density (tons/yd³)
Example: 10 tons of sand (density 1.35 tons/yd³) = 10 ÷ 1.35 = 7.41 cubic yards
Cubic Yards to Tons
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/yd³)
Example: 5 cubic yards of gravel (density 1.20 tons/yd³) = 5 × 1.20 = 6 tons
Material Density Reference Table
| Material | Density (tons/yd³) | Density (lb/yd³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Materials | |||
| Asphalt | 1.40 | 2,800 | Standard hot-mix asphalt |
| Concrete (Ready Mix) | 2.40 | 4,800 | Typical ready-mix concrete |
| Concrete (Solid Slab) | 2.50 | 5,000 | Fully cured concrete |
| Concrete (Broken) | 0.90 | 1,800 | Crushed concrete with air gaps |
| Aggregates | |||
| Gravel (Loose, Dry) | 1.20 | 2,400 | Typical landscaping gravel |
| Gravel (With Sand) | 1.35 | 2,700 | Mixed with sand, compacted |
| Gravel (Dry 1/4 to 2 inch) | 1.60 | 3,200 | Sizes from 1/4 inch to 2 inches |
| Limestone (Crushed) | 1.05 | 2,100 | Common for driveways |
| Sand (Dry) | 1.35 | 2,700 | Dry loose sand |
| Sand (Wet) | 1.70 | 3,400 | Moisture increases weight |
| Stone (Crushed) | 1.10 | 2,200 | Various stone types |
| Soils and Landscaping | |||
| Topsoil (Dry) | 1.30 | 2,600 | Screened topsoil |
| Topsoil (Wet) | 1.60 | 3,200 | After rain or irrigation |
| Mulch | 0.40 | 800 | Varies by type and moisture |
| Wood Chips | 0.50 | 1,000 | Typical landscaping chips |
| Compost | 0.90 | 1,800 | Finished compost |
| Clay (Dry) | 1.50 | 3,000 | Dry clay soil |
| Clay (Wet) | 1.80 | 3,600 | Saturated clay soil |
| Metals | |||
| Steel | 13.50 | 27,000 | Standard steel |
| Iron (Cast) | 5.10 | 10,200 | Cast iron material |
| Aluminum | 2.70 | 5,400 | Standard aluminum |
Practical Examples
Gravel for Driveway
- Material: Gravel (Loose, Dry)
- Density: 1.20 tons/yd³
- Ordered amount: 10 tons
- Volume calculation: 10 ÷ 1.20 = 8.33 cubic yards
- Practical use: Enough to cover approximately 250 square feet at 4 inches deep
Topsoil for Garden
- Material: Topsoil (Dry)
- Density: 1.30 tons/yd³
- Garden area: 200 square feet with 6-inch depth
- Volume needed: 3.70 cubic yards
- Weight calculation: 3.70 × 1.30 = 4.81 tons
Concrete for Foundation
- Material: Concrete (Ready Mix)
- Density: 2.40 tons/yd³
- Foundation volume: 5 cubic yards
- Weight calculation: 5 × 2.40 = 12 tons
- Practical note: Would require a larger truck for delivery due to weight
Mulch for Landscaping
- Material: Mulch
- Density: 0.40 tons/yd³
- Ordered amount: 2 tons
- Volume calculation: 2 ÷ 0.40 = 5 cubic yards
- Coverage: About 1,500 square feet at 1 inch depth
Important Notes About Density
Density Varies: The density values provided are averages. Actual density can vary based on:
- Moisture Content: Wet materials weigh more than dry ones
- Compaction: Compacted materials have higher density than loose materials
- Particle Size: Smaller particles typically create higher density
- Composition: Mixed materials have densities that depend on the mixture ratio
Accuracy Tip: For critical applications, it's best to obtain the specific density from your material supplier or perform a sample measurement.
Unit Conversions Reference
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
- 1 cubic yard = 0.7646 cubic meters
- 1 US ton = 2,000 pounds
- 1 US ton = 0.9072 metric tonnes
- 1 metric tonne = 1.1023 US tons