Weights by product
| Product | Tonnes per m³ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil / garden soil | 0.9 – 1.4 | Varies with compost, mix design and moisture |
| Sandy loam | 1.3 – 1.5 | Turf underlay |
| Sand (washed) | 1.4 – 1.6 | Heavier when wet |
| Fill sand | 1.4 – 1.6 | Compacts heavier |
| Soil improver / compost | 0.7 – 0.9 | Light, organic |
| Lightweight soil | 0.8 – 1.0 | Rooftops and planters |
| Wet clay-heavy soil | up to 1.6+ | Water adds real weight |
Figures are indicative and move with moisture and source. For an exact number on the product you are ordering, just ask.
Why moisture matters so much
Water is heavy, and soil and sand hold a lot of it. The same cubic metre of sand can weigh noticeably more after rain than it does dry, because the water sitting between the grains adds straight onto the weight. This is why a load delivered after wet weather can feel heavier than the same volume in summer.
Turning volume into an order
Soil and sand are usually sold by the cubic metre, so you can often order directly in volume. If you need to convert to tonnes, multiply your cubic metres by the density above.
For example, topping up garden beds with 5 m² at 300mm deep is 1.5 m³ of soil. At about 1.2 t/m³ that is roughly 1.8 tonnes. For crushed rock weights, see how much does crushed rock weigh.
The trailer reality (again)
Soil and sand are lighter than rock but still too heavy to overload a trailer with. A 6x4 box trailer holds roughly half a cubic metre safely. Anything more than a cubic metre or two is a delivery, not a trailer run.