Particle size

This diagram shows the varying sizes of soil particles from large gravel particles through to tiny clay particles.

Soil

Particle diameter

Gravel

More than 2 millimetres

Coarse sand

Between 2.00 and 0.20 millimetres

Fine sand

Between 0.20 and 0.02 millimetres

Silt

Between 0.02 and 0.002 millimetres

Clay

Less than 0.002 millimetres

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