The Bottom Line
Cubic yards to tons is the most common bulk material conversion. Landscape suppliers quote by the ton; you measure by the cubic yard. The conversion factor is the material density — and it varies. Gravel at 1.35 tons/yd is 3× heavier than mulch at 0.4 tons/yd. This calculator uses accurate densities for 8 common materials so your tonnage estimate matches what the scale says at delivery.