Yard| Material | Typical weight per cubic yard | Value used in our calculators |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel (general) | About 1.2–1.5 tons (2,400–3,000 lb) | 1.4 tons |
| Pea gravel | About 1.3–1.5 tons | 1.4 tons |
| Crushed stone / base | About 1.3–1.5 tons | 1.4 tons |
| Sand (dry) | About 1.2–1.4 tons | 1.35 tons |
| Topsoil | About 1.0–1.3 tons | 1.1 tons |
| Fill dirt | About 1.1–1.4 tons | 1.2 tons |
| Wood mulch | Much lighter – roughly 400–800 lb | Sold by volume |
| Asphalt (compacted hot mix) | About 1.96 tons (at 145 lb/ft³) | 145 lb/ft³ |
| Concrete | Roughly 2 tons (about 4,000 lb) | – |
These are typical ranges, not exact figures. Moisture can add a lot of weight, and every quarry's material is different. Ask your supplier for the conversion they use when you order by the ton.
How to convert yards to tons
Cubic yards = Tons ÷ tons per cubic yard
Example: 5 cubic yards of gravel × 1.4 = 7 tons. 3 tons of topsoil ÷ 1.1 = about 2.7 cubic yards.
Can my truck carry it?
A cubic yard of gravel can weigh more than a ton – often more than a typical pickup's payload. Check the payload rating on your vehicle's door sticker or manual before loading, and spread heavy material over several trips if needed.
Calculators that use these values
Gravel · Topsoil · Fill dirt · Paver base & sand · Asphalt · Cubic yards
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
Typically about 1.2–1.5 tons; our calculators use 1.4 tons as a default.
How much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
Often about 1.0–1.3 tons when fairly dry, more when wet.
How much does a yard of mulch weigh?
Much less than stone or soil – roughly 400–800 lb for wood mulch, depending on type and moisture.