Concrete Calculators, Conversions & Practical Guides

Cubic Yards to Tonnes

Convert cubic yards to metric tonnes using the density of concrete, sand, gravel, crushed stone, soil or another material. Enter your volume, select a material or provide a custom density to estimate weight accurately for your assumptions. Includes reverse conversions, kilograms, cubic metres, density formulas, material comparison tables and practical construction quantity planning.

Choose Your Conversion

Volume-to-mass calculations require density. Presets are illustrative planning values, not exact properties of every material.

Enter Your Numbers

yd³

Enter a non-negative quantity. Decimal measurements are supported.

Quick Values

Typical illustrative values. Moisture, compaction, grading, aggregates and actual product specifications can substantially change density.

kg/m³

You can directly edit the density. A supplier-provided bulk density for the correct material condition is preferable to a generic preset.

Important: This calculator reports metric tonnes (t), where 1 tonne = 1,000 kg. A US short ton and a UK long ton are different units.
More Options & Precision

Controls displayed main result precision. Calculations retain their numerical values before formatting.

%

Applied only to the separate planning estimate, not the net material mass.

1 yd³ = 0.764554857984 m³ exactly. The mass estimate uses your selected density. Results appear after pressing Calculate Tonnes.

Cubic Yards to Tonnes Conversion Guide

Converting cubic yards to tonnes is an important task when planning concrete quantities, aggregate deliveries, excavation work, landscaping materials and bulk material transportation. However, this conversion is different from changing one volume unit into another. Cubic yards measure volume, while metric tonnes measure mass. To connect them, you must know or estimate the density of the material.

A cubic yard of concrete does not weigh the same as a cubic yard of loose sand or topsoil. The amount of three-dimensional space is identical, but the mass contained in that space changes according to the material's bulk density, moisture condition, packing and composition.

Our Cubic Yards to Tonnes calculator uses an exact cubic-yard-to-cubic-metre conversion and a density value in kilograms per cubic metre. It offers example density presets for common building materials and permits a custom density when you have a supplier specification or measured value.

The tool can also convert metric tonnes back into cubic yards and calculate mass from cubic metres. Its results show kilograms, metric tonnes and equivalent US and UK ton units so the numbers remain clear when comparing different specifications.

For general planning, approximate densities can help with an initial estimate. For ordering bulk materials, calculating vehicle loads or carrying out engineering work, use material-specific information that reflects the actual condition of the material.

Key principle: There is no universal numerical conversion from cubic yards to tonnes. You must specify the material density before estimating its mass.

In This Guide

  1. What Is a Cubic Yard?
  2. What Is a Metric Tonne?
  3. Why Density Matters
  4. Conversion Formula
  5. Step-by-Step Conversion
  6. Material Density Table
  7. Conversion Reference Table
  8. Worked Examples
  9. Reverse Conversion
  10. Concrete Calculations
  11. Sand, Gravel and Soil
  12. Delivery and Load Planning
  13. Common Mistakes
  14. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Cubic Yard (yd³)?

A cubic yard is a unit of volume representing a cube measuring one yard along each of its three edges. Since one yard equals three feet, a cubic yard also contains exactly 27 cubic feet.

1 yd³ = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 ft³

Cubic yards are commonly used in construction and landscaping, particularly in the United States. Materials such as ready-mix concrete, gravel, soil and mulch may be quoted by cubic yard because it is a practical unit for bulk quantities.

The internationally defined yard equals exactly 0.9144 metres. Cubing that linear conversion produces the exact volume equivalent in cubic metres.

1 yd³ = 0.764554857984 m³

How Much Space Does One Cubic Yard Occupy?

One cubic yard can be imagined as a cube three feet long, three feet wide and three feet high. The shape of an actual pile may be different, but its measured volume can still equal one cubic yard.

For example, a rectangular container three feet long, three feet wide and three feet deep has a volume of 27 cubic feet, or exactly one cubic yard.

A flat area can also contain one cubic yard of material if the thickness is appropriate. The covered surface area depends on the depth of the material.

Why Convert Cubic Yards to Tonnes?

Volume is convenient for measuring how much space a material occupies. Mass is important for other practical purposes, including supplier quotations, load calculations, material inventories and transport documentation.

A supplier may quote aggregate in tonnes while a construction plan lists the required volume in cubic yards. A density-based conversion allows the two quantities to be compared.

If you only need to change volume units, use a volume calculation rather than introducing density. The Concrete Yard Calculator can help when working with cubic-yard construction quantities.

What Is a Metric Tonne?

A metric tonne, commonly called a tonne and written with the symbol t, is a unit of mass equal to exactly 1,000 kilograms. It is widely used for bulk materials, aggregates, concrete-related quantities, freight and industrial products.

1 metric tonne (t) = 1,000 kg

Although the words ton and tonne are sometimes used casually as though they were identical, different ton units exist. This distinction matters whenever measurements come from different regions.

Metric Tonnes, US Tons and UK Long Tons

A metric tonne contains 1,000 kilograms. A US short ton contains 2,000 pounds, equivalent to approximately 907.18474 kilograms. A UK long ton contains 2,240 pounds, equivalent to approximately 1,016.04691 kilograms.

Unit Approximate Kilograms Typical Meaning
Metric tonne1,000 kgInternational metric mass unit
US short ton907.18474 kg2,000 lb
UK long ton1,016.04691 kg2,240 lb

This calculator's main output always uses metric tonnes when the selected conversion is volume to mass. US short tons and UK long tons are included separately in the result breakdown for reference.

Does a Tonne Measure Weight or Mass?

Strictly speaking, a tonne is a unit of mass. In everyday construction and commercial language, material weight is often stated in tonnes. In routine earthbound applications, the terms are frequently used informally, but mass and gravitational force are not identical physical quantities.

The calculator determines mass from volume and mass density. It does not calculate structural loading forces in newtons or kilonewtons.

Why Density Is Essential for Cubic Yards to Tonnes

Density describes how much mass is contained in a particular volume. When density is expressed in kilograms per cubic metre, multiplying it by a volume in cubic metres gives the corresponding mass in kilograms.

Mass (kg) = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³)

This relationship explains why one cubic yard of material cannot be assigned a single universal mass. A cubic yard of compact, dense material can weigh much more than a cubic yard of light, loose material.

Bulk Density Versus Particle Density

For sand, gravel, soil and crushed stone, the most useful density for converting a measured pile volume is generally bulk density. Bulk density includes the spaces between particles within the measured volume.

Particle density describes the density of the solid material itself and may exclude interparticle voids. Using particle density for a loose aggregate pile can greatly overestimate mass.

Moisture Changes Material Mass

Wet sand can weigh more than dry sand occupying a comparable bulk volume because water adds mass. The precise change depends on moisture content, packing behaviour and the material's characteristics.

Soil and gravel are also affected by moisture. A bulk-density value from dry material may not correctly represent a wet delivery.

Compaction and Packing Matter

Compacted material may contain less void space than the same material in a loose state. Its bulk density can therefore be higher. When planning earthworks, distinguish between material measured in place, material excavated into a loose pile and material compacted after installation.

A measured in-place volume is not necessarily equal to the loose volume that a delivery truck would carry. This distinction is especially important when estimating excavation quantities and haulage.

Using a Supplier Density

When a supplier provides a reliable density or bulk unit weight for the exact product and its expected condition, enter that value in the custom-density field.

Density presets in this calculator are intended for initial calculations and comparison only. They should not replace material test results or project specifications for safety-critical or commercial decisions.

Cubic Yards to Tonnes Formula

The calculation involves three stages. First, convert cubic yards to cubic metres. Next, multiply the resulting volume by the material density in kilograms per cubic metre. Finally, divide the mass in kilograms by 1,000 to obtain metric tonnes.

Tonnes = Cubic Yards × 0.764554857984 × Density (kg/m³) ÷ 1,000

Step 1: Convert Volume

One cubic yard equals exactly 0.764554857984 cubic metres. Multiply the cubic-yard value by this factor to obtain a metric volume.

Volume (m³) = Volume (yd³) × 0.764554857984

Step 2: Calculate Mass in Kilograms

Multiply the cubic-metre volume by the chosen density. If density is measured in kilograms per cubic metre, the resulting mass is in kilograms.

Mass (kg) = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³)

Step 3: Convert Kilograms to Tonnes

Divide kilograms by 1,000 to obtain metric tonnes.

Mass (t) = Mass (kg) ÷ 1,000

Example Using Normal-Weight Concrete

Assume a concrete density of 2,400 kg/m³ and a volume of one cubic yard. The equivalent cubic-metre volume is 0.764554857984 m³.

0.764554857984 × 2,400 = 1,834.9316591616 kg

Dividing the mass by 1,000 gives approximately 1.83493 metric tonnes.

1,834.9316591616 ÷ 1,000 = 1.8349316591616 t

This is an estimated mass using the assumed concrete density, not an exact mass of every cubic yard of concrete.

Why There Is No Fixed Cubic-Yard-to-Tonne Factor

A fixed volume conversion is possible because cubic yards and cubic metres both measure volume. However, tonnes describe mass. Without density, there is not enough information to connect the two.

Any website presenting a universal number of tonnes per cubic yard without a material assumption is leaving out an important part of the calculation.

How to Convert Cubic Yards to Tonnes Step by Step

  1. Identify your volume. Find the material quantity in cubic yards. Ensure the number represents a measured volume rather than square yards or linear yards.
  2. Identify the material. Determine whether the material is concrete, sand, gravel, stone, soil or another substance.
  3. Choose a suitable density. Use a verified supplier density when available. Otherwise, choose an illustrative preset and recognise the uncertainty.
  4. Convert volume to cubic metres. Multiply cubic yards by 0.764554857984.
  5. Calculate mass. Multiply the cubic-metre volume by density in kg/m³ and divide by 1,000 to get metric tonnes.
  6. Check the result. Review the density, material condition and units before using the estimated mass for purchasing, loading or planning.

How to Use This Calculator

Select Cubic Yards to Tonnes, enter the volume and choose the relevant material. The density field fills automatically when a preset material is selected.

You can edit the density at any time. If your supplier specifies a different bulk density, enter that value directly rather than relying on the preset.

Press Calculate Tonnes to show the result. The main value will be displayed in metric tonnes, together with kilograms, volume measurements and equivalent US and UK ton units.

Results stay hidden until a calculation is requested. Changing the input or a density setting hides the previous result to prevent outdated values from being presented as current estimates.

Use the Copy Result button to transfer the calculation into a worksheet or project note. Swap Units changes to the matching reverse conversion and places the result in the input field.

Typical Material Density Reference Table

The following values are illustrative bulk-density assumptions used by the calculator. They are not universal material specifications. Real densities can vary according to mix design, moisture, compaction, grading, voids and material condition.

Material Assumed Density Tonnes per yd³
Normal-Weight Concrete 2,400 kg/m³ 1.834932 t
Concrete (Alternative Example) 2,300 kg/m³ 1.758476 t
Lightweight Concrete 1,800 kg/m³ 1.376199 t
Dry Loose Sand 1,600 kg/m³ 1.223288 t
Wet Loose Sand 1,840 kg/m³ 1.406781 t
Dry Loose Gravel 1,510 kg/m³ 1.154478 t
Loose Crushed Stone 1,600 kg/m³ 1.223288 t
Loose Topsoil 950 kg/m³ 0.726327 t

Normal-weight concrete is often estimated around 2,400 kg/m³, although the actual density depends on mix composition. Cemex explains that normal concrete densities can vary substantially, and aggregate density has a major influence on the result.

For further information about concrete density, consult Cemex's guide to concrete weight.

Why Dry and Wet Sand Have Different Values

Water adds mass to granular material. The relationship between moisture and bulk density also depends on how the sand grains pack together. A dry-loose density assumption should not automatically be used for wet or compacted sand.

Why Gravel Density Changes

The bulk density of gravel can vary with stone type, grading, particle shape and compaction. Well-graded materials may pack differently from uniformly sized stones. When estimating delivered mass, use a loose bulk density appropriate to the actual product whenever possible.

Concrete Density Is Not Aggregate Density

Finished concrete contains cementitious material, aggregates, water and often admixtures. Its overall density is not the same as the loose bulk density of one component. When estimating concrete weight, use a density suitable for the finished concrete.

Cubic Yards to Tonnes Conversion Table

The following table compares several cubic-yard quantities using three illustrative material densities. It demonstrates why the selected material affects the number of tonnes.

Cubic Yards Concrete 2,400 kg/m³ Sand 1,600 kg/m³ Gravel 1,680 kg/m³
0.25 yd³0.458733 t0.305822 t0.321113 t
0.5 yd³0.917466 t0.611644 t0.642226 t
1 yd³1.834932 t1.223288 t1.284452 t
2 yd³3.669863 t2.446576 t2.568904 t
3 yd³5.504795 t3.669863 t3.853356 t
5 yd³9.174658 t6.116439 t6.422261 t
10 yd³18.349317 t12.232878 t12.844522 t
20 yd³36.698633 t24.465755 t25.689043 t
25 yd³45.873291 t30.582194 t32.111304 t
50 yd³91.746583 t61.164389 t64.222608 t

All entries are estimates calculated from the stated densities and rounded to six decimal places. The gravel column illustrates a 1,680 kg/m³ assumption; it is not identical to the separate dry-loose gravel preset in the calculator.

For other volumes or material densities, enter the values into the interactive calculator. A measured density from the actual material can provide a more useful estimate than a general reference-table value.

Worked Cubic Yards to Tonnes Examples

Example 1: One Cubic Yard of Concrete

Assume a density of 2,400 kg/m³ for normal-weight concrete. Multiply one cubic yard by the exact metric volume factor, then multiply by density and divide by 1,000.

1 × 0.764554857984 × 2,400 ÷ 1,000 = 1.834931659 t

One cubic yard of concrete at this assumed density has an estimated mass of approximately 1.835 metric tonnes.

Example 2: Two Cubic Yards of Concrete

2 × 0.764554857984 × 2,400 ÷ 1,000 ≈ 3.669863 t

Two cubic yards of concrete have an estimated mass of about 3.67 metric tonnes under the same density assumption.

Example 3: Five Cubic Yards of Concrete

5 × 0.764554857984 × 2,400 ÷ 1,000 ≈ 9.174658 t

Five cubic yards correspond to approximately 9.17 metric tonnes. The estimate excludes separately measured reinforcing steel or other additional materials.

Example 4: Ten Cubic Yards of Concrete

10 × 0.764554857984 × 2,400 ÷ 1,000 ≈ 18.349317 t

Ten cubic yards of concrete at 2,400 kg/m³ have an estimated mass of 18.35 metric tonnes. Vehicle payload and handling limits must be checked independently.

Example 5: One Cubic Yard of Dry Sand

Assume a loose dry-sand density of 1,600 kg/m³.

1 × 0.764554857984 × 1,600 ÷ 1,000 = 1.223288 t

The estimated mass is approximately 1.22 metric tonnes. Actual sand density will depend on material condition.

Example 6: Three Cubic Yards of Sand

3 × 0.764554857984 × 1,600 ÷ 1,000 ≈ 3.669863 t

Three cubic yards of the assumed dry sand have an estimated mass of 3.67 metric tonnes.

Example 7: Five Cubic Yards of Gravel

For this example, assume a bulk gravel density of 1,680 kg/m³.

5 × 0.764554857984 × 1,680 ÷ 1,000 ≈ 6.422261 t

The estimated mass is approximately 6.42 metric tonnes. If a supplier provides a different density, use that figure instead.

Example 8: One Cubic Yard of Topsoil

Assume a loose topsoil density of 950 kg/m³.

1 × 0.764554857984 × 950 ÷ 1,000 ≈ 0.726327 t

One cubic yard would have an estimated mass of approximately 0.73 metric tonnes at this assumed density.

Example 9: Custom Material Density

Suppose the supplier specifies a bulk density of 1,850 kg/m³ for a particular material and you need four cubic yards.

4 × 0.764554857984 × 1,850 ÷ 1,000 ≈ 5.658 t

The estimate is approximately 5.66 metric tonnes. Using the supplier's actual density is generally preferable to choosing a different generic material category.

How to Convert Tonnes to Cubic Yards

The reverse calculation starts with a known mass in metric tonnes and uses density to estimate the corresponding volume. As with the direct conversion, the result depends on the material.

Cubic Yards = Tonnes × 1,000 ÷ Density (kg/m³) ÷ 0.764554857984

First multiply metric tonnes by 1,000 to obtain kilograms. Divide the kilograms by the chosen material density to calculate cubic metres. Finally, divide the cubic metres by 0.764554857984 to obtain cubic yards.

Example: Convert Five Tonnes of Concrete to Cubic Yards

Assume the same normal-weight concrete density of 2,400 kg/m³.

5 × 1,000 ÷ 2,400 = 2.083333 m³

Convert the cubic metres into cubic yards.

2.083333... ÷ 0.764554857984 ≈ 2.725 yd³

Five metric tonnes of concrete occupy approximately 2.73 cubic yards at the assumed density.

Why the Reverse Calculation Also Needs Density

A known mass alone does not tell you the volume unless the density is supplied. Five tonnes of a dense material occupy less space than five tonnes of a lighter material.

The reverse conversion mode uses the same density settings as the direct calculation, so you can compare different materials without changing the underlying formulas.

Cubic Yards to Tonnes for Concrete

Concrete is a common material for which cubic-yard volume and tonne-based mass estimates are both useful. Volume is needed for planning the amount placed into a slab, footing or other form. Mass can matter for handling, logistics and certain engineering calculations.

Normal-weight concrete is often represented by a density around 2,400 kg/m³. However, specific mixes can differ significantly due to the proportions and density of aggregates, water content, entrained air and other ingredients.

Normal-Weight Concrete

Normal-weight concrete generally uses conventional aggregates rather than specially lightweight or heavyweight materials. The density of the completed mix can vary, so an assumed value should be replaced with project-specific information when available.

The calculator uses 2,400 kg/m³ as its starting example. At this density, one cubic yard has an estimated mass of approximately 1.835 metric tonnes.

Lightweight Concrete

Lightweight concrete is produced using materials or methods that reduce density compared with typical normal-weight concrete. As a result, the mass of a given cubic-yard volume can be lower.

The lightweight concrete preset of 1,800 kg/m³ is illustrative. Actual lightweight concrete density may be significantly different depending on the product and application.

Concrete Slabs and Floors

If the volume is not already known, calculate it from the slab's dimensions. For a uniform rectangular slab, multiply length by width and thickness using compatible length units.

Concrete Volume = Length × Width × Thickness

After calculating volume, convert it into cubic yards or cubic metres as required. You can then estimate mass using an appropriate concrete density.

The Concrete Slab Calculator can help determine the initial concrete volume for slab work.

Concrete Weight Versus Concrete Order Quantity

A mass estimate is not automatically the correct concrete order quantity. Ready-mix concrete is commonly ordered by volume. The quantity needed for a pour depends on actual geometry, form dimensions and appropriate project-specific allowances.

For volume-based planning, use the Concrete Volume Calculator. The cubic-yards-to-tonnes tool is primarily intended to estimate material mass after a volume and suitable density are known.

Converting Cubic Yards of Sand, Gravel and Soil to Tonnes

Bulk granular materials require particular care when converting volume into tonnes. Their density depends on the solid particles and on the empty spaces between those particles. Moisture and compaction can change the result.

Sand

Dry loose sand may have a different bulk density from wet or compacted sand. When estimating sand weight, identify its moisture condition and whether the volume represents loose or compacted material.

The calculator offers separate illustrative presets for dry loose and wet loose sand, but the actual condition of a delivered product should determine which density is appropriate.

Gravel

Gravel consists of separate particles with voids between them. Particle size, grading, moisture and packing affect bulk density. Gravel from two suppliers may have different masses per cubic yard even when the quoted volume is identical.

When estimating gravel quantities for a construction project, it may be helpful to consult the Concrete Aggregate Calculator for related material calculations.

Crushed Stone

Crushed stone can be sold by volume or mass. Its loose bulk density is not the same as the density of the solid rock itself. Using a solid-rock density for a loose pile can overestimate mass.

A supplier's bulk-density data should ideally specify the material type, nominal particle size and condition.

Topsoil

Topsoil density can vary considerably with organic matter, moisture and compaction. A loose topsoil delivery may have a different bulk density from soil already compacted on site.

Use the density that corresponds to the volume condition you are measuring. Do not treat an excavation volume, loose delivery volume and compacted fill volume as automatically interchangeable.

Material Volume Changes During Handling

Excavation, transport and compaction may change the volume occupied by a material even when the mass of dry solids remains similar. This is why earthmoving estimates sometimes use separate factors for material in place and material after excavation.

A simple cubic-yard-to-tonne calculation assumes the selected density applies to the volume being entered. It does not automatically correct for bulking, shrinkage or compaction.

Using Cubic Yards to Tonnes for Delivery Planning

Bulk material deliveries are affected by both volume and mass. A material may occupy a manageable amount of space but still be too heavy for a particular vehicle or lifting arrangement.

The calculator can provide an initial mass estimate, but it does not determine whether a particular vehicle, trailer, lifting system or structure can safely carry the load.

Understanding Load Estimates

For example, a volume of five cubic yards of normal-weight concrete at 2,400 kg/m³ is estimated at approximately 9.17 metric tonnes. This is the material mass under the stated assumption, not a statement that a vehicle can safely carry it.

Actual load planning must also consider the vehicle's permitted payload, axle limits, equipment mass, load distribution and applicable regulations.

Why Material Moisture Matters for Transport

A load of wet granular material may weigh more than the same nominal volume in a dry state. Using an inappropriate dry density can underestimate the load.

Where weight limits are important, obtain verified material weights, supplier documents or scale measurements rather than relying solely on general density values.

How Should an Allowance Be Applied?

An optional quantity allowance can help explore how an increased material mass changes planning figures. However, an allowance should never be used to justify exceeding vehicle or equipment ratings.

The planning panel rounds the adjusted mass up to the next 0.1 metric tonne for a convenient comparison. This is not a supplier-specific order increment or a verified transport figure.

Separating Delivery Weight and Material Volume

If you buy by volume, confirm the required cubic yards or cubic metres. If you buy by mass, confirm the required tonnes. When comparing quotations, check how the supplier measures and charges for the material.

For larger concrete projects, it may be helpful to review delivery requirements alongside the Concrete Volume Calculator rather than relying on the mass conversion alone.

Common Cubic Yards to Tonnes Conversion Mistakes

1. Assuming a Universal Conversion Factor

A cubic yard is a unit of volume and a tonne is a unit of mass. Without density, there is no universal conversion. Different materials produce different tonnage estimates.

2. Confusing Metric Tonnes With US Tons

A metric tonne equals 1,000 kg, while a US short ton equals approximately 907.18474 kg. Check which unit appears in supplier documentation.

3. Using the Wrong Density

Bulk density for a loose aggregate pile may differ from the density of its solid particles. Use a density appropriate to the material and measurement condition.

4. Ignoring Moisture Content

Wet sand and soil may contain additional water mass. Using a dry material density can produce an estimate that is too low for the actual load.

5. Mixing Cubic Metres and Cubic Yards

One cubic yard is approximately 0.765 cubic metres, not one cubic metre. Always convert volume correctly before applying density expressed in kg/m³.

6. Forgetting to Divide Kilograms by 1,000

Multiplying cubic metres by kg/m³ produces kilograms. Divide by 1,000 to express the result in metric tonnes.

7. Mixing Loose and Compacted Volumes

Material that has been excavated or compacted may occupy a different volume from the same material in its original state. Use density and volume values for matching conditions.

8. Treating an Estimate as a Verified Transport Load

A calculated tonne value cannot replace weighbridge records, vehicle specifications or legally required load checks.

9. Rounding Before Calculating Mass

Rounding cubic-yard-to-cubic-metre values too early can affect the final estimate. Keep the exact volume conversion factor during calculation and round the output as needed.

10. Assuming Concrete Weight Is Always Identical

Concrete density can change with mix design, aggregate selection, moisture and air content. The calculator's starting density is a planning assumption rather than an exact property for every mix.

Cubic Yards to Tonnes Frequently Asked Questions

How many tonnes are in one cubic yard?

It depends on the material density. At an assumed concrete density of 2,400 kg/m³, one cubic yard has an estimated mass of 1.83493 metric tonnes.

Can cubic yards be converted directly into tonnes?

Only when the material density is known or assumed. Cubic yards measure volume, while tonnes measure mass.

What is the formula for cubic yards to tonnes?

Metric tonnes = cubic yards × 0.764554857984 × density in kg/m³ ÷ 1,000.

How much does one cubic yard of concrete weigh?

At 2,400 kg/m³, one cubic yard has an estimated mass of 1,834.93 kg, or approximately 1.835 metric tonnes. Actual concrete density can differ.

How many tonnes is two cubic yards of concrete?

At the example density of 2,400 kg/m³, two cubic yards have an estimated mass of approximately 3.67 metric tonnes.

How many tonnes is five cubic yards of concrete?

At 2,400 kg/m³, five cubic yards have an estimated mass of approximately 9.17 metric tonnes.

How many tonnes is ten cubic yards of concrete?

At the same assumed density, ten cubic yards have an estimated mass of 18.35 metric tonnes.

How many tonnes is one cubic yard of sand?

At an illustrative loose dry-sand density of 1,600 kg/m³, one cubic yard has an estimated mass of about 1.22 metric tonnes.

How many tonnes is one cubic yard of gravel?

It depends on the gravel density. At an assumed density of 1,680 kg/m³, one cubic yard has an estimated mass of about 1.28 metric tonnes.

Does wet sand weigh more than dry sand?

Moisture can increase sand mass, although bulk-density changes also depend on packing and material condition. Use the correct density for the actual sand.

How many cubic metres are in one cubic yard?

One cubic yard equals exactly 0.764554857984 cubic metres.

How many kilograms are in a metric tonne?

One metric tonne equals exactly 1,000 kilograms.

Is a metric tonne the same as a US ton?

No. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg, while a US short ton is approximately 907.18474 kg.

Can I enter my own material density?

Yes. Select Custom Density or directly edit the density field in kilograms per cubic metre.

What density should I use for concrete?

A density around 2,400 kg/m³ is a common normal-weight concrete planning assumption. Use project-specific concrete density when available.

Can I convert tonnes back into cubic yards?

Yes. Multiply tonnes by 1,000, divide by density in kg/m³, then divide by 0.764554857984.

Can I use this calculator for topsoil?

Yes, provided the selected density represents the actual topsoil condition. Moisture, organic content and compaction can substantially affect bulk density.

Does this calculator provide exact material weights?

It calculates a result from the entered volume and density. The unit factors are exact, but the material mass is an estimate whenever density is assumed or approximate.

Does the weight allowance affect the conversion result?

No. The main mass result is calculated without the optional allowance. The allowance appears only in the separate planning breakdown.

Why are results hidden until I press Calculate Tonnes?

The result panel is intentionally hidden until a calculation is requested. Changing inputs hides old results so the displayed mass cannot be mistaken for an updated calculation.

Can I use the result to check a truck's legal payload?

The result may help with preliminary planning, but it cannot establish legal or safe vehicle payload. Use verified material mass and the appropriate vehicle and regulatory documentation.

Can I copy the conversion result?

Yes. The Copy Result button copies the main value, material density, related measurements and planning details.

Related Concrete and Material Calculators

Volume-to-mass calculations often form one part of a construction estimate. If you need to calculate the original concrete volume, determine a slab quantity or work with aggregate mixtures, the following tools may help.

Measurement and Density References

For metric conversion factors and tonne definitions, see the NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.8.

For practical concrete density information, see Cemex: How Much Does a Cubic Metre of Concrete Weigh?.

For examples of bulk densities and loose material conditions, see Methvin's Density and Load Factors of Common Construction Materials. Density values should be verified for the relevant material and project.

This converter is intended for general measurement and estimating. Material density, moisture, compaction, delivery conditions and project specifications can affect real-world quantities. Use verified figures for procurement, structural work, equipment selection and transport safety.