How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?

One cubic yard of gravel (crushed stone) weighs approximately 1.35 short tons (about 1.22 metric tonnes). The exact weight depends on the type of gravel and how dry or compacted it is. Pea gravel tends to be lighter at around 1.25 tons per cubic yard, while dense crushed rock can reach 1.45 tons. For ordering purposes, 1.35 tons per cubic yard is a reliable working figure for most gravel and crushed stone.

How do I convert cubic yards to tons for soil or topsoil?

To convert cubic yards to tons for topsoil, multiply the number of cubic yards by approximately 1.10 (short tons per cubic yard). For example, 5 cubic yards of topsoil weighs around 5.5 short tons (5.0 metric tonnes). Note that topsoil weight varies with moisture content: dry topsoil is lighter, and wet or clay-rich topsoil can weigh closer to 1.30 to 1.50 tons per cubic yard. The figure of 1.10 tons per cubic yard is a typical value for dry, loose topsoil.

What is the difference between a short ton and a metric tonne?

A short ton (used mainly in the United States) equals 2,000 pounds (approximately 907 kg). A metric tonne equals 1,000 kg (approximately 2,205 pounds). To convert short tons to metric tonnes, multiply by 0.9072. To convert metric tonnes to short tons, multiply by 1.1023. In New Zealand, weights are measured in metric tonnes; however, cubic yards and short tons are still commonly referenced in international material specifications, so it is useful to see both.

Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator

Convert cubic yards (yd³) to short tons and metric tonnes for gravel, sand, topsoil, concrete, asphalt, mulch, and other bulk materials. Select your material to use the correct bulk density value.

Tons = Cubic Yards × Bulk Density (tons per cubic yard)

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Reference values Bulk density figures are standard published values for loose, dry material. Actual weights vary with moisture content and compaction.

1. Volume

Volume in cubic yards

yd³

Material

Custom density short tons per cubic yard

t/yd³

2. Units and Options

Weight unit for results

Number of loads / deliveries (optional)

loads

Truck capacity per load (short tons)

t/load

Conversion Result

Total Weight
-
short tons

Short Tons

US tons (2,000 lb each)

Metric Tonnes

1,000 kg each

Kilograms

Total kg

Conversion Breakdown

Volume-

Material-

Bulk density used-

Short tons-

Metric tonnes-

Kilograms-

Trucking Estimate

Total weight (short tons)-

Truck capacity-

Loads needed-

Your entered loads-

Weight per entered load-

Common Volumes for Selected Material

Cubic Yards	Short Tons	Metric Tonnes	Kilograms	Approx. Loads (10 t truck)

Enter a volume above to see your result.

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

Essential Calculators hub
Volume Conversion Calculator: convert between cubic yards, cubic metres, litres and more.
Cubic Metre Calculator: calculate volume in metric units.
Density Calculator: find mass, volume or density when two values are known.
Weight Converter: convert between grams, kilograms, pounds, tons and more.

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.