Soil Size Classification
Dateline: 06/07/99The size of soil particles determines their name. This chart provides names along with the standard diameter of the particles for both U.S. and International classification systems.
| Particle | American Diameter | International Diameter |
| Clay | < 0.00008" / < 0.002 mm | < 0.002 mm |
| Fine Silt | 0.00008 - 0.00024" / 0.002 - 0.006 mm | |
| Medium Silt | 0.00024 - 0.0008" / 0.006 - 0.02 mm | 0.002 - 0.05 mm |
| Coarse Silt | 0.0008 - 0.002" / 0.02 - 0.05 mm | |
| Very Fine Sand | 0.002 - 0.004" / 0.05 - 0.1 mm | |
| Fine Sand | 0.004 - 0.01" / 0.1 - 0.25 mm | 0.05 - 0.2 mm |
| Medium Sand | 0.01 - 0.02" / 0.25 - 0.5 mm | |
| Coarse Sand | 0.02 - 0.04" / 0.5 - 1.0 mm | 0.2 - 2.0 mm |
| Very Coarse Sand | 0.04 - 0.08" / 1 - 2 mm | |
| Gravel/Stones | > 0.08" / > 2 mm | > 2 mm |
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