How this calculator works
Cubic yards measure volume and tons measure mass, so the conversion needs a bulk density. A cubic yard is 0.764554857984 m3. The density of loose gravel, sand, topsoil, concrete or mulch is a mass per cubic metre, and multiplying the two gives the mass. Loose bulk density is not the same as the density of the solid pieces, because the spaces between particles hold air and sometimes water. Moisture and compaction can change the mass of a given volume by 10 to 20 per cent, so the presets are typical values and a supplier or a measured density is more reliable for a purchase.
Formula
cubic metres = cubic yards x 0.764554857984. kilograms = cubic metres x bulk density in kg/m3. US short tons = kilograms / 907.18474, because one short ton is 2,000 lb. Metric tonnes = kilograms / 1,000. Pounds = kilograms / 0.45359237.
Worked example
1 cubic yard of loose gravel at 1,280 kg/m3 is 978.630 kg, which is 1.07876 US short tons or 0.97863 metric tonnes. 1 cubic yard of topsoil at 1,200 kg/m3 is 917.466 kg or 1.01133 short tons. 1 cubic yard of mulch at 400 kg/m3 is only 305.822 kg or 0.337111 short tons, because mulch is mostly air and wood.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a ton the same as a tonne?
No. A US short ton is 2,000 lb or 907.18474 kg, and it is the ton used in North American aggregate sales. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg, about 10 per cent heavier. A UK long ton is 2,240 lb or 1,016.0469088 kg. This page reports short tons and metric tonnes separately.
Why does the same volume give different weights?
Bulk density differs by material and condition. Dry sand, wet sand and packed sand can differ by more than 60 per cent in density. Gravel grading and moisture have a similar, though smaller, effect.
How can I get a better density for my material?
Ask the supplier for the bulk density or weigh a known volume yourself. Enter that value in the custom row. For structural fill, a Proctor test is the standard way to determine compacted density.
Is a cubic yard of concrete one ton?
No. Concrete is much denser than gravel or soil. At about 2,320 kg/m3, a cubic yard of concrete is roughly 1,774 kg or 1.96 short tons, close to two tons.