Material Weight & Volume Converter
Convert between weight and volume units for construction materials — tons, pounds, kilograms, cubic yards, and cubic feet.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter a value, select the From unit, and select the To unit. The result updates instantly. For conversions between weight and volume (e.g. tons ↔ cubic yards), a Material selector will appear — this is required because the conversion depends on the material's bulk density.
Formula & Methodology
Weight-only conversions use exact defined ratios. Volume-to-weight conversions use the material's standard bulk density, assuming dry, loose bulk conditions at time of delivery.
Conversion (weight only): Multiply by exact unit ratio
Weight (tons) = Volume (yd³) × Bulk Density (t/yd³)
Volume (yd³) = Weight (tons) ÷ Bulk Density (t/yd³)
Density varies by material type and supplier. See Sources & Assumptions below.
Sources & Assumptions
Weight conversions: Exact by definition — 1 US short ton = 2,000 lbs; 1 metric tonne = 1,000 kg = 2,204.62 lbs.
Volume↔Weight conversions: Use typical dry bulk density ranges used by aggregate suppliers and construction estimators. All density values assume dry, loose bulk conditions. Wet or compacted materials may weigh significantly more.
Material density sources: Values are representative industry averages (see reference table below). Actual density varies by source, grain size, and moisture. Always confirm density with your supplier for weight-sensitive orders.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Material Density Reference
| Material | Tons / yd³ | Lbs / yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel / Crushed Stone | 1.40 | 2,800 |
| Sand (Dry) | 1.35 | 2,700 |
| Sand (Wet) | 1.63 | 3,260 |
| Topsoil | 1.35 | 2,700 |
| Hot Mix Asphalt | 2.025 | 4,050 |
| Concrete | 2.025 | 4,050 |
| River Rock | 1.35 | 2,700 |
| Lava Rock | 0.65 | 1,300 |
| Wood Mulch | 0.35 | 700 |
Standard Unit Conversions
Weight
- 1 US Short Ton = 2,000 lbs
- 1 Metric Tonne = 1,000 kg
- 1 Metric Tonne ≈ 2,204.6 lbs
- 1 Kilogram ≈ 2.2046 lbs
Volume
- 1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet
- 1 Cubic Yard = 764.6 Liters
- 1 Cubic Foot = 28.32 Liters
Project Examples
Common material conversion scenarios. Each conversion requires the material's bulk density — the same volume of different materials can weigh very different amounts.
| Scenario | Input | Density Used | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone: yd³ → tons | 10 yd³ | 1.40 t/yd³ | 14.0 tons |
| Dry sand: tons → yd³ | 5 tons | 1.35 t/yd³ | 3.7 yd³ |
| Wood mulch: yd³ → lbs | 2 yd³ | 0.35 t/yd³ | 1,400 lbs |
Common Ordering Mistakes
- !Assuming tons and cubic yards are interchangeable: Without knowing the material's bulk density, you cannot convert between weight and volume. A ton of wood mulch takes up nearly 3 cubic yards of space; a ton of gravel takes up less than 1.
- !Using the wrong density for the material: River rock and lava rock have very different densities (1.35 vs. 0.65 t/yd³). Using the wrong value effectively doubles or halves the converted quantity and leads to significant ordering errors.
- !Not confirming the supplier's unit system: Some suppliers quote in US short tons (2,000 lbs), others in metric tonnes (2,204 lbs). The ~10% difference is meaningful on large orders — always confirm which ton your supplier uses.
- !Converting wet material using dry bulk density: Sand and topsoil that has been exposed to rain can weigh 15–20% more than published dry bulk values. If your delivery arrives wet, actual weight will exceed the estimate.
- !Applying one density across all 'gravel' types: Crushed stone (~1.40 t/yd³), pea gravel (~1.35 t/yd³), and bank run (~1.50 t/yd³) all have different densities. Confirm the specific material type with your supplier before converting.
Related Calculators & Guides
Use one of the dedicated material calculators: Gravel, Concrete, Asphalt, Topsoil, Mulch, or Sand.
Converting tons and cubic yards? See the Tons to Cubic Yards Conversion Guide.
Disclaimer: All conversions are estimates based on standard bulk density values for dry, loose material at time of delivery. Actual weights vary by moisture content, gradation, and supplier. Confirm quantities with your supplier before ordering.