Material tonnage calculator | Construction Calc HQ

Convert cubic yards of any aggregate to tons using its density — useful when a supplier prices by the ton.

Formula

tons = cubic_yards × density

Method & sources

Formula basisAggregate bulk density

How we calculateTonnage = volume × material density (set per material); converts yd³/ft³ to tons.

Formula verified against the published standard above. Method last reviewed June 2026. Estimates are for planning — confirm against supplier quotes.

How it works

Multiply the volume in cubic yards by the material's density in tons per cubic yard.

Common densities

Gravel 1.4, sand 1.35, topsoil 1.0–1.3, crushed stone 1.4 tons per cubic yard.

Worked example

Converting a 5-yard order to tons

If a supplier quotes you 5 cubic yards of gravel but charges by the ton, multiply by the density: 5 x 1.4 = 7 tons. For sand at 1.35 it would be 6.75 tons; for topsoil at around 1.1, about 5.5 tons.

The density figure is the whole game here, and it varies with material, gradation, and — importantly — moisture. Wet sand weighs more than dry sand. Always use the density your specific supplier quotes rather than a generic table when the order is large.

What affects your result

Material — each aggregate has its own density.
Moisture — wet material weighs more than dry.
Gradation — how the particle sizes mix affects packing density.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using a generic density when the supplier quotes a specific one.
Ignoring moisture on large orders.

Where the numbers come from

Use the density your supplier quotes — it varies with material, gradation, and moisture content.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert cubic yards to tons?

Multiply cubic yards by the material density. Five yards of gravel at 1.4 is 7 tons.

How it works

Common densities

Worked example

What affects your result

Common mistakes to avoid

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert cubic yards to tons?

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