Cubic Yards to Tons Converter (Asphalt)

Volume-based quotes and volume-based tickets meet weight-based ordering here. Enter cubic yards of hot mix and the converter returns US tons, metric tonnes, and pounds — with the density shown and sourced, a reverse check, and a sensitivity table across real mix densities.

Weight

19.57 US tons

Pounds: 39,150 lb
Metric tonnes: 17.76 t
Cubic feet: 270 ft³
Reverse check: 10 yd³

Same 10 yd³ at different compacted densities
Density (lb/ft³)	US tons	Metric tonnes
140	18.9	17.15
142	19.17	17.39
145	19.57	17.76
148	19.98	18.13
150	20.25	18.37

How this was calculated

Cubic feet10 yd³ × 27270 ft³
Weight270 ft³ × 145 lb/ft³39,150 lb
US tons39,150 lb ÷ 2,00019.57 tons

Density used: 145 lb/ft³ — planning default (FHWA Western Federal Lands Estimating Handbook, 2026-09); typical HMA range 142–148 lb/ft³ per the Asphalt Institute. Replace with your supplier's mix-design density when you have it.
This converts compacted volume. Loose stockpile volume weighs less per cubic yard until it is rolled — do not use loose measurements for asphalt orders.
Planning estimate, not engineering design. Verify quantities and legal load limits with your supplier and local authority before ordering.

The Formula

Tons = Cubic yards × 27 × Density lb/ft³ ÷ 2,000

How the Calculation Runs

Multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet.
Multiply by density in lb/ft³ to get pounds.
Divide by 2,000 for US tons (or by 2,204.6 for metric tonnes).
The sensitivity table repeats the calculation across the 140–150 lb/ft³ density band.

What Each Variable Means

Symbol	Variable	Unit	Notes
V	Volume	yd³	Compacted volume. 1 yd³ = 27 ft³.
D	Density	lb/ft³	Compacted mix density; planning default 145, typical HMA 142–148.
W	Weight	US tons	Pounds ÷ 2,000.

Entering Your Numbers

Volume (cubic yards)
Density (lb/ft³) — Typical hot mix runs 142–148 lb/ft³. Use your supplier’s mix-design value when you have it.

Known Limitations

The conversion is only as good as the density. Across the common 140–150 lb/ft³ band the same cubic yard can weigh 7% differently — check the sensitivity table.
Applies to compacted hot mix. Cold patch, millings, and loose stockpiles use different unit weights.
Suppliers bill asphalt by weight, not volume — use this to sanity-check a volume quote, then order in tons.

Worked Examples

Every number below is produced by the same engine at build time — not typed by hand.

Ten yards at the 145 lb/ft³ planning default

Weight: 19.57 US tons

Cubic feet: 10 yd³ × 27 = 270 ft³
Weight: 270 ft³ × 145 lb/ft³ = 39,150 lb
US tons: 39,150 lb ÷ 2,000 = 19.57 tons

Five yards of a denser mix — 148 lb/ft³

Weight: 9.99 US tons

Cubic feet: 5 yd³ × 27 = 135 ft³
Weight: 135 ft³ × 148 lb/ft³ = 19,980 lb
US tons: 19,980 lb ÷ 2,000 = 9.99 tons

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons are in a cubic yard of asphalt?

At the 145 lb/ft³ planning default, one cubic yard of compacted hot mix weighs about 1.96 US tons (27 ft³ × 145 lb ÷ 2,000). Denser mixes at 148–150 lb/ft³ push that toward 2.0–2.03 tons.

How many cubic yards is a ton of asphalt?

About 0.51 yd³ per ton at 145 lb/ft³. The reverse-check cell above recalculates it for your exact density.

Why does my supplier quote tons when I measured yards?

Asphalt is produced, hauled, and sold by weight because weight survives compaction — volume does not. Plants price per ton; this converter bridges your volume takeoff to their weight ticket.

Can I use this for gravel or crushed stone base?

Not with asphalt density. Aggregate base has a different unit weight — use the asphalt base calculator, which applies the correct planning density for crushed aggregate.

Sources & Data Lineage

FHWA Western Federal Lands Estimating Handbook — hot-mix asphalt density basis for the 145 lb/ft³ planning default. Reviewed 2026-09.
Asphalt Institute — typical HMA density range 142–148 lb/ft³. Reviewed 2026-09. www.asphaltinstitute.org