What is the difference between a tonne and a ton?

A metric tonne is 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb). An imperial (long) ton is 2,240 lb (1,016 kg). A US (short) ton is 2,000 lb (907 kg). In UK construction, the metric tonne is standard — aggregates, concrete, and bulk materials are all sold by the tonne. The difference between a metric tonne and an imperial ton is less than 2%, so for rough site estimates they are often treated as equivalent.

How much does a bag of cement weigh?

A standard bag of cement in the UK weighs 25 kg (approximately 55 lb). This changed from the traditional 50 kg bag to comply with manual handling regulations (the HSE recommends a maximum of 25 kg for regular lifting). A bag of sand or aggregate typically weighs 25 kg as well. A bulk (tonne) bag weighs approximately 850-1000 kg depending on the material and packing.

How much does a cubic metre of concrete weigh?

Standard ready-mix concrete weighs approximately 2,400 kg per cubic metre (2.4 tonnes). Lightweight concrete (using lightweight aggregates) weighs approximately 1,400-1,800 kg/m³. A 6 m³ concrete truck therefore carries approximately 14.4 tonnes of concrete. Reinforced concrete is typically assumed at 2,500 kg/m³ to account for the steel reinforcement.

Metric to Imperial Weight Conversions

Kilograms to pounds and stones, tonnes to tons. Common UK construction material weights for estimating loads and deliveries.

Weight Conversion Factors

From	To	Multiply By
Kilograms	Pounds (lb)	2.2046
Pounds (lb)	Kilograms	0.4536
Kilograms	Stones	0.1575
Stones	Kilograms	6.350
Tonnes (metric)	Tons (imperial)	0.9842
Tons (imperial)	Tonnes (metric)	1.016
Grams	Ounces	0.03527
Ounces	Grams	28.35

Common Construction Material Weights

Material	Weight (kg)	Weight (lb)	Notes
Bag of cement	25	55	Standard UK bag
Bag of sand/aggregate	25	55	Standard retail bag
Bulk bag (sand/gravel)	850-1000	1870-2205	Tonne bag — actual weight varies
Standard UK brick	2.5-3.5	5.5-7.7	Depends on type (fletton to engineering)
Pallet of bricks (~400)	~1,200	~2,645	Varies by brick type
Concrete block (440x215x100)	~12	~26	Dense aggregate block
Lightweight block (440x215x100)	~7	~15	Aircrete/aerated block
Plasterboard (2400x1200x12.5)	~22	~48	Standard board
Sheet plywood (2440x1220x18)	~21	~46	Softwood plywood
Bag of plaster (Multi-Finish)	25	55	Standard bag