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# Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator

Convert cubic yards to US tons, or tons back to cubic yards, for 18 common bulk materials, or enter your own density. To convert, multiply cubic yards by the material's density (lb/yd³) and divide by 2,000.

Cubic yards → tonsTons → cubic yards

Cubic yardsMaterialDensity (lb/yd³)

| Same 10 yd³ in… | Tons |
| --- | --- |
| Gravel | 14 |
| Crushed stone | 13.5 |
| Sand (dry) | 13.5 |
| Topsoil | 10 |
| Coal (bituminous) | 7.5 |
| Wood chips | 2.8 |

Weight

14tons

Pounds

28,000lb

Metric tonnes

12.7t

Formula: tons = cubic yards × density (lb/yd³) ÷ 2,000. Densities are loose, uncompacted values. Moisture and gradation change them.

## The conversion formula

tons = cubic yards × density (lb/yd³) ÷ 2,000

Going the other way: cubic yards = tons × 2,000 ÷ density. The only variable that matters is density, and it's a property of the material as it sits: loose, uncompacted, at its current moisture content.

## Density reference for common materials

Loose densities and typical angles of repose for the materials in the converter. Values are planning figures. Moisture and gradation move them, sometimes by 20% or more. For the full reference in all three unit systems, see the [bulk material density chart](https://rebulk.com/tools/bulk-density-chart).

| Material | lb/yd³ (loose) | tons/yd³ | Angle of repose |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gravel | 2,800 | 1.40 | ~34° |
| Pea gravel | 2,600 | 1.30 | ~30° |
| Crushed stone | 2,700 | 1.35 | ~37° |
| Limestone (crushed) | 2,600 | 1.30 | ~38° |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 | ~34° |
| Sand (wet) | 3,200 | 1.60 | ~25° |
| Topsoil | 2,000 | 1.00 | ~35° |
| Fill dirt | 2,200 | 1.10 | ~35° |
| Asphalt millings | 2,400 | 1.20 | ~35° |
| Concrete (crushed) | 2,400 | 1.20 | ~37° |
| Road salt | 2,000 | 1.00 | ~32° |
| Coal (bituminous) | 1,500 | 0.75 | ~35° |
| Corn (shelled) | 1,215 | 0.61 | ~23° |
| Wheat | 1,300 | 0.65 | ~27° |
| Soybeans | 1,250 | 0.63 | ~26° |
| Wood chips | 550 | 0.28 | ~45° |
| Mulch | 700 | 0.35 | ~40° |
| Compost | 1,000 | 0.50 | ~40° |

Converting because you're estimating a pile? The [stockpile volume calculator](https://rebulk.com/tools/stockpile-calculator) handles the geometry and the density in one step.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do you convert cubic yards to tons?

Multiply cubic yards by the material's loose density in pounds per cubic yard, then divide by 2,000. Example: 10 yd³ of gravel at 2,800 lb/yd³ is 28,000 lb, or 14 tons.

### How many tons is one cubic yard?

It depends entirely on the material: about 1.4 tons for gravel or crushed stone, 1.0 ton for topsoil, 0.6 tons for shelled corn, and only about 0.28 tons for wood chips. There is no universal conversion. Density is the whole answer.

### Why do my delivered tons not match the yards I ordered?

Loose bulk density changes with moisture, compaction, and gradation. Wet sand weighs ~20% more than dry. Suppliers weigh trucks; the yards-to-tons conversion they quote uses their material's density on that day. If precise inventory matters, measure weight and volume rather than converting between them.

## More free tools

Stockpile Volume Calculator

Volume and tonnage from pile dimensions.

[Read more](https://rebulk.com/tools/stockpile-calculator)

Gravel & Material Calculator

How much material an area needs, in yards and tons.

[Read more](https://rebulk.com/tools/gravel-calculator)

Bill of Lading Generator

Create and print a straight BOL free.

[Read more](https://rebulk.com/tools/bill-of-lading-generator)

## Converting is estimating. Measuring is knowing.

Rebulk measures the actual volume of your piles, bays, and silos, continuously with fixed sensors or on demand with a phone scan, so inventory is a number you look up, not a conversion you defend.

[See how Rebulk measures](https://rebulk.com/products/inventory) [Book a demo](https://rebulk.com/contact)

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Source: https://rebulk.com/tools/cubic-yards-to-tons