Cubic Metres to Tonnes Dry Sand Converter
Instantly calculate the weight of dry sand in metric tonnes based on volume in cubic metres. Accurate for construction, landscaping, and DIY projects.
Calculate Your Sand Weight
Enter the volume of sand in cubic metres and select the sand type below to get an instant, accurate conversion to metric tonnes.
Weight Converter
Enter your volume to see the estimated weight in tonnes
Calculate volume: Length (m) × Width (m) × Depth (m)
Density varies based on moisture and compaction
Estimated Weight
Converted based on standard material densities
Sand Density Reference Chart
Standard average densities for different types of sand. Use this to verify your manual calculations or adjust the estimator above.
| Sand Type | Density (Tonnes/m³) | Density (kg/m³) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Sand (Loose) | 1.60 | 1,600 | General landscaping, top dressing |
| Dry Sand (Packed) | 1.68 | 1,680 | Compacted base layers, paving |
| Wet Sand | 1.92 | 1,920 | Recent rainfall, mortar mixing |
| Wet Sand (Packed) | 2.08 | 2,080 | Heavy, waterlogged conditions |
| Play Sand (Dry) | 1.45 | 1,450 | Sandpits, children’s play areas |
Sand Weight FAQ
Everything you need to know about converting sand volume to weight for your project.
On average, one cubic metre of loose, dry sand weighs approximately 1.6 metric tonnes. If the sand is compacted or packed, the weight can increase to around 1.68 tonnes per cubic metre.
Yes, wet sand is significantly heavier than dry sand because water fills the voids between the sand grains. Wet sand typically weighs around 1.92 tonnes per cubic metre, and packed wet sand can weigh up to 2.08 tonnes per cubic metre.
To calculate the volume in cubic metres (m³), measure the length, width, and depth of the area in metres, then multiply them together: Volume = Length × Width × Depth. For example, an area 2m long, 1m wide, and 0.1m deep requires 0.2 m³ of sand.
A metric tonne (or tonne) is exactly 1,000 kilograms. A UK ‘long ton’ is 1,016 kilograms, and a US ‘short ton’ is 907 kilograms. In UK construction and landscaping, bulk materials are almost exclusively measured, quoted, and sold in metric tonnes.