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A reliable bitumen density chart saves time on site and in the office because it turns technical data into a quick reference that engineers, contractors, estimators, and students can actually use. Instead of checking multiple supplier sheets every time, you can compare common grades and temperatures in one place and make faster weight-to-volume calculations for storage, transport, and material planning.
Density charts are especially useful in road construction and roofing work where even a small conversion mistake can affect ordering, tanker capacity, spray planning, and budget estimates. When you know the approximate density of a grade at a given temperature, it becomes much easier to estimate cubic meters, tons, and kilograms without slowing down the project workflow.
If you want a broader explanation before using the chart, read this bitumen density guide. If you need instant calculations instead of manual conversion, use the Bitumen Density Calculator. You can also visit the homepage to explore more tools for bitumen, asphalt, and construction estimating.
Typical Range = 950–1050 kg/m³
Most paving grades sit near 1000–1050 kg/m³ at standard test temperatures, while hotter bitumen generally shows a lower density reading.
Weight-to-volume conversions, tanker checks, and jobsite planning.
Always match the grade and temperature before using any density value in a calculation.
Bitumen density is the mass of bitumen contained in a specific volume, usually written in kg/m³ or tons/m³. In simple words, it tells you how heavy bitumen is for every cubic meter. This number is useful because most construction decisions depend on both weight and volume, and density helps connect the two.
For example, if you know the volume in a storage tank, density helps you estimate the weight of the bitumen inside it. If you know the weight, density helps you estimate the space it will occupy. That is why density matters for buying, handling, heating, spraying, and transport. If you also need finished binder mass from volume, the Bitumen Weight Calculator can help you move from chart values to real project numbers.
For most practical paving work, bitumen density is commonly referenced in the range of 950–1050 kg/m³. A narrower working range for many standard paving grades is often around 1000–1050 kg/m³ at typical laboratory temperatures such as 15°C or 25°C.
The exact value changes with grade, test temperature, and the product type. Harder or oxidized grades can read a little higher, while softer grades and hotter samples can read a little lower. That is why a chart is more useful than a single number. If you want to compare binder values with full road mix values, the asphalt density calculator guide explains the difference clearly.
Use this table as a quick field reference. Values below are practical approximate values for common grades and temperatures, and actual product data should still be checked against the supplier technical data sheet or lab report when precision is critical.
| Grade | Temperature (°C) | Density (kg/m³) | Density (tons/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitumen 40/50 | 15 | 1045 | 1.045 |
| Bitumen 40/50 | 25 | 1035 | 1.035 |
| Bitumen 60/70 | 15 | 1030 | 1.030 |
| Bitumen 60/70 | 25 | 1020 | 1.020 |
| Bitumen 60/70 | 60 | 1000 | 1.000 |
| Bitumen 60/70 | 135 | 970 | 0.970 |
| Bitumen 80/100 | 15 | 1015 | 1.015 |
| Bitumen 80/100 | 25 | 1005 | 1.005 |
| VG10 | 25 | 1000 | 1.000 |
| VG30 | 25 | 1015 | 1.015 |
| VG40 | 25 | 1035 | 1.035 |
| Oxidized Bitumen 115/15 | 25 | 1050 | 1.050 |
Start by confirming the bitumen grade you are using, such as 60/70, 80/100, VG30, or oxidized bitumen. Using the wrong grade is one of the fastest ways to create a wrong estimate.
Check the temperature at which the density value is listed. Density changes when bitumen is heated, so the same grade can show a different value at 15°C, 25°C, or 60°C.
Use kg/m³ when your calculation is in kilograms and cubic meters. Use tons/m³ when you want a faster conversion into metric tons.
Multiply volume by density to get mass, or divide mass by density to get volume. If you want a faster result, go straight to the Bitumen Density Calculator or return to the homepage for more estimating tools.
| Density (kg/m³) | Density (tons/m³) |
|---|---|
| 950 | 0.950 |
| 970 | 0.970 |
| 1000 | 1.000 |
| 1015 | 1.015 |
| 1020 | 1.020 |
| 1035 | 1.035 |
| 1050 | 1.050 |
Converting from kg/m³ to tons/m³ is simple: divide by 1000. So 1020 kg/m³ becomes 1.020 tons/m³.
Temperature has the biggest effect. As bitumen gets hotter, it expands and the density usually drops. That is why hot bitumen in tanks or pipelines often shows a lower density than the same grade tested at room temperature.
Different grades do not behave exactly the same. Harder grades and oxidized products often read slightly higher than softer penetration grades, so the chart should always be matched to the product being used.
Water, dust, fillers, aging, contamination, or poor refining can change the reading. If a density value looks unusual, it may be a sign that the sample should be checked again before it is used in purchasing or quality control.
You have 2.5 m³ of Bitumen 60/70 at 25°C. From the chart, density is 1020 kg/m³.
Weight = 2.5 × 1020 = 2550 kg, or 2.55 tons.
You need to store 5 tons of VG30. From the chart, density is 1.015 tons/m³.
Volume = 5 ÷ 1.015 = 4.93 m³ approximately.
You have 500 liters of Bitumen 80/100 at 25°C. Convert liters to cubic meters first: 500 L = 0.5 m³.
Weight = 0.5 × 1005 = 502.5 kg.
These examples show why a good chart reduces guesswork. Once you read the correct row, the calculation becomes straightforward and much less likely to create errors in planning, billing, or transport.
A quick check against the chart and the right internal tool usually prevents these mistakes before they become expensive site problems.
Read the full explanation of bitumen density, practical ranges, and why temperature matters in real construction work.
Read guideUse chart values instantly and convert between density units for storage, transport, and site estimation.
Open calculatorTurn known volume into total bitumen weight quickly when ordering material or checking tanker loads.
Open calculatorCompare binder density with full asphalt mix density so you do not confuse bitumen values with paving material values.
Read guideBitumen density is the mass of bitumen in a given volume. In construction work, it is usually expressed in kg/m³ or tons/m³, and common paving references often fall in the 950–1050 kg/m³ range.
Read the grade first, then check the listed temperature, and finally use the matching density value for your calculation. That keeps the conversion aligned with the actual material condition.
Yes. As temperature rises, bitumen usually expands and density decreases. That is why a 25°C value should not be used blindly for hot bitumen in tanks or pipelines.
A practical standard reference is often around 1000–1050 kg/m³, while the broader commonly used range is about 950–1050 kg/m³ depending on grade and test temperature.
Use the Bitumen Density Calculator when you want instant conversions, open the Bitumen Weight Calculator when you need mass from known volume, and keep the bitumen density guide and asphalt density calculator guide nearby for deeper understanding. You can also explore more internal tools from the homepage.