Estimate weight from loose volume
US short tons = loose cubic yards × tons per cubic yard. A short ton is 2,000 pounds. Bulk density varies with product, grading, moisture and packing; the calculator presets are examples. Use the supplier’s loose weight conversion when ordering.
Keep the estimate separate from a scale ticket
The calculator does not measure or certify a delivery. A weight-based sale may include a scale ticket: gross is the loaded vehicle weight, tare is its empty weight, and net is gross minus tare. Net pounds divided by 2,000 gives US short tons. Check the unit and material description on the quote and ticket.
A worked conversion
A 500 sq ft layer at 3 inches holds 4.63 yd³. At an example 1.35 tons per yard, that is 6.25 tons before extra material. A chosen 8% order allowance gives 6.75 tons. Use a different factor if your supplier’s stone has a different loose weight.
Use moisture adjustments deliberately
Moisture can change bulk weight. The extra moisture slider is an optional scenario adjustment, not a measured stockpile value. Leave it at zero if the supplier’s density already describes the product as sold; adding another factor would double-count that effect. A fixed percentage cannot predict the condition of every load.
The Penn State materials calculator distinguishes finished dimensions from shipped loose quantities. Compare the planning density reference, and use the material-specific tonnage tools for product-focused guidance.
Questions before ordering
How do cubic yards become US short tons?
Multiply loose cubic yards by the supplier’s short tons per cubic yard. For example, 5 yards at 1.35 short tons per yard gives 6.75 short tons. A US short ton is 2,000 pounds.
Is the result a measured delivery weight?
No. It is an estimate from volume and a selected loose weight. Check the actual order unit, product description and any scale ticket supplied with the delivery.
Should I add the moisture adjustment?
Leave it at zero when the supplier’s loose weight already describes the product as sold. An additional adjustment is a scenario assumption and can double-count moisture if it is already included.