How Much Does a Concrete Block Weigh?
How much does a concrete block weigh? A standard hollow 8 by 8 by 16 inch concrete masonry unit (CMU) usually weighs about 35 to 40 pounds. Lightweight block made with expanded shale, clay, or similar aggregates is often about 25 to 30 pounds. Solid blocks weigh considerably more. Exact weights vary by manufacturer, so check the supplier’s spec sheet for structural or shipping calculations.
Concrete calculator →Weights by block size
| Block (nominal) | Normal weight, approx. | Lightweight, approx. |
|---|---|---|
| 4x8x16 hollow | 20 to 25 lb | 15 to 18 lb |
| 6x8x16 hollow | 28 to 33 lb | 20 to 24 lb |
| 8x8x16 hollow | 35 to 40 lb | 25 to 30 lb |
| 8x8x8 half block | 18 to 20 lb | 13 to 15 lb |
| 10x8x16 hollow | 42 to 46 lb | 30 to 34 lb |
| 12x8x16 hollow | 48 to 55 lb | 35 to 40 lb |
| 4x8x16 solid | 30 to 35 lb | — |
| 2x8x16 cap | 13 to 17 lb | — |
Nominal sizes include a 3/8 inch mortar joint, so an 8x8x16 block actually measures about 7-5/8 by 7-5/8 by 15-5/8 inches.
Cinder block vs concrete block
People often say “cinder block” for any gray block. True cinder blocks used coal ash aggregate and were lighter. Most modern blocks are concrete block made with sand and gravel or lightweight aggregate.
Pallet weight
Pallet counts vary by plant, but an 8x8x16 pallet often holds about 90 blocks or more. At roughly 38 pounds each, 90 blocks weigh about 3,400 pounds plus the pallet. That is far beyond what a pickup bed should carry. See how much a half-ton pickup can carry for payload limits, and pallet of pavers weight for similar loads.
Blocks per square foot of wall
Each 8x16 block face covers about 0.89 square feet including mortar, so you need about 1.125 blocks per square foot of wall.
Example: a wall 30 feet long and 4 feet high is 120 square feet × 1.125 = 135 blocks. At 38 pounds each, that is about 5,100 pounds of block before mortar and grout.
Weight of a block wall
An unfilled 8 inch hollow block wall weighs roughly 35 to 45 pounds per square foot of wall face with mortar. Grouting cores with concrete adds substantial weight. That is why block walls need proper footings.
Retaining walls
Block retaining walls need drainage gravel behind them. See crushed stone for retaining wall backfill. Segmental retaining wall blocks are a different product and often weigh 30 to 80 pounds each.
Handling tips
- Lift with your legs and keep blocks close to your body.
- Wear gloves; edges are rough.
- Stage blocks near the work to reduce carrying.
- Use a hand truck for moving several at once.
Disposing of broken block
Leftover or broken block is usually accepted where clean concrete rubble is recycled. Dumpmapper explains how to handle cured concrete rubble. For weight of crushed material, see crushed concrete weight.
Bottom line
A standard 8x8x16 concrete block weighs about 35 to 40 pounds, or 25 to 30 pounds in lightweight form. Plan about 1.125 blocks per square foot of wall, and remember that a pallet can weigh well over a ton.
Questions people ask
How much does an 8x8x16 concrete block weigh?
About 35 to 40 pounds for normal weight, 25 to 30 for lightweight.
How much does a pallet of concrete blocks weigh?
Often over 3,000 pounds, depending on block count and type.
How many blocks per square foot of wall?
About 1.125 blocks.
Are cinder blocks lighter than concrete blocks?
True cinder blocks were lighter, but most modern blocks are concrete.
How much does a half block weigh?
Roughly 18 to 20 pounds for normal-weight 8x8x8.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Pallet of Pavers Weigh?
- Crushed Stone for Retaining Wall Backfill
- How Much Gravel Can a Half-Ton Pickup Carry?
- How Much Does Crushed Concrete Weigh per Yard?
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