How Much Does a Cubic Yard Weigh?
1 cubic yard of topsoil commonly weighs between 2,000 and 2,700 pounds, depending on composition and moisture content. Similarly, 1 cubic yard of sand commonly weighs between 2,700 and 3,300 pounds.
When calculating the weight of a cubic yard of material in pounds or tons, you need to factor in the density of the material in order to get an accurate conversion. This is because the cubic yard is a unit of volume and you're trying to convert it to a unit of weight (pounds or tons). To give an example, a cubic yard of wet concrete weighs more than a cubic yard of dry mulch because the wet concrete is denser.
We've put together a list of materials and their rough densities to assist you with your calculation. Do remember that densities will vary based upon a number of factors, from composition to moisture content. A cubic yard of dry sand will weigh less than a cubic yard of wet sand, for example. It's important to give due consideration to this when comparing the weight estimates we've listed below for dirt, gravel, topsoil, sand, concrete, mulch, etc.
To get the most accurate conversion, you're advised to obtain a density figure from the material manufacturer. The figures below should be used only as a guide estimate. You'll also find a conversion tool further down this page.
How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?
One cubic yard of dry dirt weighs about 1,944 pounds or 0.97 US tons, based on a density of 72 lb/ft³. When saturated, the weight can increase by as much as 50%.
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
One cubic yard of concrete (solid slab) weighs about 3,915 pounds or 1.96 US tons, based on a density of 145 lb/ft³.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
One cubic yard of sand weighs about 2,700 pounds or 1.35 US tons when dry and about 3,240 pounds or 1.62 US tons when wet.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
One cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,835 pounds or 1.42 US tons when dry and about 3,375 pounds or 1.69 US tons when wet.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
One cubic yard of topsoil can weigh between 2,000 and 2,700 pounds (1 and 1.35 US tons), depending on moisture content.
How much does a cubic yard of mulch weigh?
One cubic yard of dry bark mulch weighs about 506 pounds or 0.25 US tons. A cubic yard of dry woodchip mulch weighs about 674 pounds or 0.34 US tons. The higher the moisture content, the more the mulch will weigh.
1 cubic yard to pounds, tons
| Material | Pounds (lb) | US tons | Metric tonnes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt (crushed) 45 lb/ft³ |
1215 | 0.61 | 0.55 |
| Asphalt (liquid) 65 lb/ft³ |
1755 | 0.88 | 0.8 |
| Cement (portland) 94 lb/ft³ |
2538 | 1.27 | 1.15 |
| Concrete 145 lb/ft³ |
3915 | 1.96 | 1.78 |
| Dirt 72 lb/ft³ |
1944 | 0.97 | 0.88 |
| Gravel (loose, dry) 85 lb/ft³ |
2295 | 1.15 | 1.04 |
| Gravel (dry, 1/4 to 2 in) 105 lb/ft³ |
2835 | 1.42 | 1.29 |
| Gravel (wet 1/4 to 2 in) 125 lb/ft³ |
3375 | 1.69 | 1.53 |
| Gravel (with sand) 120 lb/ft³ |
3240 | 1.62 | 1.47 |
| Limestone (crushed) 90 lb/ft³ |
2430 | 1.22 | 1.1 |
| Limestone (low density) 120 lb/ft³ |
3240 | 1.62 | 1.47 |
| Limestone (high density) 160 lb/ft³ |
4320 | 2.16 | 1.96 |
| Mulch (bark) 18.728 lb/ft³ |
506 | 0.25 | 0.23 |
| Mulch (woodchip) 24.97 lb/ft³ |
674 | 0.34 | 0.31 |
| Sand (dry) 100 lb/ft³ |
2700 | 1.35 | 1.22 |
| Sand (loose) 90 lb/ft³ |
2430 | 1.22 | 1.1 |
| Sand (wet) 120 lb/ft³ |
3240 | 1.62 | 1.47 |
| Topsoil 100 lb/ft³ |
2700 | 1.35 | 1.22 |
| Topsoil (saturated) 115 lb/ft³ |
3105 | 1.55 | 1.41 |
| Based upon density estimates (ref) | |||
To calculate the weight of a number of cubic yards of materials, we've included a handy calculator for you below.
Convert cubic yards to pounds or tons
Convert cubic yards of materials to pounds or tons. This forms part of the cubic yards to tons converter.
References:
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