How To Convert Cubic Meters To Ton

Cubic meters do not naturally convert into tons because the two units measure different properties: cubic meters (m^3) measure volume; tons, also known as U.S. or short tons, measure mass. The two different units can be made equivalent using density, which is a measurement of mass in relation to volume. If you know the density of a specific material, you can convert the volume that the material occupies in cubic meters into its mass in tons.

1. Determine the Volume

Determine the volume in cubic meters of your material. For example, you have 500,000 m³ of rye.

2. Determine the Density

Determine the density of your material with an online material density chart (see Resources). In this example, rye has a density of 705 kilograms per cubic meter.

3. Multiply Volume by Density

Multiply the volume of the material by its density to obtain the material's mass. In this example, 500,000 x 705 = 352,500,000. You have 352,500,000 kg of rye.

4. Divide by Mass

Divide the mass in kilograms by 907.18 to convert it to tons. In the example, 352,500,000/907.18 = 388,566.77. You have 388,566.77 tons of rye.