How to Convert Cubic Yards to Tons
A cubic yard is a unit of volume: one yard (0.9144 m) cubed, equal to 27 cubic feet or approximately 0.7646 cubic metres. A ton is a unit of weight. To convert between the two you need to know the bulk density of the material, which is its weight per unit volume.
The formula is:
Short tons = Cubic yards × Density (short tons per cubic yard)
For example, 5 cubic yards of gravel at 1.35 short tons per cubic yard gives 5 × 1.35 = 6.75 short tons (6.12 metric tonnes).
To convert short tons to metric tonnes, multiply by 0.9072. One metric tonne equals 1,000 kg; one short ton equals 907.2 kg.
Bulk Density by Material
The table below shows typical bulk densities for common loose, dry materials. Moisture content and compaction significantly affect actual weight. Always confirm with your supplier if precision matters for a structural or load-bearing application.
| Material | Short Tons per yd³ | Metric Tonnes per yd³ | kg per yd³ |
|---|
| Gravel / crushed stone | 1.35 | 1.22 | 1,225 |
| Sand, dry | 1.30 | 1.18 | 1,179 |
| Sand, wet | 1.63 | 1.48 | 1,479 |
| Topsoil, loose dry | 1.10 | 1.00 | 998 |
| Topsoil, wet / clay | 1.40 | 1.27 | 1,270 |
| Fill dirt, loose | 0.90 | 0.82 | 816 |
| Concrete | 2.03 | 1.84 | 1,842 |
| Asphalt / tarmac | 1.50 | 1.36 | 1,361 |
| Mulch / bark | 0.40 | 0.36 | 363 |
| Compost | 0.65 | 0.59 | 590 |
| Limestone, crushed | 1.50 | 1.36 | 1,361 |
| Clay, dry | 1.15 | 1.04 | 1,043 |
| Coal | 1.35 | 1.22 | 1,225 |
Worked Example
Suppose you need to order 5 cubic yards of gravel for a driveway. Using a bulk density of 1.35 short tons per cubic yard:
- Short tons = 5 × 1.35 = 6.75 short tons
- Metric tonnes = 6.75 × 0.9072 = 6.12 metric tonnes
- Kilograms = 6.1235 × 1,000 ≈ 6,123 kg
If your delivery truck holds 10 short tons per load, you would need at least 1 load (with some room to spare), or about 0.68 of a load if ordering precisely.
Cubic Yards vs Cubic Metres
In New Zealand, volume is typically measured in cubic metres (m³) rather than cubic yards. One cubic yard equals 0.7646 cubic metres, and one cubic metre equals approximately 1.308 cubic yards. If your supplier quotes volume in cubic metres, you can use the volume conversion calculator to convert first, then use this tool with the converted cubic yard figure.
Tips for Ordering Bulk Materials
- Always add 10 to 15 percent to your calculated volume to allow for compaction, wastage, and uneven ground.
- Wet materials weigh significantly more than dry ones. If material will be delivered wet, the metric tonne figure may be more reliable than the short ton figure.
- Confirm units with your supplier: quarries and landscaping suppliers in New Zealand typically quote in metric tonnes, while some US-origin spec sheets use short tons.
- For structural applications (e.g., concrete pours or load-bearing fill), have a geotechnical engineer verify material specifications rather than relying on generic bulk density values.
Related Calculators
Sources and method: Bulk density values are sourced from standard reference tables including the Engineering Toolbox (engineeringtoolbox.com/weight-material-d_1714.html) and standard civil engineering handbooks. Short ton to metric tonne conversion: 1 short ton = 0.907185 metric tonnes (NIST). All values are for loose, dry material under standard conditions unless otherwise noted.
This calculator provides estimates based on typical bulk density values. Actual weights depend on moisture content, particle size, compaction, and supplier-specific material properties. For structural or commercial applications, verify weights with your supplier and a qualified engineer.
