Tons to Yards Calculator
Suppliers sell gravel by the ton, but your base is sized in cubic yards. Pick a material, pick a direction — this tons to yards calculator converts either way with the density stated up front.
Cubic yards
2.14 yd³
Crushed stone / gravel
US tons
3 t
at 1.4 tons per yd³
Loose material settles and holds moisture, so real loads vary by ±10–15% — treat this as an ordering estimate, not a scale ticket.
Formula
One density constant links the two units:
cubic yards = US tons ÷ tons-per-yd³ US tons = cubic yards × tons-per-yd³ crushed stone/gravel 1.4 t/yd³ sand 1.5 t/yd³ topsoil 1.1 t/yd³ crushed concrete 1.75 t/yd³
These are ordering rules of thumb — moisture and grading move real loads ±10–15%, which the scale ticket settles.
Example
- A driveway needs 3 tons of crushed stone.
- Yards: 3 ÷ 1.4 = 2.14 yd³ — call it 2.25 with a margin.
- Reverse check: 2.25 yd³ × 1.4 = 3.15 tons, one scoop load for most dump trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many yards is a ton of gravel?
About 0.71 cubic yards, using the rule-of-thumb density of 1.4 US tons per cubic yard for crushed stone. Or flip it: one cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons.
How many tons is a cubic yard of sand?
Roughly 1.5 tons for typical damp sand — dry sand is lighter (about 1.3) and saturated sand heavier (up to 1.7). That swing is why conversions are estimates and loads are settled on the scale.
Why is gravel sold by tons and concrete by yards?
Loose material is weighed on the truck's scale ticket — moisture and pile angle change its volume, so weight is the honest unit. Concrete is batched to a fixed volume in a controlled drum, so it sells by the yard.
How deep should a gravel base be under concrete?
Four inches compacted is standard for patios and walkways; six or more for driveways and poor soils. A 4-inch base over 100 ft² is about 1.23 yd³ — roughly 1.7 tons of crushed stone before compaction.