Aggregate Weight Calculator

Aggregate weight calculator for estimating tonnes from volume

When you order aggregate (gravel, crushed stone, sand, limestone, granite, or recycled concrete), suppliers often sell by weight while site planning often starts with volume. You might know you need “12 cubic meters” for a base layer or backfill, but the truck, tipping limits, and quote are usually based on tonnes. This calculator converts a known volume into an estimated weight using a practical bulk density for common aggregates.

The primary intent of this page is simple: estimate how many tonnes of aggregate you are moving or ordering so you can plan deliveries and avoid under-ordering or exceeding a vehicle’s legal or safe load. It is not a geotechnical tool, it does not estimate compaction performance, and it does not calculate how much volume you need for a given area and thickness. If you need volume from dimensions, use a volume or coverage calculator first, then bring the resulting volume here.

To use the calculator, enter the volume you already have (in cubic meters, cubic yards, or cubic feet). Select the aggregate type that best matches what you are buying or hauling. The result shows an estimated total weight in metric tonnes and kilograms, plus the density used so you can sanity-check it against your supplier’s spec sheet. If you have a specific density from a datasheet or supplier quote, select “Custom density” and enter it in kg/m³ for the most accurate conversion.

The advanced options are intentionally limited. Real-world loads vary because aggregate is not a uniform product: moisture, gradation, void ratio, fines content, and handling method all affect bulk density. If your material is known to be more compacted or unusually wet/dry relative to typical bulk, you can apply a simple density adjustment percentage. You can also enter an approximate truck capacity in tonnes to estimate the number of loads required, which helps with scheduling and cost planning.

The calculation behind the scenes is straightforward. The calculator converts your entered volume into cubic meters, selects a bulk density (kg/m³), applies any optional percentage adjustment, and multiplies volume by density to get total kilograms. It then converts kilograms to metric tonnes. The output is an estimate designed for ordering and haul planning, where “close enough with clear assumptions” is usually more useful than false precision.

Assumptions and how to use this calculator

• This calculator uses typical bulk densities for common aggregate types, which can differ from your supplier’s actual product and moisture state.
• Volume is treated as loose bulk volume (what you measure in a truck bed or stockpile), not compacted in-place volume unless you apply an adjustment.
• The optional density adjustment is a simple percentage applied to the selected density; it does not model gradation, voids, or moisture physics.
• Results are shown in metric tonnes (t) and kilograms (kg). If your supplier quotes in a different system, convert separately using a dedicated unit converter.
• Truckload estimates assume every load is filled to the same usable payload and do not account for legal axle limits, road rules, or uneven loading.

Common questions

Why does the same volume of aggregate weigh different amounts?

Aggregate is not a single uniform material. Different rock types have different particle densities, and the way it is graded (how much fine material vs larger pieces) changes how tightly it packs. Moisture also adds mass and can change how the material sits in the pile. That is why suppliers often provide a density range rather than a single perfect number.

Should I use “compacted” or “loose” volume for ordering?

Most ordering and hauling problems start with loose bulk volume because that is what you handle and transport. If your volume was calculated from an in-place compacted spec (for example, a compacted base layer), your supplier might recommend ordering extra to account for compaction and waste. In that case, either adjust the volume before using this calculator, or apply a reasonable density adjustment and document it in your notes.

What if my supplier gives a density in tonnes per cubic meter?

If you have a supplier spec, use it. Convert tonnes per cubic meter to kg/m³ by multiplying by 1,000 (for example, 1.6 t/m³ is 1,600 kg/m³). Select “Custom density,” enter the converted value, and the calculator will use that exact figure.

Do I need to enter the advanced adjustment percent?

No. Leave it blank if you do not have a defensible reason to change the default density. The defaults are meant to be practical “typical bulk” values. Use the adjustment only when you know your material is consistently heavier or lighter than typical, or when you are deliberately stress-testing best and worst case planning.

Is the truckload estimate reliable for legal compliance?

Treat it as planning guidance only. Legal loads depend on the truck configuration, axle limits, and local rules, and the usable payload can be lower than the headline capacity. If compliance matters, use your fleet’s rated payload and confirm with your transport provider. The estimate is still useful for quickly guessing whether you need one load or multiple loads.