Tonnage Calculator
Convert between volume and weight for any construction or landscaping material. Use dimensions (length × width × depth), enter volume directly in cubic yards, or convert pounds to tons. Choose from 15 material types with pre-set densities: topsoil, fill dirt, sand, gravel, crushed stone, limestone, asphalt, concrete, granite, river rock, mulch, and more. Or enter a custom density. Results include US tons, metric tonnes, pounds, volume, and optional cost estimation.
Enter the total volume in cubic yards
Enter the total weight in pounds
Your material density in US tons per cubic yard
V (cu ft) = L (ft) × W (ft) × D (in) ÷ 12
V (cu yd) = V (cu ft) ÷ 27
Weight:
Tons = V (cu yd) × Density (tons/cu yd)
Pounds = Tons × 2,000
Metric tonnes = US tons × 0.9072
Material Densities (tons/cu yd):
Topsoil: 0.75 | Fill: 1.1 | Sand: 1.2
Gravel: 1.3 | Cr. Stone: 1.35
Concrete: 2.0 | Granite: 2.3
Asphalt: 1.2 | Mulch: 0.3
50 ft long × 20 ft wide × 6″ deep
Volume = 50 × 20 × 0.5 = 500 cu ft
Volume = 500 ÷ 27 = 18.52 cu yd
Gravel at 1.3 tons/cu yd: 18.52 × 1.3 = 24.1 tons
Weight in pounds: 24.1 × 2,000 = 48,200 lbs
Metric tonnes: 24.1 × 0.907 = 21.9 tonnes
At $25/ton: Cost = 24.1 × $25 = $602.50
A dump truck carries 10-14 tons → 2-3 loads needed
How many tons are in a cubic yard of material?
The tons per cubic yard vary by material density. Common values: Topsoil: 0.75 tons, Fill Dirt: 1.1 tons, Sand: 1.2 tons, Gravel (3/4"): 1.3 tons, Crushed Stone: 1.35 tons, Concrete: 2.0 tons, Granite: 2.3 tons, Mulch: 0.3 tons. To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by the material density. For example, 10 cubic yards of gravel = 10 × 1.3 = 13.0 tons. A dump truck typically carries 10-14 tons (8-10 cubic yards of gravel).
How do I calculate how much material I need in tons?
First calculate the volume: For a rectangular area, Volume (cu yd) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. Then multiply by the material density. Example: A 50×20 ft driveway at 6 inches deep: Volume = 50 × 20 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = 18.52 cu yd. For gravel at 1.3 tons/cu yd: 18.52 × 1.3 = 24.1 tons. Always order 10-15% extra for compaction and waste. A standard tandem axle dump truck holds 10-12 tons — you would need 3 truckloads.
What is the difference between a US ton and a metric ton?
A US ton (short ton) = 2,000 pounds. A metric ton (tonne) = 1,000 kilograms = 2,204.6 pounds. A UK ton (long ton) = 2,240 pounds. In US construction and landscaping, "ton" always means US short ton. When ordering materials internationally, verify which ton is used. The difference matters: 100 metric tons = 110.2 US tons. This calculator uses US short tons (2,000 lbs). To convert: metric tons × 1.1023 = US tons, US tons × 0.9072 = metric tons.
How do I estimate the weight of excavation material?
Excavation weight varies by soil type and moisture content. Loose topsoil: 0.75 tons/cu yd. Compacted fill dirt: 1.1-1.3 tons/cu yd. Wet clay: 1.4-1.6 tons/cu yd. Sand and gravel: 1.2-1.4 tons/cu yd. Rock excavation: 1.5-2.5 tons/cu yd. Moisture can add 10-20% to weight. For disposal costs, haulers charge by weight, not volume. A 20-yard roll-off container of mixed construction debris weighs 3-5 tons. Heavy materials like concrete and brick fill the container faster by weight limit than by volume.
🔗 Related Calculators
📐 Formula
V (cu ft) = L (ft) × W (ft) × D (in) ÷ 12
V (cu yd) = V (cu ft) ÷ 27
Weight:
Tons = V (cu yd) × Density (tons/cu yd)
Pounds = Tons × 2,000
Metric tonnes = US tons × 0.9072
Material Densities (tons/cu yd):
Topsoil: 0.75 | Fill: 1.1 | Sand: 1.2
Gravel: 1.3 | Cr. Stone: 1.35
Concrete: 2.0 | Granite: 2.3
Asphalt: 1.2 | Mulch: 0.3
📝 Example Calculation
50 ft long × 20 ft wide × 6″ deep
Volume = 50 × 20 × 0.5 = 500 cu ft
Volume = 500 ÷ 27 = 18.52 cu yd
Gravel at 1.3 tons/cu yd: 18.52 × 1.3 = 24.1 tons
Weight in pounds: 24.1 × 2,000 = 48,200 lbs
Metric tonnes: 24.1 × 0.907 = 21.9 tonnes
At $25/ton: Cost = 24.1 × $25 = $602.50
A dump truck carries 10-14 tons → 2-3 loads needed