Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator (Gravel, Dirt, Sand)

Enter the area and depth, cubic yards, or tons to see how much material to order and how many loads.

I know the
In feet.
In feet.
In inches.

Approximate. Ask your supplier for the exact weight.

In percent.

Extra for spillage, uneven ground and compaction.

More options
In tons per cubic yard.

Approximate. Ask your supplier for the exact weight.

Truck type
In tons.

Typical for this truck, varies. Check your state's limits and your registration.

In cubic yards.

Typical for this truck, varies. Check your state's limits and your registration.

Enter length to see your result.

Truck bed volume

Measure the inside of the bed in feet.

In feet.
In feet.
In feet.

Enter the bed length, width and side height.

How this is calculated

  • Cubic feet = length × width × (depth in inches ÷ 12). Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27.
  • With waste = cubic yards × (1 + waste %).
  • Tons = cubic yards with waste × material weight per yard.
  • Loads = the larger of tons ÷ payload and cubic yards ÷ bed volume, each rounded up.

Worked example: an area 50 ft × 12 ft, 4 inches deep, is 7.41 cubic yards. With 10% extra that's 8.15 cubic yards, and at 1.4 tons a yard for gravel, 11.4 tons: 1 load in a tandem (14 tons, 12 yards).

Questions

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

Loose gravel weighs about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, and compacted soil can weigh up to 1.8 tons per cubic yard (Hello Gravel). This calculator starts gravel at 1.4 (range 1.3–1.5). Ask your supplier for the exact weight.

How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?

Hot mix asphalt is about 2 tons per cubic yard (The Upfit Insider).

How do I convert tons to cubic yards?

Divide the tons by the material's weight per cubic yard. 25 tons of gravel at 1.4 tons a yard is about 17.86 cubic yards. Choose "Tons" above to do it here.

Why add extra for waste?

Real jobs lose material to spillage, uneven ground and compaction. The calculator starts at 10% as an example; set it to 0 if you want the exact volume.

How do I work out my truck bed volume?

Measure the inside length, width and side height in feet, multiply them and divide by 27. A bed 16 ft long, 7.5 ft wide and 4 ft high holds about 17.78 cubic yards level full. Use the bed volume box below the calculator.

Sources

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