How Much Does a Yard of Sand Weigh?
A cubic yard of sand weighs about 2,750–2,900 lb (1.38–1.45 tons), going by 2 public sources that publish 1.375 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard. Real weight depends on the material, how packed it is and how wet. Ask your supplier for their figure.
What each source publishes
| Published as | Tons per cu yd | As published | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | 1.45 | 1.45 t | New Mexico EMNRD (Mining and Minerals Division) |
| Sand (dry) | 1.375 | 2,750 lb | Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (Vermont) |
Yards to tons
| Volume | Tons (range) | Pounds (range) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cu yd | 1.38–1.45 | 2,750–2,900 |
| 2 cu yd | 2.75–2.90 | 5,500–5,800 |
| 3 cu yd | 4.13–4.35 | 8,250–8,700 |
| 5 cu yd | 6.88–7.25 | 13,750–14,500 |
| 10 cu yd | 13.8–14.5 | 27,500–29,000 |
Your area
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FAQ
How much does a yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of sand weighs about 2,750–2,900 lb (1.38–1.45 tons), going by 2 public sources that publish 1.375 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard. Real weight depends on the material, how packed it is and how wet. Ask your supplier for their figure.
How many tons is 10 yards of sand?
About 13.8–14.5 tons, using the same published range.
Sources
- New Mexico EMNRD (Mining and Minerals Division): Conversion factors for construction materials and common minerals · fetched and reviewed 2026-11-10
- Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (Vermont): Material weight, pounds per cubic yard (from EPA & NTEA) · fetched and reviewed 2026-11-10
Volumes only. ConcreteMath calculates volumes, bag counts, weights and your own cost figures. It gives no structural or engineering advice and never sizes footings, piers, slabs or rebar: those come from your plans, an engineer or your local building department. Bag counts are estimates from each maker's published yield; actual use varies with hole shape, uneven ground, waste and mixing. Bulk weights are published ranges; your supplier's figure wins.