About

Converting between volume (m³) and mass (t) is not a fixed ratio. It depends entirely on the material's bulk density ρ, which itself varies with moisture content, compaction, particle size distribution, and temperature. Using an incorrect density value for construction aggregates can produce quantity estimation errors of 15 - 40%, leading to material shortages on site or overpayment for haulage. This tool applies documented bulk densities per material type to perform the conversion m = V × ρ. Values assume loose, uncompacted state unless noted. For compacted fills, multiply the listed density by a compaction factor of approximately 1.15 - 1.30 depending on material and method.

The densities listed here represent typical field values sourced from engineering handbooks and aggregate supplier data sheets. Actual density at your site may differ. For high-stakes structural or cost calculations, obtain a lab-tested density from a representative sample. This tool approximates standard conditions at 20°C and dry-to-air-dry moisture state.

Formulas

The conversion between volume and mass requires knowledge of the material's density. The fundamental relationship is:

m = V × ρ

When density ρ is given in kg/m³ and you need the result in metric tonnes (t), divide by 1000:

m = V × ρ1000

The inverse operation, converting mass to volume:

V = m × 1000ρ

Where: m = mass in metric tonnes (t). V = volume in cubic meters (m³). ρ = bulk density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). 1000 = conversion factor from kg to t (since 1 t = 1000 kg).

Reference Data

Material	Bulk Density (kg/m³)	1 m³ = Tonnes	Notes
Water (pure)	1000	1.000	Reference standard at 4°C
Sand (dry)	1500	1.500	Loose, uncompacted
Sand (wet)	1900	1.900	Saturated
Gravel (loose)	1550	1.550	Unwashed, mixed sizes
Gravel (compacted)	1900	1.900	Mechanically compacted
Crushed Stone	1600	1.600	Granite/basalt aggregate
Concrete (reinforced)	2400	2.400	Standard structural mix
Concrete (lightweight)	1800	1.800	Expanded clay aggregate
Asphalt (hot mix)	2350	2.350	Compacted HMA
Cement (Portland)	1500	1.500	Bulk, not packed bags
Topsoil (dry)	1200	1.200	Screened, loose
Topsoil (wet)	1700	1.700	After rain
Clay (dry)	1600	1.600	Uncompacted
Clay (wet)	2100	2.100	Saturated, heavy
Limestone (crushed)	1540	1.540	Quarried aggregate
Granite (solid)	2700	2.700	Intact rock
Marble	2600	2.600	Solid block
Sandstone	2300	2.300	Varies by porosity
Steel	7850	7.850	Mild/structural steel
Iron (cast)	7200	7.200	Grey cast iron
Aluminium	2700	2.700	Pure / 6061 alloy
Copper	8940	8.940	Solid
Lead	11340	11.340	Solid
Brick (common)	1800	1.800	Standard clay brick
Brick (rubble)	1350	1.350	Demolition debris
Wood (pine, air-dry)	510	0.510	12% MC
Wood (oak, air-dry)	690	0.690	12% MC
Plywood	600	0.600	Birch plywood
Glass	2500	2.500	Soda-lime float
Gypsum (powder)	1200	1.200	Loose
Snow (fresh)	100	0.100	Freshly fallen
Snow (packed)	400	0.400	Settled / plowed
Ice	917	0.917	At 0°C
Coal (bituminous)	1300	1.300	Lump, loose pile
Coke	570	0.570	Metallurgical coke
Salt (rock)	2200	2.200	Solid halite
Salt (table, granular)	1200	1.200	Loose granules
Sugar (granulated)	850	0.850	Loose, dry
Wheat (grain)	770	0.770	Bulk test weight
Rice (milled)	750	0.750	Loose
Flour (wheat)	590	0.590	Unsifted
Petroleum (crude)	870	0.870	API ~31
Diesel	850	0.850	At 15°C
Gasoline	740	0.740	At 15°C
Rubber	1200	1.200	Vulcanized
PVC	1400	1.400	Rigid, unplasticized
Polyethylene (HDPE)	955	0.955	High density
Expanded Polystyrene	25	0.025	EPS foam board
Peat (moist)	800	0.800	Field condition
Compost (mature)	550	0.550	Screened, loose
Mulch (wood chips)	350	0.350	Fresh, loose

Frequently Asked Questions

Water fills the void spaces between sand particles. Dry sand has a bulk density around 1500 kg/m³ because roughly 30-40% of its volume is air voids. When saturated, water (density 1000 kg/m³) replaces that air, increasing the composite density to approximately 1900 kg/m³. The mass gain is proportional to the void ratio and degree of saturation.

True density measures only the solid material without any voids - for example, quartz sand grains have a true density of about 2650 kg/m³. Bulk density includes the air gaps between particles, which is why loose dry sand measures only 1500 kg/m³. This converter uses bulk density because that is what you encounter when ordering by the cubic meter from a supplier.

Compaction reduces void volume, increasing bulk density. A typical compaction factor for granular fill is 1.15-1.30, meaning compacted gravel at 1900 kg/m³ was approximately 1550 kg/m³ in its loose state. If you are estimating delivery quantities (loose truck loads), use loose density. If calculating in-place weight of a compacted road base, use compacted density.

Yes. Liquids have well-defined densities at reference temperatures. Diesel is approximately 850 kg/m³ at 15 °C, and crude oil averages around 870 kg/m³ depending on API gravity. Temperature changes can shift liquid densities by 0.5-1.0 kg/m³ per degree Celsius, so for high-precision custody transfer calculations, apply the ASTM D1250 volume correction tables.

Significantly. Soil density can vary by 30-50% between oven-dry and saturated states. The values in this tool represent typical field conditions: "dry" means air-dry (residual moisture 2-5%), and "wet" means near saturation. For precise earthwork calculations, obtain the actual in-situ moisture content and apply the relation: wet density = dry density × (1 + moisture content as decimal).

The tool provides a "Custom density" option in the material selector. Enter any density value in kg/m³. This is useful for proprietary mixes, unusual alloys, or site-specific aggregate blends where you have lab-tested density data. Valid range is 1-25000 kg/m³.

No. A metric tonne (t) equals exactly 1000 kg. A US short ton equals approximately 907.2 kg, and an imperial long ton equals approximately 1016 kg. This converter outputs metric tonnes exclusively. To get US short tons, multiply the metric result by 1.1023. For imperial long tons, multiply by 0.9842.