A cubic yard of topsoil is about 1.1 tons, sand is about 1.35 tons, and crushed rock is about 1.35 tons. Moisture can push these numbers up, so treat them as planning values.
Soil
Dry topsoil is about 2,200 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.1 tons. Fill dirt is heavier at about 2,400 pounds, or 1.2 tons. Clay can reach 2,700 pounds or more.
After rain, soil absorbs water and the weight climbs quickly. A wet yard of dirt can be 20 to 30 percent heavier than the planning value.
Sand
Sand is about 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.35 tons, when dry. Wet sand is noticeably heavier. If you are ordering for a sandbox, play area, or paver base, the delivered weight is usually higher than the dry figure.
Rock and crushed stone
Crushed stone and similar rock products are about 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.35 tons. Pea gravel and standard gravel are closer to 2,800. Riprap is about 3,000.
Turning tons into cubic yards
Divide the tons by the tons per yard. Ten tons of topsoil is about 9.1 cubic yards. Ten tons of sand is about 7.4 cubic yards. Ten tons of crushed stone is about 7.4 cubic yards.
Why suppliers disagree
Two suppliers can quote different weights for the same material because of moisture, stone type, and particle size. When it matters, ask for the actual weight ticket from a load.
Planning weights
| Material | Pounds per cubic yard | US tons per cubic yard | Cubic yards per US ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topsoil | 2,200 | 1.10 | 0.91 |
| Dirt | 2,400 | 1.20 | 0.83 |
| Sand | 2,700 | 1.35 | 0.74 |
| Crushed stone | 2,700 | 1.35 | 0.74 |
| Gravel | 2,800 | 1.40 | 0.71 |
Frequently asked questions
How many tons in a cubic yard of dirt?
About 1.2 US tons for fill dirt.
How many tons in a cubic yard of sand?
About 1.35 US tons when dry.
How many tons in a cubic yard of rock?
About 1.35 US tons for crushed stone.
Does wet soil weigh more?
Yes, often 20 to 30 percent more.