Converting tons (a unit of weight) to cubic yards (a unit of volume) is a common calculation in construction, landscaping, and other industries where you’re dealing with large quantities of materials.
However, it’s not as simple as plugging numbers into a formula. You can’t convert tons to cubic yards without knowing the density of the material you’re working with. Density is the key.
This guide will walk you through the process of how to convert tons to cubic yards, taking into account density and material type, so you’ll never again be left guessing.
Why density matters when you convert tons to cubic yards
To accurately convert tons to cubic yards, you’ll need to consider the density of the material you’re measuring.
What is density?
Density is a measure of how much mass is contained within a specific volume. It’s typically expressed as pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
Different materials have different densities. For example, a cubic yard of feathers is far less dense, and therefore weighs less, than a cubic yard of concrete.
The formula for conversion
The formula that ties these concepts together is: Density = Weight / Volume.
You can rearrange the formula to solve for volume (in cubic yards) when you know the weight (in tons) and the density of the material: Volume = Weight / Density.
Just be sure to use consistent units. You may need to convert tons to pounds or kilograms to match the density units of the material you’re measuring.
How to convert tons to cubic yards
- Find the weight of the material in tons. This is your starting point.
- Determine the density of the material. Ask your supplier, consult engineering tables, or search online. Remember that moisture content can affect density.
- Convert tons to pounds (if needed). If your density is in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) or pounds per cubic yard (lb/yd³), convert tons to pounds. One U.S. ton equals 2000 pounds.
- Convert density units (if needed). If your density is in lb/ft³, multiply by 27 to convert to lb/yd³ (because 1 yd³ = 27 ft³). For example, 1 lb/ft³ equals 27 lb/yd³.
- Calculate the volume in cubic yards. Use this formula: Volume (yd³) = Weight (lb) / Density (lb/yd³)
Estimating cubic yards from tons for common materials
The conversion from tons to cubic yards depends on the material. Here are some estimates to help you get started:
Topsoil
Dry topsoil usually weighs in at around 100 pounds per cubic foot, or 2700 pounds per cubic yard. Keep in mind that the density of topsoil is affected by its moisture content, with wet topsoil weighing more than dry.
Roughly, 1 cubic yard of dry topsoil weighs about 1.35 US tons (or 1.22 metric tons).
Gravel
Gravel density ranges widely, depending on the type of gravel. Check with your supplier for the exact density of your gravel.
Concrete
Concrete is heavy, weighing in at 1.89 to 2.03 US tons, or 1.71 to 1.84 metric tonnes per cubic yard.
Asphalt
Crushed asphalt weighs about 0.61 US tons (0.55 metric tonnes) per cubic yard, whereas liquid asphalt weighs about 0.88 US tons (0.8 metric tonnes) per cubic yard.
General estimate
As a rough estimate, you can multiply the number of cubic yards by 1.4 to get the approximate number of US tons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards are in 1 ton of gravel?
The number of cubic yards in a ton of gravel varies depending on the type of gravel. However, a general rule of thumb is that 1 ton of gravel is approximately 0.6 to 0.75 cubic yards. For a more accurate calculation, you’ll need to know the specific density of the gravel you’re using.
How many cubic yards is a ton of topsoil?
Similar to gravel, the cubic yards per ton of topsoil depends on its composition and moisture content. Typically, a ton of topsoil is around 1 cubic yard. However, wetter, denser topsoil may be slightly less than a full cubic yard per ton, while drier, looser topsoil could be slightly more.
How many tons are in a cubic yard?
The weight of a cubic yard also depends on the material. Generally, a cubic yard of gravel weighs between 1.33 and 1.67 tons. A cubic yard of topsoil is around 1 ton, but again, this can vary depending on its composition.
How many cubic yards is a 20 ton truck?
The number of cubic yards a 20-ton truck can carry depends on the material being hauled. If we’re talking about gravel, a 20-ton truck could carry roughly 12 to 15 cubic yards. If it’s topsoil, the truck could carry around 20 cubic yards, assuming the topsoil isn’t overly dense.
In Conclusion
As you’ve seen, converting tons to cubic yards isn’t as simple as plugging numbers into a generic formula. The density of the material you’re working with makes all the difference, and using a generic conversion factor can lead to costly errors.
To convert tons to cubic yards accurately, you’ll need to know the material’s density, convert tons to pounds, and then use the density to calculate the volume in cubic feet before converting to cubic yards.
Always check with your material supplier to get the most precise density data. Accurate conversions are essential for efficient material ordering and cost management.