How it works
Estimate volume in cubic yards, feet and metres — and the weight — for sand, gravel, topsoil, mulch and paver base.
Enter the length and width of the area in feet and the depth in inches, then choose a material. The calculator computes the volume and multiplies it by the material's typical density to estimate weight in short tons and kilograms. Optionally enter a price per cubic yard to estimate material cost. Densities are dry, loose averages; moisture, grading and compaction change the real weight.
Formula
Volume (ft³) = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 12; yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27; weight (short tons) = yd³ × material density (tons/yd³).
L- Area length (ft)
W- Area width (ft)
D- Depth (in)
ρ- Typical dry material density (tons/yd³)
Examples
- 10 × 10 ft patio at 3 in, sandLength 10 ft · width 10 ft · depth 3 in · material sand0.93 yd³ · 25 ft³ · ≈ 1.25 short tons · ≈ 1,134 kg
- 0.93 yd³ at a price of 30 per cubic yardPrice per cubic yard 30Material cost ≈ 27.78
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard weigh?
It depends on the material: dry and loose, roughly 1.35 short tons of sand, 1.4 of gravel or paver base, 1.1 of topsoil and 0.4 of mulch per cubic yard.
Is the weight exact enough to order by?
Treat it as a planning figure and confirm with the supplier: moisture can change the weight by 10–20%, and grading and compaction matter too.
How to read the result
Volume is exact geometry; the weight is a density estimate. Order by volume where possible and use the weight only to compare supplier pricing.
Limitations
Rectangular areas only. Densities are typical averages, not supplier-specific; compaction, moisture and stone size change the real figure.
Source: Rectangular volume (27 ft³ per yd³); typical dry, loose densities: sand 1.35, gravel and paver base 1.4, topsoil 1.1, mulch 0.4 short tons per cubic yard.