Weight of one cubic yard
| Material | Pounds per yd³ | Tons per yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone / gravel | ≈2,700 | ≈1.35 |
| Pea gravel | ≈2,600 | ≈1.3 |
| Crusher run / road base | ≈2,900 | ≈1.45 |
| River rock | ≈2,700 | ≈1.35 |
| Sand | ≈2,700 | ≈1.35 |
| Fill dirt | ≈2,400 | ≈1.2 |
| Topsoil | ≈2,100 | ≈1.05 |
| Recycled concrete | ≈2,500 | ≈1.25 |
| Compost | ≈1,000 | ≈0.5 |
| Wood mulch / chips | ≈600 | ≈0.3 |
| Compacted asphalt | ≈3,915 | ≈1.96 |
These are typical dry weights. Wet sand, soil and mulch can weigh 20–30% more. If your supplier sells by the ton, ask what weight per yard they use, and convert with the yards to tons calculator.
Why weight matters
- Hauling it yourself: a half-ton pickup is usually rated for about 1,000–1,500 lb in the bed, which is roughly half a yard of gravel or sand. Mulch is light enough to fill the bed.
- Ordering by the ton: gravel and sand are often priced per ton, so convert your cubic yards before comparing quotes.
- Delivery trucks: a tandem dump truck carries around 13–15 tons, so one load is about 10 yards of gravel.
Quick conversions
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. 1 ton = 2,000 lb. Tons = cubic yards × lb per yard ÷ 2,000. For example, 4 yards of gravel × 2,700 ÷ 2,000 = 5.4 tons.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
About 2,700 lb, or 1.35 tons, for typical crushed stone. Lighter gravels can be 2,400–2,500 lb and dense road base about 2,900 lb.
How much does a yard of dirt weigh?
Topsoil is about 2,000–2,200 lb per cubic yard dry, and fill dirt with more clay or rock about 2,400 lb. Wet soil can be much heavier.
How much does a yard of mulch weigh?
About 400–800 lb depending on wood type and moisture. 600 lb is a typical figure.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14. Figures are typical averages; confirm with your local supplier.