US short tons = matching cubic yards × US short tons per cubic yard. To go the other way, divide tons by the same density factor. This converter works in both directions, without adding a reserve or silently converting loose volume into a finished layer. A density is useful only when its product, moisture and volume basis match the quantity.
Which density should I enter?
American Rock Supply’s calculator guide lists approximate reference weights of 2,800 lb/yd (1.40 US short tons/yd) for crushed stone and pea gravel, 3,000 lb/yd (1.50) for crusher run/road base and 2,700 lb/yd (1.35) for river rock.1 These are supplier calculator inputs, not universal densities. Its table does not establish a separate moisture or loose/compacted basis for each figure. Confirm those details before using a value for your delivery or installed layer.
FHWA distinguishes material in its original ground position, loose material in transport and compacted fill, and calls for material-specific, project-specific estimating information.2 A compacted yard and a loose yard are not interchangeable. Compaction reduces bulk volume for the same mass; it does not create extra stone. This tool multiplies or divides by your input and cannot verify the input.
Unit definitions and formulas
1 US short ton = 2,000 lb. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg, so do not enter metric tonnes in a field labeled US short tons.3
Short tons = yards × density (short tons/yd).
Yards = short tons / density (short tons/yd).
Short tons = yards × density (lb/yd) / 2,000.
If you have pounds per yard, divide that factor by 2,000 to enter it in the density field.
Conversion chart at the selected example factor 1.4
| Matching cu yd | US short tons | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.40 | 2,800 |
| 2 | 2.80 | 5,600 |
| 3 | 4.20 | 8,400 |
| 5 | 7.00 | 14,000 |
| 10 | 14.00 | 28,000 |
This table is arithmetic at 1.4 short tons/yd, not a product specification, weight range or payload maximum. Ten short tons at this factor correspond to 10 / 1.4 = 7.142857 cu yd. Display values are rounded, not sales quantities.
Three checked examples
1. Five loose yards
Suppose a supplier confirms 1.4 short tons per loose yard for the actual material condition. Choose yards to tons, enter 5 and 1.4. Result: 7 US short tons = 14,000 lb. No compaction allowance or reserve is included.
2. Ten short tons back to loose yards
Choose tons to yards, enter 10 and the same confirmed loose-density factor 1.4. Result: 7.142857 loose cu yd, with mass 20,000 lb. If the matching density were instead 1.5 short tons/loose yd, the same mass would occupy 6.666667 loose cu yd.
3. Geometry, a selected reserve and weight
A 20 × 10-foot rectangle with a selected 4-inch loose added layer has 20 × 10 × 4 / 12 = 66.666667 cu ft, or 2.469136 loose cu yd. A hypothetical chosen 10% handling reserve gives 2.716049 loose cu yd. At a matching hypothetical confirmed factor of 1.4 short tons/loose yd, mass is 3.802469 short tons = 7,604.938272 lb. Use full precision from geometry, not the rounded display, for later calculations. The reserve is a selected example, not a verified settling rate. A finished/compacted target needs its own defined conversion before using loose density.
Before ordering or hauling
- Confirm the actual product and density basis with the supplier. A calculator default is not a batch measurement.
- Keep net volume, installed-to-loose conversion, handling reserve and actual sales increment separate. Do not double-count an allowance.
- Round the purchase only to the supplier’s actual increment, then calculate the billed total separately.
- Check available payload and axle, tire, hitch/trailer and route limits for the actual vehicle. A reference weight is not a maximum load or hauling permission.
FAQ
Why does this converter not add compaction automatically?
A density conversion is not an installed-volume conversion. A percentage without a defined starting and ending volume basis is not enough to calculate the order.
Can I use the same factor for every kind of gravel?
No. The cited supplier uses different reference factors for different products.1 Ask for the factor that matches the material and condition you will receive.
Are these results final order quantities?
No. They are arithmetic estimates on the density basis you provide, with display rounding only. Confirm the order increment, any reserve and delivery details separately.
What you'll need
A plain checklist. Needs vary by project, so follow the instructions on your materials.
- Tape measure - to get the real size of the area.
- Your supplier's weight per cubic yard - the figure that decides the final ton count.
- Wheelbarrow and shovel - gravel is heavy. Plan how it will be moved.
Related tools and guides
Gravel density reference chart | Gravel geometry calculator | Pickup volume and payload | Gravel coverage per yard
Sources
- American Rock Supply: Gravel calculator and guide (approximate supplier reference weights by product)
- Federal Highway Administration: Earthwork Design (volume states and material-specific estimating basis)
- NIST Special Publication 1038: SI Conversion Factors (US short ton and metric tonne definitions)