Which statement correctly describes the relative sizes of clay, silt, and sand from smallest to largest?

• A. Clay, Silt, Sand
• B. Silt, Clay, Sand
• C. Clay, Sand, Silt
• D. Sand, Silt, Clay

Answer: (A)

The sizes go from smallest to largest as clay, then silt, then sand. Clay particles are extremely tiny, giving them a very large surface area and a strong ability to hold water and stick together. Silt is larger than clay but still very fine, so it feels smooth and retains more water than sand. Sand particles are the largest of the three, which is why sandy soils drain quickly and don’t hold water as well.

In rough terms, clay is under about 0.002 mm, silt is about 0.002–0.05 mm, and sand is roughly 0.05–2 mm. The statement listing clay first, then silt, then sand matches these size relationships, while any order that places sand before either clay or silt would contradict their actual sizes.