What Is the Bulk Density of Sand?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 12, 2023

When dry, sand has a bulk density of about 80 to 100 pounds per cubic foot, while when damp, it is about 100. The bulk density of sand varies according to its texture.

Bulk density is a property of all particulate matter. It is calculated by dividing the mass of a substance by its volume. A material’s bulk density may change depending on its handling. Powder in a cylinder has a different bulk density if the cylinder is disturbed. This is because the particles move, then settle more closely together, resulting in a different volume. Soil’s bulk density varies according to its degree of compaction and its mineral makeup.