Tons to Yards Calculator
Convert weight (tons) to volume (cubic yards) for various construction and landscaping materials. Enter tons to get cubic yards, or vice versa.
Conversion Result
Material Details
Quick Reference
Common Material Density Reference
| Material | Density (lbs/cu yd) | Tons per Cu Yard | Cu Yards per Ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel (¾" - 2") | 2,800 lbs | 1.40 tons | 0.71 cu yd |
| Topsoil | 2,100 lbs | 1.05 tons | 0.95 cu yd |
| Concrete | 4,000 lbs | 2.00 tons | 0.50 cu yd |
| Asphalt | 3,800 lbs | 1.90 tons | 0.53 cu yd |
| Sand | 2,700 lbs | 1.35 tons | 0.74 cu yd |
| Mulch | 800 lbs | 0.40 tons | 2.50 cu yd |
| Limestone | 2,600 lbs | 1.30 tons | 0.77 cu yd |
| Fill Dirt | 2,200 lbs | 1.10 tons | 0.91 cu yd |
| Clay | 3,000 lbs | 1.50 tons | 0.67 cu yd |
| Rip Rap / Rock | 3,200 lbs | 1.60 tons | 0.63 cu yd |
| Decomposed Granite | 2,500 lbs | 1.25 tons | 0.80 cu yd |
| Crusher Run | 2,900 lbs | 1.45 tons | 0.69 cu yd |
Conversion Formula
Tons to Cubic Yards: Cubic Yards = Tons × 2000 ÷ Density (lbs/cu yd)
Cubic Yards to Tons: Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (lbs/cu yd) ÷ 2000
Note: 1 US ton = 2,000 pounds
Frequently Asked Questions
How many yards are in a ton?
The number of cubic yards in a ton depends on the material density. For example:
- Gravel: 1 ton ≈ 0.71 cubic yards (1 cu yd ≈ 1.4 tons)
- Topsoil: 1 ton ≈ 0.95 cubic yards (1 cu yd ≈ 1.05 tons)
- Sand: 1 ton ≈ 0.74 cubic yards (1 cu yd ≈ 1.35 tons)
- Concrete: 1 ton ≈ 0.5 cubic yards (1 cu yd ≈ 2.0 tons)
How do you convert tons to cubic yards?
Formula: Cubic Yards = (Tons × 2000) ÷ Density (lbs per cubic yard)
Example: 5 tons of gravel (density 2800 lbs/cu yd) = (5 × 2000) ÷ 2800 = 3.57 cubic yards
How many tons is 10 cubic yards of gravel?
For gravel (density ~2800 lbs/cu yd): 10 cu yd × 2800 ÷ 2000 = 14 tons
For topsoil (density ~2100 lbs/cu yd): 10 cu yd × 2100 ÷ 2000 = 10.5 tons
How many tons does a dump truck hold?
Standard dump trucks typically hold 10-16 tons (7-11 cubic yards of gravel, 10-15 cubic yards of topsoil). Larger tri-axle dump trucks can hold up to 20-25 tons. Our calculator can help you estimate volume for delivery planning.
What is the density of crushed concrete?
Crushed concrete typically has a density of 3,800-4,200 lbs per cubic yard (about 2.0 tons per cubic yard). This makes it heavier than natural gravel, meaning you get fewer cubic yards per ton.
How many cubic yards in a ton of asphalt?
Asphalt has a density of approximately 3,800 lbs per cubic yard. Therefore:
- 1 ton of asphalt ≈ 0.53 cubic yards
- 1 cubic yard of asphalt ≈ 1.9 tons
How many yards is 1 ton of topsoil?
Topsoil has a density of about 2,100 lbs per cubic yard. So 1 ton (2,000 lbs) ≈ 0.95 cubic yards. A typical dump truck load of topsoil is 10-15 cubic yards (10.5-15.75 tons).
Why does material density vary?
Material density varies based on moisture content, compaction, particle size, and composition. Wet materials are heavier than dry materials. Our calculator uses average dry densities, but actual project conditions may vary by 10-20%.
How accurate is this calculator?
Our calculator provides estimates based on standard material densities. Actual weights can vary based on moisture, compaction, and specific material composition. For critical projects, always verify with material suppliers.