Cubic Yards to Tons for Aggregate
Converting cubic yards of gravel or crushed stone to tons requires material bulk density; volume alone is not weight.
Quick answer
Tons ≈ cubic yards × material density (tons per cubic yard). Crushed stone often ~1.4–1.6 tons/yd³; sand ~1.3–1.5; mulch much less (~0.3–0.5). Moisture and compaction change density—confirm with supplier spec sheet.
Overview
Quarry invoices and truck scale tickets use weight tons while site planners estimate volume cubic yards from length×width×depth. Bridge weight limits, dump truck capacity, and material cost per ton all need conversion from yardage takeoffs. Density varies by stone type, gradation, moisture, and whether material is loose vs compacted. Ordering purely by yardage without tonnage check risks overweight trucks unable to legally exit quarry or underfilled beds when density assumption was wrong for wet weather loads.
Bulk density and supplier specs
Material suppliers publish approximate tons per cubic yard for products—#57 stone vs crusher run differ. Always use quote-specific number when available rather than generic web averages.
Moisture adds weight without adding usable volume—rain-soaked gravel weighs more per yard than bone dry. Scale tickets at quarry reflect actual loaded weight.
Start with cubic yard volume
Calculate yardage from area × depth in feet ÷ 27. Example: 300 ft² × 0.25 ft = 75 ft³ ÷ 27 ≈ 2.78 yd³. Multiply by tons/yd³ density for weight estimate.
Compaction during placement reduces volume—ordered loose yardage may compact to fewer yards in place; conversely compacted base specs quote compacted density targets separate from loose delivery volume.
Truck capacity in tons vs yards
Dump trucks rated by cubic yards bed volume and max legal gross weight tons—dense stone fills weight limit before bed volume on smaller trucks. Split loads across trips when tonnage exceeds axle limits.
Delivery minimums may be 10 tons or 15 yards whichever supplier defines—compare cost per ton after conversion for budget.
Driveways, bases, and drainage
Driveway base might spec 6 in crusher run compacted in lifts—volume takeoff times density yields tonnage for quote. Drainage gravel around pipe uses clean stone lower density than fines-rich mix.
Decorative landscape rock sold by yard at retail may still need tonnage for bulk blower truck if weight-limited on residential street.
Verify on scale and reconcile
Weigh tickets vs estimated tons teach local density calibration for future jobs. Reconcile yardage calculated from plan dimensions with driver-reported loaded yards at delivery.
Keep waste factor separate—tonnage includes only placed material; spillage at site still consumed load weight.
Examples
Driveway 3 yd³ #57 stone
3 yd³ × 1.5 tons/yd³ ≈ 4.5 tons—check truck max before single delivery.
French drain gravel
12 yd³ at 1.4 tons/yd³ ≈ 16.8 tons—plan two trips if single axle limit 10 tons.
Common mistakes and edge cases
- Using one density factor for all stone products.
- Ignoring moisture after rain on stockpile weight.
- Confusing short ton (2000 lb) with metric tonne in international quotes.
- Calculating area without depth then applying tons per yard incorrectly.
Related resources
Related tools
Last reviewed: 2026-05-23