Input Dimensions - Length, Width, and Depth
| What to Measure |
How to Measure It |
How to Enter It in the Calculator |
Quick Tip / Example |
| Length |
Measure the longest side of the area you want to cover. Use a tape in metres (m) if you can. |
Type the number in metres (e.g., 5). |
1 metre = 100cm = 1000mm |
| Width |
Measure the other side of the area, again in metres (m). |
Type the number in metres (e.g., 3). |
If the area isn’t square, just measure the widest point. |
| Depth |
Measure how thick you want the material to be. |
You can enter it in millimetres (mm) or metres (m). |
100mm = 0.100m, 50mm = 0.050m |
| Units |
Keep everything in metres if you can. It makes the maths simple. |
If you only have feet or inches, use the unit toggle or convert before typing. |
Use an online converter if unsure. |
| Extra Tip |
For odd shapes, break the area into smaller rectangles and add them up. |
|
This gives a more accurate total. |
| Final Step |
Once you’ve added all three numbers (Length × Width × Depth), the calculator works out the volume for you. |
|
Example: 5m × 3m × 0.1m = 1.5m³ |
Measurement Tips:
- Measure the largest likely area to avoid under-ordering
- Include kerb returns, steps, or shaped edges in your measurement
- If the area is irregular, break it into rectangles/triangles, calculate each separately and add the volumes together.
Material Density and Units
Different materials weigh different amounts per cubic metre. That’s why choosing the correct material type in the calculator is essential.
The calculator shows a list of common material options (decorative gravels, crushed stone, limestone, MOT Type 1, recycled aggregates) and uses a suitable density factor (t/m³) for each. Choose the option that best matches what you plan to order.
Common Example:
These are density values, and you can use them only as a starting point:
- Decorative gravel / general gravel: 1.55–1.70 t/m³
- Crushed limestone / crushed stone: 1.70–1.90 t/m³
- MOT Type 1 / subbase: 1.85–2.00 t/m³
- Sharp sand / coarse sand (if offered): 1.50–1.70 t/m³
Remember, densities vary by product source, moisture and grading. The calculator uses standard industry values, but where accuracy matters (structural works, large commercial orders), double-check the exact density with Storefield before signing off.
Choosing the right density setting ensures accurate results, whether you’re ordering gravel, subbase, or crushed stone.
Volume to Tonnage Formula
The calculator performs this conversion automatically. You don’t need to do any manual maths. For transparency, the tool displays the simple formula it uses:
- Volume (m³) = Length × Width × Depth
- Tonnage (t) = Volume (m³) × Material Density (t/m³)
How is this applied in the tool?
- The calculator multiplies your length, width and depth to get a volume in cubic metres.
- The calculator checks how heavy your material is and uses that number to find the total weight you need.
- It multiplies volume by density to return the total tonnage.
- The calculator shows you how much material you need in both cubic metres (m³) and tonnes (t). You can also add a little extra (about 5%) to make sure you have enough for the job.
The calculator applies a standard allowance for compaction behaviour appropriate to typical aggregates. Yet, compaction, moisture and working losses can change final on-site quantities.
Consult Storefield for final confirmation on large or sensitive projects.
How To Use the Aggregate / Stone / Subbase Calculator
Use our tonnage calculator to estimate how much aggregate or subbase you’ll need for construction, driveways, paths, foundations, and landscaping projects.
This calculator is quick and easy to use. Just enter your measurements, pick your material, and see how much you need.
It works for various materials and project sizes, from small garden paths to full driveways. Don’t guess, with our aggregate calculator, get your numbers instantly so you can plan your order with confidence.
Choose Your Material Type
Pick the type of material you plan to use. Options include Type 1 subbase, gravel, sand, crushed stone, or recycled aggregates. Each material behaves a little differently when it’s laid down. Select the material you’ll use or pick the closest match.
Add Buffer / Wastage
It’s a good idea to add a little extra to your total, usually 5–10%. This covers compaction, uneven ground, slopes, or material lost during handling. Adding a small buffer makes sure you don’t run out partway through the job. If your area has slopes, steps, or irregular shapes, adding a slightly bigger buffer is even safer.
Why Use This Calculator?
Get an accurate material estimate in seconds, save money, time and avoid extra trips.
Find out exactly how much aggregate or stone you need so that ordering, deliveries, and project planning can run smoothly. This calculator removes the guesswork so you can plan confidently and finish on time.
Main Benefits:
- Cost efficiency - Prevents over-ordering and reduces waste, saving you money on every load.
- Prevents over/under ordering - Plan deliveries more precisely so you’re never short on site or left with excess material.
- Simplifies planning - Get a quick, reliable estimate for any aggregate or stone project with no complex math.
Try our tonnage calculator now and get an instant estimate to order with confidence.
Tips for Accurate Results
Follow these quick tips to make sure your calculation matches what you’ll actually need on site.
Small mistakes like mixed units, measuring depth before compaction, or ignoring moisture can skew estimates. Use these simple checks to keep your totals reliable and avoid surprises.
Here Are A Few Helpful Tips:
- Watch your units - Make sure length, width and depth are all in the same unit (metres or millimetres). Mixing units will throw the maths off.
- Measure finished depth - Record depth after compaction. Loose material occupies more volume than compacted material.
- Account for moisture and site variation - Wet aggregates weigh more and uneven ground affects quantity; add a small margin to cover this.
- Allow a waste margin - Add 5–10% for cutting, spillage or on-site adjustments (adjust higher for tricky sites).
- Double-check before ordering - Confirm your inputs and units one last time before you hit Calculate or place an order.
