Converting volume to weight and visa versa

Equations often provide figures in either weight or volume. It is nice to be able to convert volume of manure to weight and visa versa. This worksheet provides methods to complete such conversions.

A five-gallon bucket is a convenient known volume. A 5-gallon bucket equals 2/3 ft3.

  1. Weigh the empty bucket and write the weight down.
  2. Fill the bucket with manure. Do not compact the manure any more than might occur in the spreader.
  3. Weigh the full bucket and subtract the empty bucket weight. The result is the weight of manure from your operation that equals 2/3 ft3.

Converting volume (ft3) to weight (lb):

Use this information to convert volume to weight and visa versa:

  • A 5 gallon bucket = 2/3 of ft3
  • If the 5 gallon bucket contains 4 pounds of manure per 2/3 of ft3
  • Then 1 ft3equals 6 pounds (4 divided by 2/3 = 6 lbs)
  • So, if your operation has 375,000 ft3 of manure, that is equivalent to 2,250,000 lbs. of manure (6 lbs x 375,000 ft3 = 2,250,000 lbs).

.Converting weight (lb )to volume (ft3) to :

  • If your operation has 2,250,000 lbs. of manure, that is equivalent to 375,000 ft3 of manure (2,250,000 lbs. ÷ 6 lbs = 375,000 ft3).