Material planning guide
Gravel Yards to Tons: Formula and Density Table
To convert cubic yards into US tons, multiply by 27 cubic feet per yard and the product’s bulk density, then divide by 2,000 pounds per ton. The product density is the variable that prevents a universal conversion.
Reviewed September 6, 2026See how density changes the answer
These densities are sample inputs for comparison, not a lookup table certifying any particular gravel product.
Weight before order rounding
| Assumed loose density | 1 yd³ | 5 yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| 90 lb/ft³ | 1.215 tons | 6.075 tons |
| 100 lb/ft³ | 1.350 tons | 6.750 tons |
| 105 lb/ft³ | 1.4175 tons | 7.0875 tons |
| 120 lb/ft³ | 1.620 tons | 8.100 tons |
Round only after converting the required quantity
For 5 yd³ at an entered 105 lb/ft³, the exact estimate is 7.0875 tons. Half-ton increments round the order to 7.5 tons. At a quoted $50 per ton, the material subtotal is $375 before delivery. Pricing the exact weight would understate a whole-increment purchase.
Check the supplier’s basis
Material grading, voids, and moisture affect loose bulk density. Confirm whether the quote is by scale weight or volume, and whether the ton is a US short ton or a metric tonne. A truck’s capacity is a separate constraint that requires actual load information.
Sources and product references
- Mulzer Crushed Stone — aggregate calculator
Supplier context for material-dependent bulk density and estimating limits.
- NIST — SI units: volume
Unit relationships; supplier product coverage and prices remain separate inputs.