Cubic Yards to Tons Converter
Landscape suppliers sell some materials by the cubic yard and others by the ton. Use this reference to convert between volume and weight so you can compare quotes accurately and order the right amount.
Converting cubic yards to tons requires knowing the material's density. Unlike water, landscaping materials vary significantly in weight per unit of volume — a cubic yard of mulch weighs less than a third of a cubic yard of concrete. The table below provides standard conversion factors for the most common materials.
| Material | Tons per Cubic Yard | Approx. lbs per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel (crushed stone) | 1.35 | 2,700 lbs |
| Sand (dry) | 1.35 | 2,700 lbs |
| Topsoil | 1.01 | 2,025 lbs |
| Mulch (shredded hardwood) | 0.34 | 675 lbs |
| Concrete (mixed) | 2.03 | 4,050 lbs |
| Compost | 0.54 | 1,080 lbs |
The Conversion Formula
The formula is straightforward:
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/cu yd)
For example, to convert 5 cubic yards of gravel to tons: 5 × 1.35 = 6.75 tons. To go the other direction (tons to cubic yards), divide instead: 6.75 ÷ 1.35 = 5 cubic yards.
Quick Reference: Common Quantities
| Cubic Yards | Gravel (tons) | Sand (tons) | Topsoil (tons) | Mulch (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.35 | 1.35 | 1.01 | 0.34 |
| 2 | 2.70 | 2.70 | 2.02 | 0.68 |
| 5 | 6.75 | 6.75 | 5.05 | 1.70 |
| 10 | 13.50 | 13.50 | 10.10 | 3.40 |
| 20 | 27.00 | 27.00 | 20.20 | 6.80 |
Why Density Varies
The density values above are averages. Actual density depends on moisture content, particle size, and compaction level. Wet sand can weigh 15–20% more than dry sand. Freshly delivered topsoil with high moisture may weigh significantly more than the same soil after it has dried. When placing an order by weight, ask your supplier whether their pricing is based on dry or wet weight — this can make a meaningful difference on your invoice. For critical projects, ask the supplier for the specific density of the material they stock.
Ordering Tips
When comparing quotes from multiple suppliers, make sure you are comparing the same unit. One supplier may quote per cubic yard while another quotes per ton. Use the conversion table above to normalize prices to the same unit. Also account for delivery fees, which are typically flat-rate per truckload. A standard dump truck carries 10–14 cubic yards or about 15–20 tons depending on the material. Ordering a full truckload is almost always more cost-effective per unit than a partial load.