Volume to Weight
Enter measurements to get an instant estimate. No sign-up needed.
Input volume (adjust density for weight)
Illustrative bulk gravel density; aggregate gradation, moisture and compaction affect actual weights. Allowances and costs are estimates; verify supplier units and field conditions.
Weight estimate: multiply cubic yards by the chosen material's bulk density in US short tons per cubic yard. Always match the density to its loose or compacted volume state.
The formula for converting cubic yards to US short tons
US short tons = cubic yards × bulk density (US short tons per cubic yard). A US short ton is 2,000 pounds. When a density is given in pounds per cubic foot, multiply by 27 and divide by 2,000 to convert it to short tons per cubic yard. Always check whether the source uses short tons, metric tonnes or long tons.
A conversion based on bulk density is an estimate until the supplier identifies the exact product and its measured state. Moisture content, aggregate gradation, void ratio and compaction can change the result.
Illustrative density-based calculations
The table shows how a 5-cubic-yard quantity changes with the density entered. The density values are arithmetic examples, not published guaranteed weights for named materials.
| Assumed density | Volume | Estimated short tons |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 short tons/yd³ | 5 yd³ | 1.5 tons |
| 1.0 short tons/yd³ | 5 yd³ | 5 tons |
| 1.25 short tons/yd³ | 5 yd³ | 6.25 tons |
| 1.4 short tons/yd³ | 5 yd³ | 7 tons |
| 1.6 short tons/yd³ | 5 yd³ | 8 tons |
Loose, bank and compacted material are not equivalent
Soil and aggregate bulk density depends on the volume state. A compacted finished layer may have a different bulk density from the same material in a loose delivery truck. Mixing a compacted density with loose cubic yards gives an inconsistent estimate even when the arithmetic is correct.
Ask the supplier which state its tons-per-yard figure represents, and use the volume from the same state. For excavations or engineered fill, review the fill dirt calculator for bank, loose and compacted terminology.
Example of supplier-specific gravel tonnage
If a supplier specifies 1.47 US short tons per loose cubic yard for a product, 6 loose cubic yards are estimated at 6 × 1.47 = 8.82 short tons. This is a hypothetical supplier figure for demonstrating the formula. The result should not be used for a different product or compacted volume without verification.
When ordering, confirm density, billing units, legal truck payload and delivery charges. For a driveway, use the gravel calculator to determine the geometric layer quantity before planning tonnage.
How to use a density quoted in lb per cubic foot
A supplier may report bulk density as pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³). To convert this factor into US short tons per cubic yard, multiply by 27 ft³ per yd³ and divide by 2,000 pounds per US short ton. For example, 110 lb/ft³ × 27 ÷ 2,000 = 1.485 US short tons per yard. A matching volume of four cubic yards would weigh about 5.94 short tons.
These calculations depend on the source density. A density for dry compacted material cannot automatically be used with a loose wet truck quantity. Where uncertainty is important, obtain a weigh ticket or supplier specification.
Loose, bank and compacted volume are not equivalent
For soil and aggregate, bulk density reflects the volume of particles plus voids. Excavated earth can occupy more bulk space in a loose truckload than in undisturbed ground, and compaction can reduce void volume. A tons-per-cubic-yard estimate is meaningful only when the density and cubic yards refer to the same material state.
For earthwork projects, understand the difference between bank, loose and compacted volumes using the soil swell and compaction guide. For geometric driveway quantities, use the gravel calculator before estimating tonnage.
Do not confuse short tons with metric tonnes or truck payload
One US short ton equals 2,000 pounds. One metric tonne equals 1,000 kilograms (about 2,204.62 pounds), and a British long ton is 2,240 pounds. Make sure the supplier quote and your calculation use the same unit before comparing prices.
A computed weight does not establish what any truck can legally carry. Vehicle payload, axle weights, site access and road limits are separate requirements. Use the dump truck load calculator for a planning scenario, not a transport certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
It varies with aggregate type, gradation, moisture and compaction. Use your supplier's weight per cubic yard when ordering.
Are these metric tons?
No. This tool uses US short tons (2,000 lb each).
How can I convert a density in lb/ft³ to US short tons/yd³?
Multiply lb/ft³ by 27 and divide by 2,000. For example, 100 lb/ft³ equals 1.35 US short tons per cubic yard.
Are the calculator's tonnage results exact?
No. The arithmetic is exact for the input density, but real material bulk density depends on gradation, moisture and packing. Supplier data provides a more reliable estimate.
Can I use a compacted density with loose truck volume?
Do not assume so. Use density and volume stated for the same material state.
Are these metric tonnes?
No. This tool estimates US short tons of 2,000 pounds each.
Relevant Calculators and Guides
Choose a related resource when your next question needs a different measurement, material or purchasing method.