Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator
A cubic yards to tons calculator converts material volume into US short tons using density. Multiply cubic yards by 27, multiply by the material’s weight in pounds per cubic foot, and divide by 2,000. Choose a listed material to see the generic density and conversion factor used.
Weight
135.0tons
- Tons per CY
- 1.35 tons/CY
- Pounds
- 270,000 lb
Formula: tons = CY × 27 ft³ × 100 lb/ft³ ÷ 2,000 lb, then + waste %
Uses a generic density from the site’s material table. Confirm a product-specific value with the supplier.
How the calculation works
Cubic yards measure volume; tons measure weight. The same volume can have different weights because density varies by material, moisture, and whether it is loose or compacted. There is no single yards-to-tons factor for all materials.
For example, 100 cubic yards at 100 lb/ft³ is 135 tons: 100 × 27 × 100 ÷ 2,000. At 135 lb/ft³, that same volume is 182.25 tons. Both calculations are before any allowance.
The selected material sets the density. The entered allowance increases the weight and pounds results; it does not change the displayed tons-per-cubic-yard factor. That factor describes the selected density alone.
The table contains generic approximations. Match loose or compacted values to the state of your measured volume. If a supplier provides a different density, use it in the formula in a separate calculation; the widget does not accept custom density.
Reference values
| Material | Unit weight | Tons per CY |
|---|---|---|
| Hot mix asphalt, compacted | 145 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.96 |
| Asphalt millings, compacted | 125 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.69 |
| Crushed stone, compacted | 100 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.35 |
| Crushed stone, loose | 95 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.28 |
| Crusher run / DGA | 135 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.82 |
| Sand | 100 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.35 |
| Topsoil | 75 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.01 |
| Common fill / borrow | 110 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.49 |
| Concrete, normal weight | 150 lb/ft³ | ≈ 2.03 |
| Riprap, placed | 130 lb/ft³ | ≈ 1.76 |
| Water | 62.4 lb/ft³ | ≈ 0.84 |
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I use one conversion for every material?
A cubic yard fixes the volume, but material density determines its weight. Choose a value that matches the product and its condition.
Are these metric tonnes?
No. The calculator uses US short tons of 2,000 pounds.
How do I convert tons back to cubic yards?
Divide short tons by the tons-per-CY factor shown for the material. Use the same density and exclude any separate allowance from the conversion factor.
Can I use a supplier-specific density?
Yes, in a separate calculation: CY × 27 × density in lb/ft³ ÷ 2,000. The widget’s dropdown contains only the listed generic values.