Convert cubic yards to tons for gravel, sand, dirt, stone or concrete using typical densities, or convert tons back to cubic yards.

Typical bulk densities in US tons per cubic yard. Moisture and compaction change them; your supplier’s figure is best for ordering.

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Yard to Tons Formula

The following formula is used to convert yards to tons.

T = CY × D
  • Where T is the total tons
  • CY is the cubic yards
  • D is the bulk density in short tons per cubic yard; obtain a value for the actual material from its supplier.

To calculate tons from cubic yards, multiply the cubic yardage by the material density in tons per cubic yard.

Cubic Yards to Tons Conversion Table (ρ = 1.50 short tons/yd³)
Cubic Yards (yd³) Short Tons (US) Metric Tons (t)
1/160.0940.085
⅛0.1880.170
1/60.2500.227
¼0.3750.340
⅓0.5000.454
⅜0.5630.510
½0.7500.680
⅝0.9380.850
⅔1.0000.907
¾1.1251.021
⅞1.3131.191
11.5001.361
1¼1.8751.701
1⅓2.0001.814
1½2.2502.041
1¾2.6252.381
23.0002.722
2½3.7503.402
34.5004.082
46.0005.443
* Rounded to 3 decimals. Assumes ρ = 1.50 short tons per cubic yard (an example assumption, not a universal material density). Equivalents: 1 yd³ ≈ 1.50 short tons ≈ 1.361 metric tons.

Yards to Tons Definition

Yards to tons are used to define the conversion of the cubic yards of material to the tons of weight of the material using its density.

Yards to Tons Example

How to convert yards to tons?

  1. First, determine the total volume.

    Calculate or measure the total cubic yards of material.

  2. Next, determine the density.

    Calculate the density of the material in tons per cubic yard.

  3. Finally, calculate the total number of tons.

    Calculate the total weight using the equation above.

FAQ

What is a ton?

A US short ton is a unit of mass equal to 2,000 pounds (907.18474 kg). A metric tonne is 1,000 kg.