About

Ordering sand is rarely a simple volume calculation. Moisture content dramatically alters the weight of the material. A cubic meter of dry sand weighs significantly less than the same volume of wet sand following rain. This variability often leads to under-ordering, causing work stoppages, or dangerous overloading of transport vehicles. This tool provides estimated weights based on specific conditions - Loose, Packed, Wet, or Dry - and allows users to add a safety margin to account for compaction during transport and unavoidable site waste.

Formulas

The total weight calculation includes a modifier for the safety margin to ensure sufficient supply.

{

W = V × d × (1 + margin100)W is Total Weightd is Density (based on condition)

Reference Data

Sand Type	Condition	Approx. Density kg/m³	Density t/m³
River Sand	Wet	1,900	1.90
River Sand	Dry	1,500	1.50
Sea Sand	Wet	2,000	2.00
Sea Sand	Dry	1,600	1.60
Quarry Dust	Loose	1,400	1.40
Quarry Dust	Packed	1,650	1.65
Silica Sand	Dry	1,250	1.25

Frequently Asked Questions

Significantly. Dry sand acts like a sponge. A cubic meter of dry sand can absorb hundreds of liters of water, potentially increasing its weight by 30-40% without changing its volume visibly.

"Loose" refers to sand that has been recently shoveled or dumped, containing air pockets. "Packed" (or compacted) sand has been vibrated or compressed, removing air and fitting more material into the same volume, thus increasing density.

Sand settles during transport (compaction) and some material is always lost during loading, unloading, or mixing. A 5-10% margin ensures you don't run out before finishing the job.

Yes. River sand particles are often rounder, while pit sand (quarry) is sharper. While their mineral densities are similar, the way they pack together differs, affecting bulk density.