Aggregate Tonnage Calculator

Work out aggregate tonnage instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Aggregate Tonnage Calculator

Aggregate is measured in place but supplied loose, so the compacted volume of area times depth has to be increased by the compaction allowance, typically 10-20 percent for graded granular material. Multiplying the loose volume by bulk density gives the tonnage to order.

Formulas

Volumes

Compacted m³ = area x depth; loose m³ = compacted x (1 + compaction allowance)

Tonnage

Tonnes = loose m³ x bulk density / 1000

Worked example

With the default values below, Aggregate Tonnage Calculator returns Aggregate to order of 25.88. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Area to coverminimum 0.1 m²: 100 m²
Layer depthminimum 1 mm: 150 mm
Bulk densityminimum 100 kg/m³: 1,500 kg/m³
Compaction allowanceaccepts 0–40 %: 15 %

Results

Aggregate to order: 25.88 t
Compacted volume: 15.00 m³
Loose volume delivered: 17.25 m³
Truck loads at 20 tonnes: 2

Step by step

1Values used
2Volumes
3Tonnage
4Aggregate to order= 25.88 t
5Compacted volume= 15.00 m³
6Loose volume delivered= 17.25 m³
7Truck loads at 20 tonnes= 2

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Aggregate Tonnage figure worked out?

Compacted m³ = area x depth; loose m³ = compacted x (1 + compaction allowance). Aggregate is measured in place but supplied loose, so the compacted volume of area times depth has to be increased by the compaction allowance, typically 10-20 percent for graded granular material.

Why does bulk density vary so much?

Density depends on rock type, grading and moisture. Crushed limestone runs about 1500 kg/m³ loose while basalt can exceed 1700, so use the supplier's figure where the quantity matters.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 4 inputs: Area to cover, Layer depth, Bulk density, Compaction allowance. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.