About

Accurate material estimation prevents logistical nightmares in heavy industry. Project managers and site engineers rely on precise volume-to-weight conversions to order the correct amount of aggregate. Underestimating leads to project delays while waiting for supplementary deliveries. Overestimating wastes budget on unused material and disposal fees. This tool addresses the specific density variations found in construction materials. It accounts for the distinct unit systems used globally, preventing expensive errors where a "ton" might be interpreted differently across borders.

Formulas

The conversion requires the specific bulk density of the material. The fundamental relationship connects mass, volume, and density.

{

m = V × ρm is Mass (tonnes)V is Volume (m³)ρ is Density (t/m³)

To convert between different "ton" definitions, precise factors are applied.

1 Metric Tonne = 1000 kg1 Short Ton (US) ≈ 907.18 kg1 Long Ton (UK) ≈ 1016.05 kg

Reference Data

Material Category	Condition	Average Density t/m³	Density lb/yd³
Wet Sand	Compacted	2.08	3510
Dry Sand	Loose	1.44	2430
Gravel	Dry, 1/4 to 2 inch	1.52	2560
Asphalt	Crushed	0.72	1215
Asphalt	Paving Mix	2.35	3965
Concrete	Solid	2.40	4050
Topsoil	Moist, Packed	1.44	2430
Clay	Wet, Excavated	1.83	3085
Cement	Portland, Loose	1.50	2530
Coal	Anthracite	0.96	1620
Snow	Freshly Fallen	0.16	270
Water	Pure	1.00	1685

Frequently Asked Questions

Bulk density is not a fixed constant. It fluctuates based on moisture content, particle size distribution, and compaction. Wet sand is significantly heavier than dry sand because water occupies the void spaces between grains.

A Short Ton is used primarily in the US and equals 2,000 lbs (approx. 907 kg). A Long Ton is used in the UK and some Commonwealth nations, equaling 2,240 lbs (approx. 1,016 kg). The Metric Tonne (1,000 kg) is the international standard.

Determine the truck's maximum payload capacity in weight (e.g., 20 tonnes). Use this tool to calculate the weight of your required volume. If the calculated weight exceeds the truck's limit, you must split the order or use a larger vehicle.

No. The calculator provides the net weight based on the input volume. For ordering purposes, industry standards suggest adding 5-10% to the total volume to account for spillages, compaction, and uneven grading.