How to convert cubic yards to tons
Cubic yards = Tons × 2,000 ÷ Weight per yard (lb)
Worked example
10 cubic yards of crushed stone at 2,700 lb per yard: 10 × 2,700 ÷ 2,000 = 13.5 tons.
Weight per cubic yard by material
| Material | lb per yd³ | Tons per yd³ | Yd³ per ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel / crushed stone | 2,600–2,800 | 1.35 | 0.74 |
| Pea gravel | 2,500–2,700 | 1.3 | 0.77 |
| Road base / crusher run | 2,800–3,000 | 1.45 | 0.69 |
| Sand | 2,600–2,800 | 1.35 | 0.74 |
| Topsoil | 1,900–2,200 | 1.05 | 0.95 |
| Fill dirt | 2,000–2,700 | 1.2 | 0.83 |
| Compost | 800–1,200 | 0.5 | 2.0 |
| Mulch / wood chips | 400–800 | 0.3 | 3.3 |
| Asphalt (compacted) | ≈3,900 | 1.96 | 0.51 |
These are typical dry weights. Moisture can add 10–20%, so a supplier's scale ticket may differ from the estimate.
Why weight varies
A cubic yard is a fixed volume, but how much material fits in it depends on particle size, shape and how much water it holds. Angular crushed stone locks together and leaves fewer gaps than rounded pea gravel. Organic materials like mulch and compost are full of air and weigh far less.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons is a yard of gravel?
About 1.35 tons for crushed stone, or 1.3 tons for pea gravel.
How many yards are in a ton of topsoil?
About 0.95 cubic yards, since a yard of dry topsoil weighs a little over a ton.
How many tons are in a 10-yard dump truck of gravel?
About 13.5 tons, though truck weight limits may cap the load lower than its volume.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14. Material weights are typical industry averages and vary by supplier, moisture and compaction.