How to use the cubic yards to tons calculator
- 1
Enter the cubic yards
Type the volume you want to convert, in cubic yards.
- 2
Enter a density
Type the material density in pounds per cubic foot. Confirm the value with your supplier, since it varies by material, moisture, and compaction.
- 3
Read the weight
The calculator shows pounds, US short tons, kilograms, and metric tonnes, and states the density it used.
Formula
US short tons = cubic yards x 27 x density (lb/ft³) / 2,000
First convert cubic yards to cubic feet by multiplying by 27, then multiply by the density to get pounds, and divide by 2,000 to get US short tons.
Worked example
Convert 4 cubic yards of a material with a density of 100 pounds per cubic foot.
- 1Convert to cubic feet: 4 x 27 = 108 cubic feet.
- 2Multiply by density: 108 x 100 = 10,800 pounds.
- 3Divide by 2,000: 10,800 / 2,000 = 5.4 US short tons.
At 100 pounds per cubic foot, 4 cubic yards weighs 10,800 pounds, or 5.4 US short tons. This density is an example only, not a recommended value.
Why density is required
Two materials can fill the same cubic yard yet weigh very differently. Dry mulch is light, while wet sand or stone is heavy. Density captures that difference as a single number, the weight of one cubic foot, and it is the only way to turn a volume into a weight.
Because density is specific to each material and even to each batch, YardCalc does not publish a built in density table. Enter a value you have confirmed for your material, and the calculator handles the arithmetic.
US short tons versus metric tonnes
In the United States, a ton usually means a US short ton, which is 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne is 1,000 kilograms, which is about 2,204.6 pounds. The two are close but not the same, so the calculator reports both to avoid confusion.
Make sure any density and any supplier quote use the same ton definition before you compare them.
Common mistakes
Avoid these errors when converting volume to weight:
- Assuming one tons per yard number works for every material
- Mixing up US short tons and metric tonnes
- Using a dry density for wet material
- Entering density in the wrong units rather than pounds per cubic foot
- Forgetting the factor of 27 that converts cubic yards to cubic feet
Reverse conversion and verification
To go from weight back to volume, use the tons to cubic yards calculator. For a focused look at the relationship, see how many cubic yards are in a ton.
Whatever density you use, treat the result as a planning estimate and confirm quantities with your supplier. The YardCalc calculation methodology explains how these formulas are verified.
Mathematical Examples by Entered Density
Worked arithmetic for one cubic yard at several densities. These are formula examples to show how the math behaves, not material recommendations. Always use a density confirmed for your material.
| Entered density (lb/ft³) | Pounds per cubic yard | US short tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1,350 | 0.675 |
| 75 | 2,025 | 1.01 |
| 100 | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| 125 | 3,375 | 1.69 |
| 150 | 4,050 | 2.03 |
Frequently asked questions
- How do you convert cubic yards to tons?
- Multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet, multiply by the density in pounds per cubic foot to get pounds, then divide by 2,000 for US short tons. You must know the material density.
- Is there a universal cubic yards to tons factor?
- No. The number of tons in a cubic yard depends entirely on the material density, which varies by material, moisture, and compaction.
- What density should I use?
- Use a density confirmed for your specific material, ideally from your supplier. YardCalc does not publish a built in density table because the values vary too much to state as universal facts.
- What is the difference between a short ton and a tonne?
- A US short ton is 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne is 1,000 kilograms, about 2,204.6 pounds. The calculator shows both.
- Does moisture change the weight?
- Yes. Water adds weight, so wet material weighs more than the same volume dry. Use a density that reflects the condition of your material.
- Why is density measured in pounds per cubic foot here?
- Because the formula converts cubic yards to cubic feet first. Pounds per cubic foot then multiplies cleanly to give pounds.
- Can I convert tons back to cubic yards?
- Yes, with the same density. Use the tons to cubic yards calculator for the reverse direction.
- Are the table values real material weights?
- No. The table uses round example densities to show how the formula behaves. They are not recommended densities for any material.
Weight is computed as cubic yards times 27 times the entered density, divided by 2,000 for US short tons. No density is assumed or published. Table values use clearly labeled example densities. See the YardCalc calculation methodology.
Results are planning estimates. Last reviewed 2026-06-16.