What is bulk density versus dry density?

Bulk density uses the current moisture condition. Dry density removes water effect by dividing bulk density by (1 + w), where w is moisture (decimal).

What moisture basis does this tool assume?

Moisture is by dry mass: w = (m_wet - m_dry) / m_dry. Enter percentage of w × 100.

Which units are supported?

Mass: kg, g, lb, tonne. Volume: m³, cm³, liter, ft³, yd³, US gallon. Results appear in kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³.

What typical densities should I expect?

Dry loose sand ~1400–1650 kg/m³. Compacted or moist sand can be higher, varying with gradation and fines.

Is unit weight the same as density?

Density is mass per volume. Unit weight is weight per volume: γ = ρ × g.

Can I save or export my calculations?

Yes. Use the CSV and PDF buttons on the results card, or copy values.

What’s the difference between this and relative density?

Relative density Dr quantifies compactness. This tool reports mass density and optional unit weight.

Any tips to reduce error?

Avoid segregation, level surfaces, control temperature, and verify scale zero. Use standardized moisture methods.

Sand Density Calculator

Q: How accurate are the results?

Accuracy depends on scale, volume calibration, and moisture determination. Use lab-grade equipment and replicate tests.

Inputs

Mass (wet) *

Wet mass of sand sample.

Volume *

Calibrated container / displacement volume.

Moisture content (% of dry mass)

Set to 0 if moisture is unknown.

Display precision

Digits after decimal in results.

Show equivalent unit weight (kN/m³ and pcf)

Results

Uses ρ = m / V, dry ρ_d = ρ / (1 + w), where w is moisture (decimal).

Bulk densitykg/m³

—

Also — g/cm³

Dry densitykg/m³

—

Also — lb/ft³

Bulk unit weightkN/m³

—

Also — pcf

Derived masseskg

Dry mass: — kg

Water mass: — kg

Moisture: — %

Example data

#	Material	Mass	Mass Unit	Volume	Volume Unit	Moisture %	Bulk ρ (kg/m³)	Dry ρ (kg/m³)	Use

Formula used

ρ = m / V — bulk density. Mass divided by measured volume.
ρ_d = ρ / (1 + w) — dry density. Moisture fraction w = moisture% / 100.
Unit conversions: 1 kg/m³ = 0.001 g/cm³ = 0.06242796 lb/ft³.
Unit weight (optional): γ = ρ × g, display in kN/m³ with g ≈ 9.80665 m/s².

How to use this calculator

Weigh a representative sand sample to get the wet mass.
Measure sample volume using a calibrated container or displacement method.
Enter mass, volume, and moisture percentage if known.
Click Calculate to see bulk and dry density in multiple units.
Toggle unit weight if you prefer γ instead of ρ.
Use Download Results CSV or PDF to export records.

FAQs

Bulk density uses the current moisture condition of the sample. Dry density removes the effect of water by dividing bulk density by (1 + w), where w is moisture (decimal).

Moisture is by dry mass, a common lab convention: w = (m_wet - m_dry) / m_dry. Enter the percentage equivalent of w × 100.

Yes. Set moisture to zero to see bulk density. Dry density equals bulk density in that case.

Mass: kg, g, lb, tonne. Volume: m³, cm³, liter, ft³, yd³, US gallon. Results display in kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³, and optional unit weight.

Dry loose sand can be ~1400–1650 kg/m³. Compacted or moist sand can be higher. Actual values vary with gradation, angularity, and fines content.

Density has units of mass per volume. Unit weight is weight per volume, equal to γ = ρ × g. Many field specs are written in unit weight terms.

Accuracy depends on your scale, volumetric calibration, and moisture determination. Use lab-grade equipment and replicate tests for tighter confidence.

Yes. Use the CSV and PDF buttons on the results card. You can also copy values to your clipboard.

Relative density (geotechnical D_r) quantifies compactness between very loose and very dense states. This tool reports mass density and, optionally, unit weight.

Avoid segregation when filling the container. Level surfaces, control temperature, and verify zero on scales. Record moisture with oven-dry or a standardized field method.