Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator 2026 update
Accurate conversions for gravel, sand, dirt, asphalt & concrete — built for US contractors, landscapers & DIYers.
Need to convert cubic yards to tons for your next driveway, foundation or landscaping project? Our cubic yards to tons calculator delivers instant estimates based on real-world material densities. Whether you're calculating gravel for a patio, topsoil for a garden or asphalt for a parking lot, this tool handles both directions: cubic yards → tons and tons → cubic yards. Updated with 2026 density references, it’s the only conversion helper you’ll need.
Material density selector
US tons (short tons) Density varies by moisture & compaction. Verify with local supplier for critical projects.
Cubic Yards → Tons
7.00 tons (US)
Formula: tons = cubic yards × density (tons/yd³)
Tons → Cubic Yards
5.00 cubic yards
Formula: cubic yards = tons ÷ density (tons/yd³)
Material density table (tons per cubic yard) – 2026
| Material | Density (tons/yd³) | Lbs per cubic yard | Common use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel (dry, 1/4”-2”) | 1.40 | 2,800 lbs | Driveways, drainage |
| Sand (dry) | 1.30 | 2,600 lbs | Masonry, fill |
| Dirt / Fill dirt | 1.25 | 2,500 lbs | Backfill, grading |
| Topsoil | 1.10 | 2,200 lbs | Gardens, lawns |
| Asphalt (hot mix) | 1.45 | 2,900 lbs | Paving, repair |
| Crushed concrete | 2.00 | 4,000 lbs | Base material, subbase |
| Crushed stone (#57) | 1.35 | 2,700 lbs | Drainage, construction |
How to convert cubic yards to tons: formula & examples
Basic formula: Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density (tons per cubic yard). This works for any material – gravel, soil, sand, or asphalt. For reverse conversion: Cubic Yards = Tons ÷ Density.
📐 Example 1 (gravel): You need 8 cubic yards of crushed gravel (density 1.40 tons/yd³).
→ 8 yd³ × 1.40 = 11.2 tons.
🔄 Example 2 (reverse): Supplier delivers 10 tons of topsoil (density 1.10 tons/yd³).
→ 10 tons ÷ 1.10 = 9.09 cubic yards.
🛣️ Example 3 (asphalt): Paving contractor quotes 20 cubic yards of asphalt (1.45 tons/yd³) → 20 × 1.45 = 29 tons.
→ 8 yd³ × 1.40 = 11.2 tons.
🔄 Example 2 (reverse): Supplier delivers 10 tons of topsoil (density 1.10 tons/yd³).
→ 10 tons ÷ 1.10 = 9.09 cubic yards.
🛣️ Example 3 (asphalt): Paving contractor quotes 20 cubic yards of asphalt (1.45 tons/yd³) → 20 × 1.45 = 29 tons.
Pro tips & exclusive 2026 estimation checklist
- Always add 5–10% overage – compaction, spillage and uneven surfaces require extra material.
- Moisture matters: Wet sand or damp dirt can increase density by 10-15%. Our calculator uses dry/loose averages.
- Use the custom density option when your supplier provides a specific weight per cubic yard (e.g., 1.52 tons/yd³).
- Check local regulations – some US states require specific compaction ratios for structural fill (2026 codes).
- Gravel vs. crushed stone: Angular stone compacts better but may have higher density (up to 1.5 tons/yd³). Adjust accordingly.
- Contractor shortcut: For standard gravel, remember rough rule: 1 cubic yard ≈ 1.4 tons, so 5 yd³ ≈ 7 tons.
Quick reference: Cubic yards to tons for common materials (1–10 yd³)
| Cubic Yards | Gravel (tons) | Sand (tons) | Dirt (tons) | Asphalt (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 1.40 | 1.30 | 1.25 | 1.45 |
| 2 yd³ | 2.80 | 2.60 | 2.50 | 2.90 |
| 3 yd³ | 4.20 | 3.90 | 3.75 | 4.35 |
| 4 yd³ | 5.60 | 5.20 | 5.00 | 5.80 |
| 5 yd³ | 7.00 | 6.50 | 6.25 | 7.25 |
| 8 yd³ | 11.20 | 10.40 | 10.00 | 11.60 |
| 10 yd³ | 14.00 | 13.00 | 12.50 | 14.50 |
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Frequently asked questions
How many tons is 5 cubic yards of gravel?
Using standard gravel density (1.40 tons/yd³), 5 cubic yards = 7.0 tons. Use our calculator above to adjust by material.
Using standard gravel density (1.40 tons/yd³), 5 cubic yards = 7.0 tons. Use our calculator above to adjust by material.
Can I convert tons to cubic yards for asphalt?
Yes! The formula is cubic yards = tons ÷ density. Asphalt density ~1.45 tons/yd³ → 10 tons ÷ 1.45 = 6.9 cubic yards.
Yes! The formula is cubic yards = tons ÷ density. Asphalt density ~1.45 tons/yd³ → 10 tons ÷ 1.45 = 6.9 cubic yards.
What’s the density of concrete in tons per cubic yard?
Crushed concrete averages 2.0 tons/yd³. For solid concrete (not crushed), density can reach 2.2–2.4 tons/yd³ – use custom field.
Crushed concrete averages 2.0 tons/yd³. For solid concrete (not crushed), density can reach 2.2–2.4 tons/yd³ – use custom field.
Why do different calculators show slightly different results?
Material density varies by moisture, compaction, and regional aggregate. We provide industry-standard 2026 averages; always verify with your supplier for final ordering.
Material density varies by moisture, compaction, and regional aggregate. We provide industry-standard 2026 averages; always verify with your supplier for final ordering.
Is this calculator accurate for fill dirt / topsoil projects?
Yes, we provide baseline densities (1.25 for dirt, 1.10 for topsoil). For heavy clay or wet conditions, increase density by 10-15%.
Yes, we provide baseline densities (1.25 for dirt, 1.10 for topsoil). For heavy clay or wet conditions, increase density by 10-15%.
How do I calculate cubic yards from tons for my driveway?
First estimate driveway volume (length×width×depth in feet /27 = yd³). Then multiply by gravel density (1.4) to get tons. Or enter tons into our reverse calculator.
First estimate driveway volume (length×width×depth in feet /27 = yd³). Then multiply by gravel density (1.4) to get tons. Or enter tons into our reverse calculator.
Does the calculator work with metric tons?
Our tool uses US short tons (2,000 lbs). For metric tonnes, multiply result by 0.907. Example: 10 US tons ≈ 9.07 metric tonnes.
Our tool uses US short tons (2,000 lbs). For metric tonnes, multiply result by 0.907. Example: 10 US tons ≈ 9.07 metric tonnes.