Convert Cubic Meter to Metric Ton (m³ ⇄ t)
Quickly convert cubic meters to metric tons (m³ ⇄ t) with accurate, instant results
This convert cubic meter to metric ton tool helps you quickly and easily translate volume (m³) into mass (t) and vice versa. Because mass depends on density, there isn’t a single “m³ ↔ t” number for all materials. Enter a value in either field and get the instant result.
How to use the our Cubic Meter to Metric Ton converter
- Choose direction: m³ → t or t → m³.
- Select material
- Enter your value and click Convert.
- Copy results and Share it
How many metric tons equal a cubic meter?
It depends on the density (ρ) of the substance.
Formula (m³ → t): metric tons = cubic meters × density (t/m³)
Formula (t → m³): cubic meters = metric tons ÷ density (t/m³)
Key idea: Density links volume and mass. For example, pure water at ~4 °C has ρ ≈ 1 t/m³, so 1 m³ of water ≈ 1 metric ton. Other materials vary: diesel ~0.83 t/m³, concrete ~2.4 t/m³, steel ~7.85 t/m³.
Tip: If you don’t know density, select the closest material preset in the converter or enter a custom density (in kg/m³ or t/m³). For bulk solids (sand, gravel, grain), note whether values are loose vs. compacted and dry vs. wet.
Cubic meter (m³) basics
A cubic meter (m³) is the SI unit of volume.
- 1 m³ = 1,000 liters
- 1 m³ ≈ 35.3147 ft³
- Used for liquids, gases, bulk solids, tank capacities, and concrete pours.
Metric ton (tonne, t) basics
A metric ton (also “tonne”, symbol t) is 1,000 kilograms (kg), or ~2,204.6226 pounds (lb).
- Do not confuse with US short ton (2,000 lb) or UK long ton (2,240 lb).
- In engineering, logistics, and trade, “ton” often means metric ton in SI contexts.
Quick Reference
Use these approximate densities to convert quickly. Actual values vary by temperature, moisture, compaction, and composition.
Material (typical) | Density (t/m³) | 1 m³ → metric tons | 1 t → m³ |
Water (≈4 °C) | 1.00 | 1.00 t | 1.00 m³ |
Diesel fuel | 0.83 | 0.83 t | 1.20 m³ |
Crude oil (avg.) | 0.85 | 0.85 t | 1.18 m³ |
Concrete (normal) | 2.40 | 2.40 t | 0.42 m³ |
Sand (dry, loose) | 1.60 | 1.60 t | 0.63 m³ |
Gravel | 1.70 | 1.70 t | 0.59 m³ |
Steel | 7.85 | 7.85 t | 0.13 m³ |
Hardwood (seasoned) | 0.75 | 0.75 t | 1.33 m³ |
Note: For compliance or procurement, confirm material certificates or standards-based values. Our calculator lets you override density to match your spec.
How to convert cubic meter to metric ton
Formula: t = m³ × ρ (t/m³)
Examples:
- Water: 3 m³ × 1.00 = 3.00 t
- Concrete: 2.5 m³ × 2.40 = 6.00 t
- Diesel: 10 m³ × 0.83 = 8.30 t
Scientific notation: If you prefer SI base units, enter density in kg/m³ and convert:
t (kg) = m³ × ρ (kg/m³) then t (metric tons) = kg ÷ 1000.
How to convert metric ton to cubic meter
Formula: m³ = t ÷ ρ (t/m³)
Examples:
- Sand (1.60 t/m³): 4 t ÷ 1.60 = 2.50 m³
- Steel (7.85 t/m³): 10 t ÷ 7.85 ≈ 1.27 m³
- Crude oil (0.85 t/m³): 5 t ÷ 0.85 ≈ 5.88 m³
Common pitfalls: Using the wrong ton (short vs. metric), ignoring moisture, and mixing densities (bulk vs. solid).
Related conversions you may need Know
Because projects rarely stick to one unit, our toolset covers adjacent needs:
m³ to gallon:
1 m³ = 1,000 L.
US gallons: 1 US gal = 3.785411784 L, so 1 m³ ≈ 264.172052 US gal.
UK (Imperial) gallons: 1 Imp gal = 4.54609 L, so 1 m³ ≈ 219.969248 Imp gal.
quintal to kg:
In the metric system, 1 quintal = 100 kg (common in agriculture and trade in South Asia).
1.4 tons to pounds:
For metric tons: lb = t × 2204.62262.
1.4 t ≈ 3,086.471668 lb (≈ 3,086.47 lb).
(If you meant US short tons, multiply by 2,000 instead.)
Application Where Cubic Meter to Metric Ton Used
- Construction & concrete: batching, truckloads, slab pours (m³) vs. payload limits (t).
- Aggregates & soil: sand/gravel deliveries, compaction specs, moisture corrections, bulk density management.
- Energy & fuels: tank capacities (m³), transport in metric tons, custody-transfer reports.
- Logistics & shipping: volumetric vs. mass-based freight rates; safe load planning.
- Environmental & water: storage reservoirs, wastewater flow (m³) vs. treatment chemical dosages (kg/t).
- Manufacturing: raw material planning by specific gravity, reconciling ERP/LIMS entries.
At Digital Calculator convert cubic meters to metric tons (m³ ⇄ t) instantly with material-specific density presets. Accurate, fast, and ideal for construction, fuels, and shipping.