Short answer: A cubic yard of normal concrete weighs about 4,050 pounds, or roughly 2 tons, based on 150 pounds per cubic foot. Real mixes range from about 3,900 to 4,100 pounds per cubic yard.
| Volume | Weight in pounds | Weight in tons |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cubic yards | 2,025 lb | 1.01 tons |
| 1 cubic yard | 4,050 lb | 2.03 tons |
| 2 cubic yards | 8,100 lb | 4.05 tons |
| 5 cubic yards | 20,250 lb | 10.13 tons |
| 8 cubic yards | 32,400 lb | 16.2 tons |
| 10 cubic yards | 40,500 lb | 20.25 tons |
Why it is about 150 pounds per cubic foot
Normal concrete is a mix of cement, sand, gravel and water, and it weighs about 150 pounds per cubic foot once placed. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it weighs 27 times 150, which is 4,050 pounds.
The exact weight changes with the aggregate. Lightweight concrete made with expanded shale or similar material can weigh 90 to 115 pounds per cubic foot, and heavy mixes for shielding weigh much more. Ask the supplier for the unit weight of your mix.
Why bagged mix seems lighter
A cubic yard takes about 45 bags of 80 lb mix, which is 3,600 pounds of dry material. The rest of the weight, roughly 450 pounds, comes from the water you add when mixing. That is why the weight of the bags is lower than the weight of the finished concrete.
Worked example
A slab 10 ft by 10 ft and 4 inches thick holds 33.3 cubic feet. At 150 pounds per cubic foot it weighs 5,000 pounds, which is 2.5 tons. Make sure the ground under it, and any structure it sits on, can carry that load.
Use the Concrete CalculatorEnter your own measurements and get an exact amount.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons is a cubic yard of concrete?
About 2 tons, using 4,050 pounds per cubic yard and 2,000 pounds per ton.
How much does a cubic foot of concrete weigh?
About 150 pounds.
How much does a full truck of concrete weigh?
About 40,500 pounds, or roughly 20 tons, for a 10 cubic yard load, not counting the truck.
How much does a cubic meter of concrete weigh?
About 2,400 kilograms, which is 2.4 tonnes.
More quick answers
- How Many Bags of Concrete Do I Need?
- How Many Yards Does a Concrete Truck Hold?
- How Many Bags of Concrete Are on a Pallet?
- How Many Square Feet Does a Yard of Concrete Cover?
- How Many Cubic Feet in a Bag of Concrete?
- How Thick Should a Concrete Slab Be?
Related calculators
Figures are typical planning values. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.