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.
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