Weight of Sand in 1 m³: Bulk and Specific Weight of Different Sand Types
Suppliers sometimes underdeliver sand because it is difficult for the buyer to immediately understand exactly how many tons were delivered. But if you know at least the approximate specific weight of sand and the volume of the truck body, you can estimate the amount of material yourself by how full the truck is.
For a more accurate calculation, you can use a tape measure and measure the actual volume of the delivered sand.
Short Table of Sand Specific Weight in 1 m³
| Material | Weight of 1 m³ in t/m³ | Bucket weight in kg |
| Construction sand | 1,5 | 18 |
| Dry loose construction sand | 1,44 | 17,3 |
| Dry compacted construction sand | 1,68 | 20,2 |
| Wet construction sand | 1,92 | 23 |
| Wet compacted construction sand | 2,54 | 30,5 |
| River sand | 1,63 | 19,6 |
| Quartz sand | 1,65 | 19,8 |
| Sea sand | 1,62 | 19,44 |
| Quarry sand | 1,5 | 18 |
Construction sand according to GOST 8736-93 ~ 1,5 t/m³
Dry loose construction sand ~ 1,44 t/m³
Dry compacted construction sand ~ 1,68 t/m³
Wet construction sand ~ 1,92 t/m³
Wet compacted construction sand ~ 2,54 t/m³
River sand ~ 1,63 t/m³
Quartz sand ~ 1,65 t/m³
Sea sand ~ 1,62 t/m³
Quarry sand ~ 1,5 t/m³
The article gives approximate weights for different types of sand.
This is a reference article about the weight of sand in 1 m³. If you previously wondered how many tons of sand are in one cubic meter, the values above will help you roughly estimate the specific and bulk weight of the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 1 m³ of sand weigh?
The weight depends on the type and condition of the sand. According to the table, 1 m³ of construction sand weighs about 1.5 t, dry loose sand about 1.44 t, river sand about 1.63 t, and wet construction sand about 1.92 t.
Why is wet sand heavier than dry sand?
Wet sand contains water in the voids between grains, so its bulk weight increases. Compaction also matters: packed sand in the same volume weighs more than loose sand.
How can I roughly check how much sand was delivered by truck?
Measure the length, width and average height of the sand layer in the truck body, calculate the volume and multiply it by the approximate weight of 1 m³ for the relevant sand type. For accurate calculations, consider moisture and the actual bulk density of the batch.