Convert a volume of material into weight in tons and tonnes using common material densities.
Suppliers quote loose materials by volume (cubic yards or cubic metres) but often charge or deliver by weight (tons/tonnes). Enter your volume, choose its unit, and select the material so the tool can apply a realistic density and convert to weight.
| Material | Weight per yd³ |
|---|---|
| Dry gravel / aggregate | ≈ 1.2 US tons |
| Sand | ≈ 1.35 US tons |
| MOT Type 1 / crushed sub-base | ≈ 1.5 US tons |
| Topsoil | ≈ 1.0 US tons |
5 cubic yards of dry gravel × 1.2 ≈ 6 US tons (about 5.4 tonnes). The same 5 yd³ of wet sand would weigh noticeably more because water adds mass.
Tip: a US ton is 2,000 lb, a UK/long ton is 2,240 lb and a metric tonne is 1,000 kg — check which one your supplier uses before comparing prices.
About 1.15 tonnes, since a cubic yard is 0.765 cubic metres and gravel weighs roughly 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre.
No. A metric tonne is 1000 kg, while a US (short) ton is about 907 kg. We show both so you can match your supplier.
They are typical averages. Moisture content and how compacted the material is will change the real weight, so treat the result as a close estimate.
Because a cubic yard of light mulch weighs far less than a cubic yard of gravel. Density tells you how heavy each material is for its volume.
Around 1 tonne, since screened topsoil weighs roughly 1.3 tonnes per cubic metre. Wet or clay-heavy soil weighs more, so treat it as an estimate.
