Asphalt Tons to Cubic Yards Calculator
Convert weight and volume in either direction using the density for the actual asphalt mixture and condition.
Conversion result
5.109 cubic yards
Formula: tons × 2,000 ÷ density ÷ 27.
Why density is required
Tons measure weight while cubic yards measure volume. Density connects them, and asphalt mixtures with different aggregates or compaction states do not share one universal tons-per-yard factor.
Formulas
Cubic yards = US tons × 2,000 ÷ density ÷ 27
US tons = cubic yards × 27 × density ÷ 2,000
US tons = cubic yards × 27 × density ÷ 2,000
Worked example
At 145 lb/ft³, 10 US tons occupy 20,000 ÷ 145 ÷ 27 = 5.109 cubic yards. Reversing the calculation returns 10 tons.
Density-sensitive reference
| Density | Cubic yards per US ton | US tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| 140 lb/ft³ | 0.529 | 1.890 |
| 145 lb/ft³ | 0.511 | 1.958 |
| 150 lb/ft³ | 0.494 | 2.025 |
Common mistakes
- Publishing one universal tons-per-yard number without density.
- Mixing loose truck volume with compacted density.
- Using the conversion result as a structural thickness recommendation.
Confirm before using the conversion
- mixture, material condition, and matching density basis;
- whether the supplier sells by scale weight or quoted volume;
- compacted thickness, allowance, minimum loads, and rounding.
Source and related tools
The FHWA density report defines density as weight per unit volume and notes mixture-to-mixture differences. Read the material-condition guide, use the main quantity calculator or coverage calculator, and document ordering decisions with the allowance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards are in one ton of asphalt?
There is no density-independent answer. At 145 lb/ft³, one US ton is about 0.511 cubic yards; a different compacted density produces a different volume.
Should I use loose or compacted density?
Match density to the volume being converted. Use compacted density for finished compacted volume and a verified loose bulk density for loose stockpile or truck volume.
Can cubic yards determine how much I should order?
Only after density, compacted thickness, geometry, allowance, and supplier ordering units are confirmed. Asphalt plants commonly sell by weight, so use the supplier mix data and scale-ticket basis.