Skip to content
ENExplore Calculators

Hardcore Quantity Calculator

Work out hardcore quantity instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Hardcore Quantity Calculator

Hardcore is placed and compacted in layers, and broken stone or crushed concrete loses roughly a fifth to a quarter of its loose volume when compacted. Dividing the job into compacted volume first, then applying the loose-to-compacted factor, keeps the order quantity honest.

Formulas

Loose volume

m³ loose = area x compacted thickness x compaction factor

Tonnage

Tonnes = loose m³ x bulk density / 1000

Worked example

With the default values below, Hardcore Quantity Calculator returns Hardcore to order of 57.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Area of hardcoreminimum 0.1 m²
120 m²
Compacted thicknessminimum 10 mm
200 mm
Loose to compacted factoraccepts 1–1.8
1.25
Bulk densityminimum 100 kg/m³
1,900 kg/m³

Results

Hardcore to order
57.00 t
Compacted volume
24.00 m³
Loose volume required
30.00 m³
Loose volume in cubic yards
39.24 yd³

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Loose volume
  3. 3Tonnage
  4. 4Hardcore to order= 57.00 t
  5. 5Compacted volume= 24.00 m³
  6. 6Loose volume required= 30.00 m³
  7. 7Loose volume in cubic yards= 39.24 yd³

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 Hardcore Quantity figure worked out?

m³ loose = area x compacted thickness x compaction factor. Hardcore is placed and compacted in layers, and broken stone or crushed concrete loses roughly a fifth to a quarter of its loose volume when compacted.

How thick can each layer be?

Usually 150-225 mm compacted per layer with a vibrating roller. Thicker lifts leave the bottom of the layer uncompacted, which shows up later as settlement.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 4 inputs: Area of hardcore, Compacted thickness, Loose to compacted factor, Bulk density. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.

Related Calculators

Hardcore Quantity Calculator – Calculate Hardcore to order