function toggleCustomDensity() {
var material = document.getElementById("materialType").value;
var customDiv = document.getElementById("customDensityContainer");
if (material === "custom") {
customDiv.style.display = "block";
} else {
customDiv.style.display = "none";
}
}
function calculateTons() {
var yards = parseFloat(document.getElementById("cubicYards").value);
var materialValue = document.getElementById("materialType").value;
var density = 0;
if (materialValue === "custom") {
density = parseFloat(document.getElementById("customDensityValue").value);
} else {
density = parseFloat(materialValue);
}
if (isNaN(yards) || yards <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for Cubic Yards.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(density) || density <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid density value.");
return;
}
var tons = yards * density;
var lbs = tons * 2000;
var metricTonnes = tons * 0.907185;
document.getElementById("totalWeight").innerText = tons.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("metricConversion").innerHTML = "Equivalent to: " + lbs.toLocaleString() + " lbs or " + metricTonnes.toFixed(2) + " Metric Tonnes";
document.getElementById("tonResult").style.display = "block";
}
How to Convert Cubic Yards to Tons
Converting volume (cubic yards) to weight (tons) is critical for logistics, construction, and landscaping. Because "cubic yards" measures space and "tons" measures mass, the conversion depends entirely on the density of the material you are using.
The Formula
Weight (Tons) = Volume (Cubic Yards) × Density (Tons per Cubic Yard)
Common Material Densities
While density can vary based on moisture content and compaction, these are the industry standard estimates for one cubic yard:
Material
Approx. Tons/yd³
Crushed Stone/Gravel
1.40
Dry Sand
1.35
Topsoil (Moist)
1.10 – 1.25
Wet Concrete
2.00
Wood Mulch
0.40 – 0.60
Example Calculation
If you are ordering 10 cubic yards of crushed gravel for a driveway, you would calculate the weight as follows:
Volume: 10 yd³
Density: 1.4 tons per yd³
Calculation: 10 × 1.4 = 14 Tons
Knowing this weight ensures you hire a truck with the correct load capacity and helps prevent damage to your driveway or equipment from overloading.
Why Weight Matters
Most delivery trucks have strict weight limits. For instance, a standard tandem-axle dump truck typically carries about 12 to 15 tons. If you order 15 cubic yards of topsoil (approx. 18.75 tons), it will likely require two separate deliveries because it exceeds the weight limit of a single truck, even if it fits in the truck's bed by volume.