How to Convert Square Yards to Tons?

To calculate the total weight in tons, follow these steps:

1. Convert thickness from inches to yards
2. Calculate the volume in cubic yards
3. Multiply the volume by material density
4. Convert weight from pounds to tons

Step 1: Convert Thickness from Inches to Yards

Since 1 yard = 36 inches, the thickness in yards is:

Formula:

$\text{Thickness (yards)} = \frac{\text{Thickness (inches)}}{36}$

Example Calculation:

For 6 inches thickness:

$\text{Thickness (yards)} = \frac{6}{36} = 0.1667 \text{ yards}$

Step 2: Calculate Volume in Cubic Yards

The total volume is found by multiplying the area in square yards by the thickness in yards.

Formula:

$\text{Volume (cubic yards)} = \text{Square Yards} \times \text{Thickness (yards)}$

Example Calculation:

For 100 square yards with 6 inches thickness:

$\text{Volume} = 100 \times 0.1667 = 16.67 \text{ cubic yards}$

Step 3: Calculate Weight in Pounds

Multiply the volume in cubic yards by the material density (lbs per cubic yard) to get the total weight in pounds.

Formula:

$\text{Weight (lbs)} = \text{Volume (cubic yards)} \times \text{Density (lbs per cubic yard)}$

Example Calculation:

For density = 145 lbs per cubic yard (asphalt):

$\text{Weight} = 16.67 \times 145 = 2,417.15 \text{ lbs}$

Step 4: Convert Pounds to Tons

Since 1 ton = 2000 lbs, we divide the total weight in pounds by 2000 to get tons.

Formula:

$\text{Weight (tons)} = \frac{\text{Weight (lbs)}}{2000}$

Example Calculation:

$\text{Weight (tons)} = \frac{2,417.15}{2000} = 1.21 \text{ tons}$

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is thickness converted from inches to yards?

Since square yards measure area, thickness must be converted to yards to calculate the correct volume in cubic yards.

2. What materials can I use this calculator for?

This calculator works for asphalt, concrete, gravel, sand, topsoil, and other bulk materials.

3. How do I find the density of my material?

Check supplier specifications or use standard values:

• Asphalt: 145 lbs/yd³
• Concrete: 150 lbs/yd³
• Gravel: 120 lbs/yd³
• Sand: 100 lbs/yd³

4. Can I use this calculator for other units like square feet?

This calculator is designed for square yards, but you can convert square feet to square yards by dividing by 9.

5. What if I have a different density value?

Simply enter your specific density value in the calculator, and it will adjust the result accordingly.