TC TopsoilCalc

Material volume and weight estimate

Tons to Cubic Yards Calculator

Convert tons to cubic yards, or cubic yards to tons, for topsoil and common landscape materials. See how many cubic yards are in a ton of topsoil, then select the closest density or enter your supplier's value.

The conversion is not one fixed number: one cubic yard of topsoil, mulch, sand or gravel can weigh very different amounts.

Convert material

Updates as you type
Cubic yards
0.89 yd3
Cubic feet
24.1
US short tons
1.00
Pounds
2,000
Metric tonnes
0.91

At 1.12 tons per cubic yard. Actual weight changes with moisture, packing and material composition.

How many cubic yards are in a ton?

There is no universal answer because a ton measures weight while a cubic yard measures volume. The material's bulk density connects the two measurements.

Formulacubic yards = tons ÷ tons per cubic yardtons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard

For example, at 1.12 tons per cubic yard, one US short ton of loose topsoil is about 0.89 cubic yards. A supplier's scale ticket or product specification is more accurate than a generic average.

Quick topsoil conversion table

These examples use 1.12 US short tons per cubic yard for loose topsoil. Wet or compacted soil can weigh more.

TopsoilCubic yardsApprox. short tonsApprox. pounds
0.5 yd30.50.561,120
1 yd311.122,240
2 yd322.244,480
3 yd333.366,720
5 yd355.6011,200

Use the right calculator for your project

Start with the tool that matches what you already know, then use the conversion result to check delivery, transport and purchase quantities.

Topsoil CalculatorStart with length, width and depth to calculate cubic yards, bags and estimated tons. Topsoil Calculator for Lawn & SodChoose a lawn project depth for grass, sod preparation, topdressing or leveling. Topsoil Coverage ChartCheck how many square feet a known amount of topsoil covers at different depths. Topsoil Weight CalculatorAdjust topsoil density and estimate pounds, short tons, kilograms and metric tonnes. Topsoil Cost per YardCompare a supplier quote, delivery charge and tax before ordering.

Tons and Cubic Yards FAQ

How many cubic yards are in one ton of topsoil?

Using 1.12 short tons per cubic yard for loose topsoil, one US short ton is about 0.89 cubic yards. Actual volume varies with density and moisture.

How many tons are in one cubic yard of topsoil?

At the medium loose-topsoil estimate used here, one cubic yard weighs about 1.12 short tons, or 2,240 pounds.

Is a ton the same as a cubic yard?

No. A ton is a weight measurement and a cubic yard is a volume measurement. Material density is needed to convert between them.

Does wet topsoil weigh more?

Yes. Water adds weight, so wet or compacted topsoil can be heavier than the planning estimate. Ask the supplier for the delivered scale weight when payload matters.

What type of ton does this calculator use?

The calculator uses US short tons, where one ton equals 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne equals 1,000 kilograms and is shown as an additional reference.