Total Aggregate Required
0
Tonnes (including wastage and compaction)
Professional sand, gravel, and crushed stone calculator for construction projects
Calculate aggregate quantities in tonnes and cubic metres. Free instant calculations for driveways, foundations, concrete mixes, and landscaping projects in 2026.
Accurate calculations for all aggregate types and construction applications
Calculate quantities for sand, gravel, crushed stone, blue metal, road base, and decorative aggregates. Each material type includes accurate density values for precise tonnage calculations in your construction project.
Convert between cubic metres, tonnes, cubic yards, and bags instantly. Our aggregate calculator handles metric and imperial measurements for international projects and specifications.
Get accurate material estimates for driveways, paths, foundations, drainage systems, and landscaping. Includes compaction factors, delivery estimates, and 2026 pricing for complete project budgeting.
Select aggregate type and enter project dimensions
Note: This diagram shows a typical multi-layer aggregate structure for residential driveway construction. Each layer serves a specific purpose: the road base provides structural strength, middle layers ensure drainage and load distribution, and the surface layer creates a smooth finish. Proper compaction at each stage is critical for long-term durability.
An aggregate quantity calculator is an essential tool for construction professionals, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts planning projects that require bulk materials. This calculator determines the precise amount of sand, gravel, crushed stone, or other aggregates needed based on your project dimensions, material type, and application requirements. By converting between volume and weight measurements, it ensures accurate material ordering and cost estimation for any construction or landscaping project in 2026.
The calculator accounts for critical factors including material density, compaction requirements, and wastage allowances. Different aggregates have varying densities - fine sand typically weighs 1.6 tonnes per cubic metre, while road base can weigh up to 2.1 tonnes per cubic metre. Understanding these differences prevents costly over-ordering or project delays from material shortages. Learn more about brick quantity calculations for complementary construction planning.
Density: 1.6 t/m³
Uses: Concrete mixes, mortar, rendering, sandpits, paving joints
Particle Size: 0.075mm - 4.75mm
Compaction: Low to medium requirement
Density: 1.7 t/m³
Uses: Drainage layers, concrete aggregate, pathways, driveways
Particle Size: 4.75mm - 75mm
Compaction: Medium requirement
Density: 1.5 t/m³
Uses: Road construction, drainage, concrete production, landscaping
Particle Size: 5mm - 40mm varies by grade
Compaction: High requirement for structural use
Density: 1.6 t/m³
Uses: High-strength concrete, road base, drainage systems
Particle Size: 7mm - 20mm common grades
Compaction: Medium to high requirement
Density: 2.1 t/m³
Uses: Driveway foundations, road sub-base, structural fill
Particle Size: Mixed gradation 0-40mm
Compaction: Very high requirement
Density: 1.4 t/m³
Uses: Garden beds, pathways, water features, landscaping
Particle Size: 10mm - 100mm varies by style
Compaction: Minimal requirement
For rectangular areas, multiply all three dimensions in metres. Convert depth from millimetres to metres by dividing by 1000.
Multiply volume by material density, apply compaction factor, then add wastage percentage for final tonnage required.
For circular areas like roundabouts or garden beds, use the radius squared multiplied by pi and depth.
Compaction is the process of mechanically densifying aggregate materials to increase stability and load-bearing capacity. When aggregates are delivered, they contain air voids between particles. Compaction reduces these voids, meaning you need more material than the initial loose volume suggests. The access road concrete calculator also considers compaction for structural applications.
Used for decorative applications like garden pebbles, mulch beds, or loose-fill areas where structural integrity is not required. Material remains in loose, delivered state with maximum void spaces.
Suitable for pedestrian pathways, garden paths, and light-duty areas. Hand tamping or light plate compactor achieves approximately 90% relative density. Requires 15% additional material to account for settlement.
Required for residential driveways, parking areas, and medium-traffic zones. Vibratory plate compactor or small roller achieves 95% relative density. Add 25% more material for proper compaction.
Essential for roads, heavy-duty driveways, and structural foundations. Heavy rollers or multi-pass compaction achieves 98%+ relative density. Requires 35% additional material to meet specifications.
| Aggregate Type | Price per Tonne | Price per m³ | Delivery Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Sand | $45 - $65 | $72 - $104 | $80 - $150 | Concrete, mortar, rendering |
| Coarse Sand | $40 - $60 | $64 - $96 | $80 - $150 | Drainage, paving base |
| Pea Gravel (10mm) | $55 - $75 | $94 - $128 | $80 - $150 | Drainage, pathways |
| Blue Metal (20mm) | $50 - $70 | $80 - $112 | $80 - $150 | Concrete aggregate |
| Crushed Stone (40mm) | $40 - $55 | $60 - $83 | $80 - $150 | Road base, drainage |
| Road Base | $35 - $50 | $74 - $105 | $80 - $150 | Driveway foundations |
| Decorative Pebbles | $85 - $150 | $119 - $210 | $80 - $150 | Landscaping, features |
| Recycled Concrete | $25 - $40 | $38 - $60 | $80 - $150 | Fill, sub-base |
Aggregate prices vary significantly by location, supplier, quantity ordered, and delivery distance. Metropolitan areas typically have higher prices than regional locations. Bulk orders (10+ tonnes) often receive discounted rates. Always obtain multiple quotes and confirm current pricing before ordering materials for your project.
Residential driveways require a multi-layer approach for durability. The base layer uses 150-200mm of compacted road base or crushed rock to provide structural support and drainage. A middle layer of 75-100mm crusher dust or fine crushed rock creates a smooth transition. The top layer depends on finish type - exposed aggregate concrete, asphalt, or compacted gravel. Total aggregate requirements typically range from 8-12 tonnes per 10 square metres depending on depth and compaction. Check the alfresco slab calculator for related outdoor concrete projects.
Building foundations require well-compacted aggregate bases to prevent settlement and structural issues. Residential slabs typically need 100-150mm of compacted Class 2 road base or crushed rock beneath the concrete. The aggregate must achieve 98% Standard Proctor Density through proper compaction. For a standard 150m² house slab with 125mm base depth, you'll need approximately 23-25 tonnes of compacted road base including wastage. Commercial foundations may require deeper bases and additional geotechnical specifications.
Effective drainage uses specific aggregate gradations to allow water flow while filtering fines. Agricultural drain trenches typically use 20-40mm clean crushed rock or blue metal around perforated pipes. French drains require 10-20mm pea gravel for optimal percolation rates. A typical 20-metre drainage trench (300mm wide × 500mm deep) requires approximately 3 cubic metres or 5 tonnes of drainage aggregate. Geotextile fabric prevents soil infiltration and extends system life.
Pedestrian pathways need stable yet permeable bases for all-weather use. Garden paths typically use 50-75mm of compacted crusher dust or decomposed granite over 75-100mm of road base. Formal walkways may require deeper bases with 100-150mm total depth. For a 20-metre path (1.2m wide), you'll need approximately 2 tonnes of base material and 1.5 tonnes of surface material. Edging restraints prevent material migration and maintain path definition.
Decorative aggregates transform garden spaces with varied textures and colours. Garden bed mulching uses 50-75mm depth of decorative pebbles, requiring approximately 70-100kg per square metre. Dry creek beds need 100-150mm depth of river stones or larger cobbles. Water features benefit from rounded pebbles that withstand water flow and freeze-thaw cycles. White marble chips reflect light and brighten shaded areas, while dark basalt creates dramatic contrasts in contemporary landscapes.
Truck Sizes: Standard tip trucks carry 8-10 tonnes, semi-trailers 20-25 tonnes, and B-doubles 35-40 tonnes depending on material density and local regulations.
Access Requirements: Delivery vehicles need adequate width (minimum 3.5m), height clearance (4.5m+), and turning space. Steep driveways or narrow streets may require smaller vehicles or manual handling.
Unloading Space: Ensure adequate space for tipping - minimum 12m length × 4m width for large trucks. Consider material placement relative to final use location to minimize double-handling.
Site Protection: Protect driveways, lawns, and structures from heavy vehicle damage. Use timber boards or steel plates over vulnerable surfaces during delivery access.
Construction aggregates must meet specific quality standards for durability and performance. Particle shape affects compaction and strength - angular crushed stone provides better interlock than rounded river gravel. Cleanliness is critical - excessive fines (material passing 0.075mm sieve) reduce drainage and strength. For structural applications, aggregates should be washed to remove clay and organic contaminants that weaken concrete bonds.
Grading refers to the distribution of particle sizes within an aggregate sample. Well-graded materials with balanced size distribution compact better and provide higher density than single-sized aggregates. Road base specifications typically require specific grading envelopes to achieve optimal performance. For concrete production, aggregate grading directly impacts workability, strength, and durability. The admixture dosage calculator complements aggregate selection for concrete mix design.
Sustainable aggregate sourcing reduces environmental impact and supports circular economy principles in construction. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) from demolished structures provides cost-effective alternatives to virgin quarry materials for non-structural applications. Crushed recycled concrete works well for road base, drainage layers, and general fill applications at 30-50% lower cost than new materials.
Quarrying operations face increasing environmental scrutiny regarding habitat disruption, groundwater impacts, and dust emissions. Many jurisdictions now require rehabilitation bonds and progressive restoration plans. As consumers, specifying materials from certified sustainable quarries and prioritizing recycled content where suitable supports environmentally responsible construction practices. For related calculations, explore the balcony slab calculator for additional construction planning tools.
To convert volume (m³) to weight (tonnes), multiply cubic metres by the material's bulk density. Fine sand has a density of approximately 1.6 t/m³, so 10 m³ of sand weighs 16 tonnes. Gravel averages 1.7 t/m³, crushed stone 1.5 t/m³, and road base 2.1 t/m³. Always confirm density with your supplier as moisture content and compaction affect actual weight. The aggregate quantity calculator automatically applies correct densities for each material type.
Standard residential driveways require minimum 150mm (6 inches) of compacted road base or crushed rock for adequate structural support. Heavy vehicle access areas need 200-250mm depth. Clay or poorly draining soils may require additional depth or geotextile fabric. The base should be compacted in 75-100mm lifts (layers) rather than placed all at once. A 50m² driveway with 150mm depth requires approximately 7.5 m³ or 16 tonnes of road base after compaction.
Yes, always include compaction factors when calculating aggregate quantities for structural applications. Compaction reduces air voids between particles, decreasing volume by 15-35% depending on material type and compaction effort. For driveways and roads requiring medium compaction, add 25% to your calculated volume. Decorative applications without compaction need no adjustment. The aggregate calculator includes compaction factors - select your application type for accurate quantities that account for material settlement during installation.
Road base is a specifically engineered blend of crushed rock and fines designed to compact into a stable, load-bearing layer. It contains mixed particle sizes from dust to 40mm that interlock when compacted. Crushed rock refers to single-sized or narrow-graded crushed stone (e.g., 20mm blue metal) without fines. Road base is superior for driveway and foundation bases due to better compaction and stability. Crushed rock works better for drainage applications where water flow is essential, as fines in road base reduce permeability.
Aggregate quantity per square metre depends on depth and material density. For 100mm depth, you need 0.1 m³ per m², which equals approximately 160kg of sand, 170kg of gravel, or 210kg of road base per square metre. A common 50mm garden mulch application requires 70-80kg of decorative pebbles per m². For pathways at 75mm depth, budget 120-130kg per m² depending on material type. Use the aggregate quantity calculator above to input your specific dimensions and material type for precise requirements.
Recycled concrete aggregate works well for many non-structural applications including road base, pipe bedding, drainage layers, and general fill. It typically costs 30-50% less than virgin quarry materials while providing acceptable performance. However, avoid recycled aggregate for high-strength concrete, exposed wear surfaces, or applications requiring specific particle shape. Check local specifications - some jurisdictions have restrictions or requirements for recycled content. Quality varies between suppliers, so request certification and grading analysis before ordering large quantities for critical applications.
Drainage applications require clean, single-sized or narrow-graded aggregates without fines that would clog void spaces. Agricultural drains typically use 20-40mm crushed rock or blue metal. French drains and stormwater soakage systems work best with 10-20mm pea gravel that balances void space with particle stability. Larger 40-65mm rock suits drainage blankets and trenches where maximum flow is critical. Always wrap drainage aggregate in geotextile fabric to prevent soil migration and maintain long-term permeability. Avoid road base or crusher dust as fines significantly reduce drainage capacity.
For irregular shapes, divide the area into regular geometric sections (rectangles, triangles, circles) and calculate each separately. Measure curved areas using the average width method - take width measurements every 2-3 metres along the length and average them. Alternatively, use a planimeter or digital measuring wheel to determine area, then multiply by depth. For complex landscapes, add 15-20% wastage to compensate for cutting and fitting around obstacles. The aggregate calculator supports rectangular, circular, and triangular shapes - use multiple calculations and sum results for complex areas.
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Explore comprehensive guides on aggregate selection, compaction techniques, and quality specifications for different construction applications and regional requirements.
Use our integrated pricing database updated for 2026 market rates. Compare supplier quotes and factor in delivery costs for accurate project budgeting and material procurement.