How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Weigh?

Whether you're planning a driveway, pouring a foundation, or just trying to figure out if your truck can handle the load — knowing how much concrete weighs is one of those things that sounds simple but has a few layers to it.

Let's break it all down: the short answer, the science behind it, and the math you actually need.

Not sure how much your specific pour will weigh? Use our Concrete Weight Calculator to get an instant estimate for any slab size or mix type. Then read on to understand exactly how the numbers work.

The Short Answer

A standard cubic yard of concrete weighs approximately 3,900 to 4,050 pounds (1,769 to 1,837 kg) — roughly 2 tons.

But this isn't a fixed number. The weight varies depending on the mix design, aggregate type, water content, and whether the concrete is wet (freshly poured) or cured (hardened).

What Is a "Yard" of Concrete?

When contractors and suppliers say "a yard of concrete," they mean a cubic yard — not a linear or square yard.

$1\text{ cubic yard}=3\text{ ft}\times 3\text{ ft}\times 3\text{ ft}=27\text{ cubic feet}$

This is the standard unit used when ordering ready-mix concrete from a batch plant.

The Density Formula

The weight of any material comes down to its density — how much mass is packed into a given volume.

$\text{Weight}=\text{Density}\times \text{Volume}$

Or in formula notation:

$W=\rho \times V$

Where:

• $W$ = Weight (in lbs or kg)
• $\rho$ = Density of concrete (in lbs/ft³ or kg/m³)
• $V$ = Volume (in ft³ or m³)

Standard Density of Concrete

Normal-weight concrete (the most common type used in residential and commercial construction) has a density of approximately:

${\rho }_{\text{normal}}\approx 145{\text{ lbs/ft}}^3\text{(or }\approx 2,320{\text{ kg/m}}^3\text{)}$

This value can range from 140 to 150 lbs/ft³ depending on the mix.

Calculating the Weight of One Cubic Yard

Now let's apply the formula:

Step 1: Convert cubic yards to cubic feet

$1{\text{ yd}}^3=27{\text{ ft}}^3$

Step 2: Plug into the weight formula

$W=\rho \times V$

$W=145\frac{\text{lbs}}{{\text{ft}}^3}\times 27{\text{ft}}^3$

$\overline{)W=3,915\text{ lbs}}$

In metric:

$W=2,320\frac{\text{kg}}{{\text{m}}^3}\times 0.7646{\text{m}}^3$

$\overline{)W\approx 1,774\text{ kg}}$

One cubic meter equals approximately 1.308 cubic yards, or conversely, one cubic yard equals 0.7646 m³.

Weight by Concrete Type

Not all concrete is the same. Here's how density — and therefore weight — varies by mix type:

For lightweight concrete using pumice or expanded shale:

$W_{\text{lightweight}}=105\frac{\text{lbs}}{{\text{ft}}^3}\times 27{\text{ft}}^3=2,835\text{ lbs}$

For heavyweight concrete (used in nuclear shielding or radiation-blocking structures):

$W_{\text{heavy}}=190\frac{\text{lbs}}{{\text{ft}}^3}\times 27{\text{ft}}^3=5,130\text{ lbs}$

Wet vs. Dry Concrete: Does It Matter?

Yes — and it's worth understanding why.

Fresh (wet) concrete is denser because it contains all the mix water before hydration fully occurs. It typically weighs slightly more than fully cured concrete.

Cured (dry) concrete loses some moisture through evaporation and the hydration process, making it slightly lighter.

$\Delta W_{\text{moisture}}\approx 3\%\text{ to }5\%\text{ of total wet weight}$

For practical purposes, most engineers and contractors use the wet weight (around 145 lbs/ft³) for structural load calculations and transport planning, since that's the state it's in when it matters most — during pouring and setting.

How Much Do Different Pour Sizes Weigh?

Using the standard density of 145 lbs/ft³, here's a quick reference:

General formula for any slab:

$W=145\times \left(\frac{L\times W\times T}{12}\right)$

Where L = length (ft), W = width (ft), T = thickness (inches)

The division by 12 converts thickness from inches to feet.

Example: A 10 ft × 10 ft × 4 inch slab

$W=145\times \left(\frac{10\times 10\times 4}{12}\right)$

W=145×(10×10×412) W = 145 \times \left( \frac{10 \times 10 \times 4}{12} \right) W=145×(1210×10×4​) W=145×33.33 W = 145 \times 33.33W=145×33.33 W≈4,833 lbs\boxed{W \approx 4{,}833 \text{ lbs}}W≈4,833 lbs​

Example: A standard driveway (20 ft × 20 ft × 4 inches)

$W=145\times \left(\frac{20\times 20\times 4}{12}\right)$​

$\overline{)W\approx 19,333\text{ lbs}\approx 9.67\text{ tons}}$

Truck Load Limits: Can You Haul It Yourself?

A standard ready-mix concrete truck carries 8 to 10 cubic yards per load. Let's calculate that:

$W_{\text{truck load}}=9{\text{ yd}}^3\times 3,915\frac{\text{lbs}}{{\text{yd}}^3}$

$\overline{)W_{\text{truck load}}\approx 35,235\text{ lbs}\approx 17.6\text{ tons}}$

This is why ready-mix trucks are so heavy — and why your driveway or road needs to be rated for that load before a truck rolls over it.

If you're picking up a small amount in a pickup truck, most half-ton trucks can handle 1,000 to 1,200 lbs safely. That's roughly:

$V_{\text{safe}}=\frac{1,000\text{ lbs}}{145{\text{lbs/ft}}^3}\approx 6.9{\text{ ft}}^3\approx 0.26{\text{ yd}}^3$

So about a quarter yard — maximum — for a standard pickup truck.

Key Takeaways

• 1 cubic yard of normal concrete ≈ 3,900–4,050 lbs (≈ 2 tons)
• The exact weight depends on mix design, aggregate, and water content
• Use the formula $W=\rho \times V$ with $\rho \approx 145{\text{ lbs/ft}}^3$ for standard estimates
• Wet concrete is slightly heavier than cured concrete
• Don't overload your truck — a quarter yard is about the safe limit for a half-ton pickup

Quick Reference: Concrete Weight Formulas

Weight from volume (cubic yards):

$W\text{ (lbs)}={\text{yd}}^3\times 3,915$

Weight from volume (cubic feet):

$W\text{ (lbs)}={\text{ft}}^3\times 145$

Weight from slab dimensions:

$\text{ (lbs)}=145\times \frac{L_{\text{ft}}\times W_{\text{ft}}\times T_{\text{in}}}{12}$

Cubic yards needed from slab dimensions:

${\text{yd}}^3=\frac{L_{\text{ft}}\times W_{\text{ft}}\times T_{\text{in}}}{12\times 27}$

Whether you're a DIYer doing a small patio or a contractor managing a large pour, keeping these numbers in your back pocket will save you time, money, and the occasional broken truck spring.