Sand and Gravel Tonnage Converter
Cubic metres to tonnes by bulk density, with truck loads.
Inputs
Result
Formula
| Mass | W = volume × bulk density |
| Trucks | N = ceil(mass ÷ payload) |
| Volume per load | payload ÷ bulk density |
| Typical values | sand 1.50, crushed stone 1.50, cobble 1.60 |
| Moisture | Damp sand is 10-15% heavier |
| Versus apparent density | Bulk is 55-60% of apparent, the rest is voids |
10 m³ of medium sand at 1.50 t/m³ is 15.00 t — one 30 t truck at 50% load, only half full; 30 m³ needs two loads.
FAQ
Why is a cubic metre of gravel not 2.7 tonnes?
2.7 t/m³ is the density of the solid stone; a heap has 40-45% voids between particles, so the bulk density is around 1.5 t. Concrete mix proportions quote 1150 kg/m³ of gravel in the loose state, not solid — confusing the two puts material quantities out by 80%.
Does wet sand weigh more?
Yes, and it is the commonest way to lose money on deliveries. Dry sand bulks at 1.45-1.50; at 5-8% moisture the surface films separate the grains so it bulks up while gaining weight, measuring 1.6-1.7. Buy by volume and the supplier ships damp sand; buy by weight and you assumed dry — both go wrong.
How do I avoid overweight fines?
Dispatch by payload, not by volume. A nominal 30 t body often holds 20 m³, which is exactly 30 t of gravel level-full but 32-34 t of sand. Use this tool to fix the volume ceiling per load — 30 ÷ 1.5 = 20 m³ — load to that, and weigh at the gate. A fine plus re-handling wipes out the margin on the whole load.
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Results are estimating aids only and are not a design basis. Construction and final accounts must follow the drawings, the applicable standards and an approved method statement. Anything affecting structural safety, shoring or falsework must be checked by a suitably qualified engineer.