Formula used
Cubic yards = [length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27] × (1 + waste ÷ 100); tons = cubic yards × density
Reference basis: fixed unit conversions follow the NIST SI conversion tables. Bulk density is product- and condition-specific; the FHWA Field Materials Manual documents aggregate sampling and moisture-density testing; supplier or project data for the actual product and condition should replace the planning preset when available. The USGS aggregates program is used for aggregate terminology and scope. Read the full methodology and limitations.
Worked bulk material example
Example values: 24 ft × 10 ft × (4 in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 2.96 yd³ measured volume. With 0% allowance, the order volume is 2.96 yd³. At 1.4 short tons/yd³, the estimated weight is 4.15 short tons. These are examples only; use project measurements and supplier data.
Volume, density, and supplier units
Use cubic yards for volume-based orders and the density-derived tonnage only after replacing the default with the exact material's bulk density.
Field conditions that change tonnage
Excavation irregularity, settlement, compaction, moisture, and supplier density affect weight and delivered volume.
Questions specific to this calculation
Which bulk density belongs in the cubic yard tons estimate?
Use product-specific bulk density in short tons per cubic yard for the same installed state as the volume calculated from your dimensions. Density changes the tonnage estimate, not the geometric cubic yards. A loose-delivered density cannot be multiplied directly by an installed volume without a documented yield conversion; this tool does not apply that conversion.