Weight-to-volume converter
Asphalt Tons to Cubic Yards
Convert a known asphalt weight into volume for planning, reconciliation, or coverage calculations. Density is required because tons measure mass while cubic yards measure volume.
Project inputs
Results update as you type
Estimated results
Asphalt volume
5.11 cubic yards
Cubic feet
137.93 ft³
Cubic meters
3.91 m³
The conversion changes with density. Match the density to compacted pavement, loose hot mix, or millings as applicable.
Formula
Unit conversions are completed before multiplication, then results are formatted only at display time to avoid cumulative rounding.
Example calculation
Convert 10 US tons at 145 lb/ft³.
20,000 ÷ 145 = 137.93 ft³; 137.93 ÷ 27 = 5.11 yd³ (3.91 m³).
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the weight in US tons.
- 2Use compacted density for compacted pavement volume or a matching loose density for loose material.
- 3Read cubic yards, feet, and meters from the same unrounded conversion.
- 4Do not use the result as truck-body volume unless the density represents material in the truck.
Tons and cubic yards are not interchangeable
A ton is a mass unit and a cubic yard is a volume unit. The conversion changes whenever bulk density changes, which is why a fixed tons-to-yards factor can misstate hot mix, loose material, or RAP.
At 145 lb/ft³, compacted asphalt is about 1.96 US tons per cubic yard, so one US ton occupies about 0.511 cubic yard. Use the editable density when a better value is available.
Choose density for the measured condition
If the tons came from delivery tickets but the desired volume is finished pavement, compacted density is appropriate. If both weight and volume describe a loose stockpile, use a loose bulk density instead. Mixing conditions creates a systematic error.
Related calculators and guides
Asphalt Cubic Yards to Tons
Convert asphalt cubic yards to US tons, metric tonnes, pounds and kilograms with an editable density and exact intermediate unit conversions.
Open CalculatorAsphalt Density Calculator
Calculate asphalt density from mass and volume, then convert lb/ft³, kg/m³, US tons/yd³ and metric tonnes/m³ without assuming one mix density.
Open CalculatorAsphalt Weight Calculator
Calculate asphalt weight from area and thickness or from volume. Convert results to pounds, kilograms, US tons and metric tonnes with editable density.
Open CalculatorAsphalt Coverage Calculator
Calculate how many square feet, square yards or square meters a known asphalt tonnage covers at a selected compacted thickness and density.
Open GuideTons in a Cubic Yard of Asphalt
One cubic yard of compacted asphalt is about 1.96 US tons at 145 lb/ft³. See the formula, density table and correct yards-to-tons conversion.
Open GuideHow Much Does Asphalt Weigh?
See how much compacted asphalt weighs per cubic foot, cubic yard and square foot, with formulas, thickness examples and density assumptions.
OpenFrequently asked questions
How many cubic yards are in a ton of asphalt?
At 145 lb/ft³, one US ton is about 0.511 cubic yard. A different density produces a different volume.
Why do I need asphalt density?
Tons measure mass and cubic yards measure volume. Density is the relationship needed to convert between them.
Can I use this for asphalt millings?
Yes, but replace the hot-mix default with a millings density from the supplier or a representative measurement.
Are these short tons?
Yes. Input tons are US short tons of 2,000 lb; the output also shows metric volume units.
Is truck volume the same as compacted volume?
No. Loose hot mix or millings can occupy a different volume before placement and compaction.
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