How to convert mass to volume
Volume = mass ÷ bulk density. First express mass in kilograms and density in kilograms per cubic meter to obtain cubic meters. The converter then expresses the result in cubic yards, cubic feet, liters and cubic centimeters. For the reverse conversion, mass = volume × bulk density.
This tool starts with an already known quantity. If you need to estimate material from project dimensions, use the gravel calculator, sand calculator, topsoil calculator or cubic yard calculator.
US short tons, metric tonnes and Imperial long tons
A US short ton is exactly 2,000 lb (907.18474 kg). A metric tonne is exactly 1,000 kg. An Imperial long ton is exactly 2,240 lb (1,016.0469088 kg). Do not interpret an unqualified supplier “ton” without checking which definition applies. The same conversion options are available regardless of your country; pounds and ounces here are avoirdupois mass units.
Cubic yards to tons of gravel, sand or soil
There is no universal yards-to-tons factor. Use the supplier’s bulk density for the actual material, grading, moisture and packing. Bulk density includes spaces between particles; solid particle density is not interchangeable with it. The tool does not turn a loose quantity into a compacted volume, predict settlement, or add an ordering allowance.
Reference bulk densities for common materials
These are approximate loose-material reference values from Caterpillar, not measured averages for every supplier. They can help with a preliminary estimate when a product-specific value is unavailable. Moisture, grading and packing can change the result substantially. Use a supplier’s applicable bulk density when available.
| Material and condition | kg/m³ | lb/ft³ |
|---|---|---|
| Sand, dry and loose | 1,420 | 88.6 |
| Sand, damp and loose | 1,690 | 105.5 |
| Sand, wet and loose | 1,840 | 114.9 |
| Gravel, dry and loose (¼–2 in) | 1,690 | 105.5 |
| Gravel, wet and loose (¼–2 in) | 2,020 | 126.1 |
| Loam, loose | 1,250 | 78.0 |
Source: Caterpillar’s material density reference, loose-material column, checked October 16, 2026. US values are converted from the published kg/m³ figures and rounded to one decimal place. These are individual reference conditions, not minimum–maximum ranges or particle densities. Loose loam is not a specification for every topsoil blend; no generic mulch value is assumed.
WORKED METRIC EXAMPLE
3.2 metric tonnes at 1,600 kg/m³
3.2 tonnes = 3,200 kg. Divide 3,200 by the illustrative density of 1,600 kg/m³: 2 m³ = 2,000 L. Reversing the calculation, 2 m³ × 1,600 kg/m³ = 3,200 kg. The density is an arithmetic example, not a recommended sand or gravel value.
WORKED US EXAMPLE
2 US short tons at 100 lb/ft³
2 short tons = 4,000 lb. Divide by an illustrative 100 lb/ft³: 40 ft³ = 40/27 ≈ 1.48148148 yd³. The result would differ for two metric tonnes or two long tons. Match the density to your supplier’s material.
International units and precision
1 ft = 0.3048 m; 1 yd = 0.9144 m; 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg; 1 L = 0.001 m³. A density of 1 kg/L or 1 g/cm³ equals 1,000 kg/m³. Changing one input unit converts only that field. Reversing uses the internal calculated value, rather than the rounded displayed result. Displayed values use up to nine significant digits; real-world accuracy is limited by your density and measurements.
Definitions are based on the NIST Guide to the SI conversion tables. No national material density, supplier quote, haulage capacity or price is inferred.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards are in a ton?
It depends on the definition of ton and the material’s bulk density. Divide the mass by the matching density and convert the resulting volume to cubic yards. A ton of sand and a ton of mulch do not generally occupy the same volume.
Can I convert kilograms to cubic meters without density?
No. Kilograms measure mass and cubic meters measure volume. Their relationship requires density. Ask your supplier for an applicable bulk density. For a preliminary estimate, the reference table lists approximate loose sand, gravel and loam values with their conditions. The converter leaves the result unavailable until you enter a density; it does not automatically select a reference value.
Which ton should I select?
Select US short tons for a 2,000 lb ton, metric tonnes for 1,000 kg, or Imperial long tons for 2,240 lb. Confirm ambiguous quotes with the supplier rather than relying only on the country name.
Can I use density in tonnes per cubic meter?
Yes. Select Metric tonnes/m³. For example, 1.6 metric tonnes/m³ is 1,600 kg/m³. The converter also accepts kg/L, g/cm³ and clearly labeled US or Imperial density units.
Does this convert loose volume into compacted volume?
No. The density must describe the condition you want to convert. This tool applies no compaction, settlement or extra-material factor.
Does changing units change my quantity?
Changing a quantity or density unit converts the existing number to preserve its physical value. Reversing the direction uses the calculated quantity and the same density. With invalid or missing data there is no valid result to reverse.