How many tons are in a cubic yard of asphalt?

At the planning density used on this site, one cubic yard of asphalt is roughly 2 tons. The exact weight changes by mix and compaction.

Is asphalt usually sold by yard or ton?

Asphalt is commonly discussed by ton for material planning, while cubic yards can help when comparing volume, truck loads, or excavation work.

Can I convert price per yard to price per ton?

Yes for planning. If one cubic yard is about 2 tons, divide the price per cubic yard by 2 to estimate price per ton.

Does this work for tarmac?

Yes as a rough conversion method, but UK tarmac quotes often use metric tonnes or square metres, so match the contractor unit before comparing.

Yard to ton conversion

Asphalt Price Per Yard

Asphalt is usually easier to price by ton, but cubic yards are useful when you are thinking in volume. Convert yards into tons before comparing supplier or contractor prices.

Direct answer

How do I convert asphalt price per yard to price per ton?

Asphalt is normally easier to order and price by weight, but a cubic-yard figure can be converted for early planning. This site uses a rounded rule of about two short tons per cubic yard, based on a planning density near 145 pounds per cubic foot. Multiply cubic yards by two to estimate tons, or divide a quoted price per cubic yard by two to estimate price per ton. The rule is not a supplier guarantee. Actual weight changes with aggregate, mix design, temperature, air voids, moisture, and compaction, and a loose truck volume is not the same as compacted pavement volume. Before ordering, ask the plant to confirm the mix density, sales unit, minimum load, and whether the quote includes delivery. For a real project, area and compacted thickness produce a better quantity estimate than guessing cubic yards. Use the tonnage calculator, then confirm the final order with the supplier.

Quick rule

One cubic yard of asphalt is roughly 2 tons at common planning density.

Why it varies

Mix type and compaction can change the actual weight per cubic yard.

Before ordering

Confirm the mix, weight, and delivery terms with the supplier.

Simple conversion

Estimated tons = cubic yards × 2.

Estimated price per ton = price per cubic yard ÷ 2.

This is good for early planning, but a real supplier quote should confirm the mix, truck minimum, density, and whether the number includes delivery.

Need the exact material amount?

Use the tonnage calculator with your area and thickness so the estimate matches the project shape.

Open tonnage calculator

Worked conversion examples

Swipe the table left or right to see every column.

Starting value	Planning conversion	Use
1 cubic yard	About 2 short tons	Quick volume-to-weight check
5 cubic yards	About 10 short tons	Small project planning
Quoted price per yard	Divide by about 2	Approximate price per ton

These examples all depend on the same density assumption. Read why the value is approximate on the data and methodology page.

Asphalt tonnage formula showing area multiplied by thickness and density, divided by 2,000, then adjusted for waste — The 145 lb/ft³ density is a planning assumption, not a mix-ticket value. Read the formula notes and primary sources.

Why a yard-based quote needs extra care

Excavation and aggregate work often use cubic yards, while hot mix asphalt is commonly sold by weight. Ask whether “yard” means a measured loose volume, a truck body estimate, or a calculated compacted volume. Then confirm the material type, density, delivery, minimum load, and tax. A written weight ticket is more precise than a generic two-tons-per-yard shortcut.