Work out sand quantity instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Sand is ordered loose but placed compacted, and damp sand bulks by 20-30 percent, so the delivered volume must exceed the placed volume. Mass, however, does not bulk: tonnage is the compacted volume times bulk density, which is why ordering by weight avoids the argument entirely.
Loose volume
m³ loose = compacted volume x (1 + bulking) x (1 + wastage)
Mass
kg = compacted volume x (1 + wastage) x bulk density
m³ loose = compacted volume x (1 + bulking) x (1 + wastage). Sand is ordered loose but placed compacted, and damp sand bulks by 20-30 percent, so the delivered volume must exceed the placed volume.
By weight where possible. Volume delivered depends on moisture content and how well the truck is loaded, whereas a weighbridge ticket is unambiguous.
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Compacted volume required, Bulking of loose sand, Bulk density, Wastage allowance. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.