How Many Tons in a Cubic Yard of Asphalt?
At 145 lb/ft³, one compacted cubic yard weighs 1.9575 US tons. That answer changes directly with density, so the conversion should always state its assumption.
Updated August 20, 2026 · By Asphalt Calculator Editorial Team
Key takeaways
- 145 lb/ft³ converts to 1.9575 US tons per cubic yard.
- The inverse is about 0.5109 cubic yard per US ton.
- Loose hot mix and asphalt millings can require a different density factor.
Core formula
Tons per yd³ = 27 ft³ × density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000
The exact calculation
A cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. Multiply 27 by 145 lb/ft³ to obtain 3,915 lb, then divide by 2,000 lb per US short ton. The result is 1.9575 tons per cubic yard.
For metric tonnes, convert 3,915 lb to 1,775.81 kg, or 1.7758 tonnes. Do not label US tons and metric tonnes interchangeably.
How density changes tons per yard
The conversion factor scales directly with density. If a supplier provides a different tested or bulk value, enter it rather than reusing 1.96 tons per yard.
| Density | US tons per yd³ | yd³ per US ton |
|---|---|---|
| 125 lb/ft³ | 1.6875 | 0.5926 |
| 135 lb/ft³ | 1.8225 | 0.5487 |
| 145 lb/ft³ | 1.9575 | 0.5109 |
| 150 lb/ft³ | 2.0250 | 0.4938 |
Use compacted volume consistently
If cubic yards represent finished pavement, use compacted density. If yards describe a loose stockpile or truck body, use a matching loose bulk density. A conversion can be mathematically correct but practically wrong when conditions are mixed.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons is one cubic yard of asphalt?
At 145 lb/ft³, one compacted cubic yard is 1.9575 US tons or about 1.7758 metric tonnes.
How many cubic yards are in one ton?
At 145 lb/ft³, one US ton occupies about 0.5109 compacted cubic yard.
Is 2 tons per cubic yard a safe rule?
It is a close planning shorthand near 145–150 lb/ft³, but exact purchasing should use the specified density.
Do millings have the same tons-per-yard factor?
Often not. RAP bulk density can be lower and more variable, so use a supplier value.
Is a ton the same as a tonne?
No. A US short ton is 2,000 lb; a metric tonne is 1,000 kg.