How much does a yard of concrete weigh?
Quick Answer
A cubic yard of standard ready-mix concrete weighs approximately 4,050 pounds (about 2 tons) when freshly mixed. After curing, the weight drops slightly to 3,900–4,000 lbs as water evaporates. Lightweight concrete mixes weigh 3,000–3,500 lbs/yd³; heavyweight mixes can reach 5,000+ lbs/yd³.
Quick Reference Table
| Concrete type | Weight per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Standard ready-mix (wet) | ~4,050 lbs (2.0 tons) |
| Standard ready-mix (cured) | ~3,900 lbs (1.95 tons) |
| Lightweight concrete | 3,000–3,500 lbs |
| Heavyweight concrete | 5,000–6,000 lbs |
| Fiber-reinforced mix | ~4,050 lbs (same as standard) |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Standard concrete density is approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot.
- 2
One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
- 3
Multiply: 27 × 150 = 4,050 lbs per cubic yard.
- 4
To convert to tons: 4,050 ÷ 2,000 = 2.025 tons.
Pro Tip
Concrete trucks carry 8–10 cubic yards per load — that's up to 40,500 lbs, which is why residential driveways must support heavy truck weight. If your driveway can't handle it, ask for a short-load delivery or pump truck.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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