Cubic Metres to Tonnes Converter

Work out the mass in tonnes from volume in cubic metres. Select a common material or enter a custom density for accurate results.

Select Material

Density (tonnes/m³)

Volume (cubic metres)

Quick Conversions

Understanding the Conversion

Converting cubic metres to tonnes isn’t straightforward because you’re changing from volume to mass. The density of your material bridges this gap. A cubic metre of concrete weighs far more than a cubic metre of sand, even though both occupy the same space.

The formula connects volume and density to give you mass. Multiply the volume by density, and you get tonnes. This matters when ordering materials for building sites, working out lorry loads, or planning deliveries. Getting it wrong means wasted money or project delays.

Conversion Formula:

Mass (tonnes) = Volume (m³) × Density (tonnes/m³)

Step-by-Step Conversion

Identify your material and find its density in tonnes per cubic metre
Measure or calculate the volume in cubic metres
Multiply the volume by the density
The result gives you the mass in tonnes

For example, 5 m³ of concrete with a density of 2.4 t/m³ equals 12 tonnes. That’s 5 × 2.4 = 12. Simple maths, but crucial for construction projects across the UK.

Common Materials Conversion Table

Here’s what different volumes convert to for popular construction materials. These figures use standard UK densities.

Material	1 m³	5 m³	10 m³	20 m³
Concrete (Normal)	2.4 t	12.0 t	24.0 t	48.0 t
Asphalt	2.3 t	11.5 t	23.0 t	46.0 t
Sand (Dry)	1.6 t	8.0 t	16.0 t	32.0 t
Sand (Wet)	1.9 t	9.5 t	19.0 t	38.0 t
Gravel (Loose)	1.6 t	8.0 t	16.0 t	32.0 t
Soil (Dense Sand)	2.2 t	11.0 t	22.0 t	44.0 t
Hardcore	1.9 t	9.5 t	19.0 t	38.0 t
Limestone	2.2 t	11.0 t	22.0 t	44.0 t
Granite	2.7 t	13.5 t	27.0 t	54.0 t
Brickwork (Engineering)	2.2 t	11.0 t	22.0 t	44.0 t

Visual Weight Comparison

What does 1 cubic metre weigh?

Water

1.0 t

Baseline reference

Sand

1.6 t

60% heavier

Concrete

2.4 t

140% heavier

Steel

7.8 t

680% heavier

Why Density Matters

Density varies dramatically between materials. Water sits at 1.0 tonne per cubic metre, which makes it handy for comparisons. Concrete packs in 2.4 times more mass in the same space. Steel? Nearly 8 times heavier than water.

Moisture changes everything too. Wet sand weighs about 20% more than dry sand. That’s why builders check material conditions before placing orders. A lorry rated for 20 tonnes can’t safely carry the same volume of wet aggregate as dry aggregate.

Regional variations exist as well. Scottish granite differs slightly from Cornish granite. London stock bricks weigh less than engineering bricks. Always check with your supplier for exact densities, especially on large projects.

Everyday Uses in the UK

Builders order concrete by the cubic metre but need to know the weight for vehicle restrictions. A standard 8-wheel tipper carries about 20 tonnes. That’s roughly 8.3 m³ of concrete but 12.5 m³ of dry sand.

Groundwork contractors shift massive volumes. A house extension foundation might need 15 m³ of concrete. That’s 36 tonnes arriving on site. Planning access for heavy lorries becomes essential.

Garden landscaping projects use these conversions constantly. Laying a patio? You’ll calculate topsoil volume, then convert to tonnes for delivery. Aggregate suppliers charge by the tonne, so you need accurate figures to avoid paying for material you can’t use.

Related Volume and Mass Conversions

Conversion Type	Relationship	Common Use
Cubic metres to kilograms	1 m³ = density × 1000 kg	Small-scale projects
Cubic yards to tonnes	1 yd³ = 0.765 m³	International work
Litres to tonnes	1000 L = 1 m³	Liquid materials
Cubic feet to tonnes	35.31 ft³ = 1 m³	US specifications
Tonnes to cubic metres	Mass ÷ density = volume	Reverse conversion

Density Reference for UK Materials

Material Category	Material	Density (t/m³)
Concrete	Aerated	1.0
	Lightweight aggregate	1.8
	Normal reinforced	2.4
Brickwork	Fletton	1.8
	London stock	1.9
	Engineering	2.2
Soil	Loose sand/gravel	1.6
	Soft/firm clay	1.8
	Stiff clay	2.1
	Dense sand/gravel	2.2
Stone	Limestone	2.2
	Sandstone	2.3
	Granite	2.7
Aggregates	General aggregate	1.4
Aggregates	Hardcore	1.9

FAQs

How many tonnes is 1 cubic metre?

It depends entirely on the material. Water is 1 tonne per cubic metre. Concrete typically weighs 2.4 tonnes per cubic metre. Sand ranges from 1.6 to 1.9 tonnes depending on moisture content. Steel reaches 7.8 tonnes per cubic metre. You must know the density to convert accurately.

Can I convert cubic metres to tonnes without knowing density?

No, you cannot. Volume and mass are different properties. The density links them together. Without knowing what material fills that volume, conversion is impossible. Always identify your material first, then find its density from reliable sources or supplier data sheets.

Why does the same volume weigh different amounts?

Materials pack mass differently into space. Lead atoms squeeze tightly together, making it dense. Aerated concrete contains air bubbles, reducing its density. Think of a sponge versus a brick—same size, vastly different weights. This is density at work.

How much does 10 cubic metres of concrete weigh?

Standard reinforced concrete weighs 2.4 tonnes per cubic metre. Multiply 10 by 2.4 to get 24 tonnes. That’s the weight of roughly three large elephants. You’d need a substantial lorry to shift that load safely on UK roads.

Does wet material weigh more than dry material?

Yes, moisture adds mass. Wet sand weighs about 1.9 t/m³ compared to 1.6 t/m³ when dry. That’s nearly 20% more weight. Rain-soaked topsoil, damp aggregate, or waterlogged clay all increase your tonne calculations. Check material condition before ordering.

What’s the difference between metric tonnes and imperial tons?

A metric tonne equals 1000 kilograms. An imperial ton (long ton) equals 1016 kg, used historically in the UK. A US ton (short ton) equals 907 kg. Modern UK construction uses metric tonnes throughout. Most suppliers have switched to metric, but always clarify to avoid costly mistakes.

How do I calculate volume in cubic metres?

Multiply length × width × height in metres. A space 2m long, 3m wide, and 1.5m high equals 9 m³. For irregular shapes, break them into rectangles or use more complex formulas. Many builders’ merchants offer volume calculators for common shapes like trenches or pads.

What size vehicle do I need for different tonnages?

Small tippers handle 8-10 tonnes. Standard 8-wheel tippers carry up to 20 tonnes. Artic lorries manage 29 tonnes max on UK roads. Match vehicle capacity to your converted weight. Overloading vehicles breaks regulations and creates safety risks. Factor in vehicle weight too—that counts toward the legal limit.

Are online density figures reliable for ordering materials?

They provide good estimates, but supplier specifications beat generic figures every time. Concrete mix designs vary. Aggregate types differ regionally. Phone your supplier and ask for exact densities. This matters most on large orders where small percentage differences mean significant cost variations.