Bulk Density Converter
The Bulk Density Converter turns kg of loose goods like sand, grain or wood chips into liters, with the air gaps included.
Interactive Bulk Density Converter Engine
Result = Value × Factor
How Bulk Density Converter Works?
The Bulk Density Converter works in 3 steps.
- 1
Enter the mass in kilograms (kg) of the loose material.
- 2
Set the bulk density in kg/L, for example 1.60 for dry sand, 0.65 for wood pellets or 0.22 for sawdust.
- 3
Read the liters (L) the pile or bag fills; divide by 1,000 for cubic meters (m³).
Bulk Density Converter Formula
The Bulk Density Converter formula is:
Volume (L) = Mass (kg) ÷ Bulk density (kg/L)Bulk density = Mass of loose sample (kg) ÷ Container volume (L), measured without tapping or compacting the sample.
Worked example
25 kg (55 lb) of wood pellets ÷ 0.65 kg/L = 38.46 L (0.038 m³).
Bulk density is always lower than particle density. Quartz grains have a particle density of 2.65 kg/L, yet dry sand has a bulk density near 1.60 kg/L, since about 40% of a sand pile is air.
Bulk Density Converter Conversion Table
The Bulk Density Converter table lists 12 loose materials with bulk density in kg/L and kg/m³, the liters in one 25 kg (55 lb) bag and the cubic meters in one tonne (2,204.6 lb).
| Material | Bulk density (kg/L) | Bulk density (kg/m³) | L per 25 kg bag | m³ per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | 1.6 | 1,600 | 15.6 | 0.625 |
| Gravel | 1.68 | 1,680 | 14.9 | 0.595 |
| Crushed Stone | 1.55 | 1,550 | 16.1 | 0.645 |
| Topsoil | 1.25 | 1,250 | 20 | 0.8 |
| Compost | 0.65 | 650 | 38.5 | 1.538 |
| Potting Mix | 0.45 | 450 | 55.6 | 2.222 |
| Cement Powder | 1.44 | 1,440 | 17.4 | 0.694 |
| Wood Pellets | 0.65 | 650 | 38.5 | 1.538 |
| Wood Chips | 0.35 | 350 | 71.4 | 2.857 |
| Sawdust | 0.22 | 220 | 113.6 | 4.545 |
| Flour | 0.53 | 530 | 47.2 | 1.887 |
| Rice | 0.85 | 850 | 29.4 | 1.176 |
What is Bulk Density Converter?
The Bulk Density Converter is a calculator that converts the mass of granular or loose material into volume with bulk density. Bulk density counts the material and the empty spaces between pieces in one liter of a loose pile.
Bulk density changes with 3 factors: particle size, moisture content and settling. Damp sand reaches 1.9 kg/L, and settled flour weighs about 20% more per liter than sifted flour. Measure a sample in the condition you plan to store or ship.
What are the uses of Bulk Density Converter?
There are 4 main uses of the Bulk Density Converter: bag and sack filling, silo sizing, landscaping orders and transport loading.
Bag and sack filling
Packers check that a 25 kg sack holds the right number of liters of feed or pellets.
Silo sizing
Farmers convert tonnes of grain into cubic meters before choosing a silo.
Landscaping orders
Gardeners turn a quoted weight of mulch or compost into liters for raised beds.
Transport loading
Hauliers check whether a truck fills by volume before reaching the weight limit.
Bulk Density Converter FAQ
What is the difference between bulk density and true density?
Bulk density includes air gaps between particles, while true density counts only the solid material. Dry sand has a bulk density near 1.6 kg/L and a true density near 2.65 kg/L.
How do I measure bulk density?
Fill a container of known volume loosely, level the top and weigh it. Divide the net mass in kg by the volume in L.
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