How to use the tons to cubic yards calculator
- 1
Enter the tons
Type the weight in US short tons, such as the figure on a supplier quote.
- 2
Enter a density
Type the material density in pounds per cubic foot, confirmed for your material.
- 3
Read the volume
The calculator shows cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters, and states the density it used.
Formula
Cubic yards = tons x 2,000 / (27 x density (lb/ft³))
Multiply tons by 2,000 to get pounds, divide by the density to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
Worked example
Convert 5 US short tons of a material with a density of 100 pounds per cubic foot.
- 1Convert tons to pounds: 5 x 2,000 = 10,000 pounds.
- 2Divide by density for cubic feet: 10,000 / 100 = 100 cubic feet.
- 3Divide by 27 for cubic yards: 100 / 27 = 3.70 cubic yards.
At 100 pounds per cubic foot, 5 US short tons is about 3.70 cubic yards. This density is an example only.
Why weight alone is not enough
A ton of feathers and a ton of stone weigh the same but fill very different volumes. To turn a weight into a volume you need to know how heavy the material is per unit of space, which is its density. Without it, tons cannot be converted to cubic yards.
Density depends on the material and its condition, so YardCalc asks you to enter a value rather than assuming one. To go from volume to weight instead, use the cubic yards to tons calculator.
Loose versus compacted material
The same material has a lower density when loose and a higher density when compacted, because compaction fits more weight into the same space. A given tonnage therefore fills more volume loose than compacted.
If your project specifies a compacted thickness, make sure the density you use reflects the compacted condition, and confirm it with your supplier.
Common mistakes
Avoid these errors when converting weight to volume:
- Assuming one yards per ton number fits every material
- Using a compacted density for loose material or the reverse
- Confusing US short tons with metric tonnes
- Entering density in units other than pounds per cubic foot
- Rounding before the final step
Reverse conversion
To convert volume back to weight, use the cubic yards to tons calculator. For more on the relationship, see how many cubic yards are in a ton. The YardCalc calculation methodology explains how these formulas are verified.
Mathematical Examples by Entered Density
Worked arithmetic for one ton at several densities. These are formula examples, not material recommendations. Use a density confirmed for your material.
| Entered density (lb/ft³) | Cubic feet per ton | Cubic yards per ton |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 40 | 1.48 |
| 75 | 26.67 | 0.988 |
| 100 | 20 | 0.741 |
| 125 | 16 | 0.593 |
| 150 | 13.33 | 0.494 |
Frequently asked questions
- How do you convert tons to cubic yards?
- Multiply tons by 2,000 to get pounds, divide by the density in pounds per cubic foot to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A material density is required.
- Is there a single tons to yards conversion?
- No. The volume per ton depends on the material density, which changes with material, moisture, and compaction.
- How many cubic yards is 5 tons?
- It depends on density. At 100 pounds per cubic foot, 5 US short tons is about 3.70 cubic yards. A different density gives a different volume.
- Where do I get a density value?
- From your supplier or material data for your specific product. YardCalc does not publish densities because they vary too much to state universally.
- Does compaction affect the result?
- Yes. Compacted material has a higher density, so a given tonnage fills less volume than the same material loose.
- Are tons here US short tons?
- Yes. The calculator uses US short tons of 2,000 pounds. Convert metric tonnes first if your figure is metric.
- Why might supplier volume differ from my calculation?
- Real density varies from any single number, so calculated volume is an estimate. Confirm the final amount with your supplier.
- Can I convert cubic yards back to tons?
- Yes, with the same density, using the cubic yards to tons calculator.
Volume is computed as tons times 2,000 divided by 27 times the entered density. 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.