Convert cubic feet to pounds for 15 materials including water, concrete, sand, gravel, soil, and steel. Includes density reference table and weight comparison chart.
Converting cubic feet to pounds requires knowing the material's density — different materials have vastly different weights per cubic foot. A cubic foot of water weighs 62.4 pounds, while a cubic foot of concrete weighs about 150 pounds and a cubic foot of steel weighs 490 pounds.
This converter includes 15 pre-loaded materials with accurate density values, plus a custom density option for specialized materials. Select your material, enter the volume in cubic feet (or weight in pounds for the reverse direction), and instantly get the weight in pounds, kilograms, US tons, and metric tons.
Construction workers, landscapers, and DIYers use this conversion daily when ordering materials like sand, gravel, topsoil, or mulch by weight but measuring the space to fill in cubic feet or yards. The built-in density reference table and weight comparison chart make it easy to compare materials and plan deliveries. It also supports quick cost estimation before placing supplier orders.
Material suppliers sell by weight (tons) while job sites measure by volume (cubic feet or yards). This tool bridges the gap with 15 pre-loaded material densities, saving you from looking up densities separately. The visual weight comparison instantly shows how materials differ across planning, procurement, and logistics discussions in field operations.
Weight (lb) = Volume (ft³) × Density (lb/ft³) Volume (ft³) = Weight (lb) ÷ Density (lb/ft³) 1 yd³ = 27 ft³
Result: 4,050 lb (2.025 tons)
27 ft³ (1 cubic yard) × 150 lb/ft³ = 4,050 pounds = 2.025 US tons. This is a standard concrete order for a small patio.
Density is mass per unit volume. In US customary units, it is expressed as pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³). Water at 60°F has a density of 62.4 lb/ft³, which serves as the reference point. Materials denser than water sink; less dense materials float. Construction materials range from mulch (25 lb/ft³) to steel (490 lb/ft³).
When ordering sand, gravel, or topsoil, suppliers price by the ton but you measure the fill area in cubic feet or yards. Calculate the volume you need (length × width × depth), convert to cubic yards if needed (÷ 27), then multiply by the material density to get the weight. Add 10-15% for compaction and waste.
Moisture content significantly affects density for porous materials. Dry sand weighs ~100 lb/ft³ but wet sand weighs ~120 lb/ft³. Soil density varies even more. Always specify dry or wet conditions when ordering, and consider drainage if the material will be rained on during storage.
62.4 pounds (28.3 kg) at standard temperature. This is one of the most important density values to know. It is commonly used as a baseline for quick comparisons.
About 150 pounds (68 kg) for standard concrete. Lightweight concrete ranges from 90-115 lb/ft³. Always confirm the mix specification when ordering large volumes.
About 2,835 lb (1.4 tons). A cubic yard is 27 ft³ × 105 lb/ft³ = 2,835 lb. Actual delivery weight can vary slightly with moisture and gradation.
No. Volume and weight are related by density, which varies by material. You must know what substance you are measuring.
Dry soil weighs about 75 lb/ft³; wet soil about 100 lb/ft³. The exact weight depends on composition and moisture. Clay-heavy soils usually weigh more than sandy soils at the same volume.
Measure the space in cubic feet (L × W × H in feet), select the material, and this tool gives you the weight in tons. Add a contingency for compaction and waste before placing the order.