How Much Do I Need?
Enter your project dimensions below to get an estimated tonnage. We deliver loose-tipped bulk loads direct from quarry — no bags, no fuss.
Project Dimensions
The depth you entered is the depth as delivered loose, before any compaction on site.
Your Estimate
Enter your dimensions to see how much material you need.
How to use this calculator
1. Measure your area
Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover. For irregular shapes, break it down into rectangles and calculate each separately.
2. Choose your depth
Typical depths: driveways 50–100mm, paths 40–50mm, sub-base 100–150mm, topsoil 100–150mm, decorative gravel 30–50mm.
3. Get your tonnage
The calculator estimates the tonnes needed based on material density. We recommend rounding up — ordering slightly more avoids running short.
The formula (so you can do it yourself)
Step 1 — Calculate the area (m²)
Length (m) × Width (m) = Area in m²
e.g. 5m × 4m = 20 m²
Step 2 — Calculate the volume (m³)
Area (m²) × Depth (m) = Volume in m³
e.g. 20 m² × 0.05m (5cm) = 1.0 m³
Step 3 — Convert to tonnes
Volume (m³) × Loose bulk density (t/m³) = Tonnes
e.g. 1.0 m³ × 1.6 = 1.6 tonnes of MOT Type 1
Why density matters
Different materials weigh different amounts per cubic metre. Sand is denser than topsoil, gravel is denser than lawn dressing. We use the loose bulk density — the weight of the material as it arrives loose-tipped on the wagon, before it's compacted on site.
Compaction — what happens on site
When you compact MOT Type 1 with a whacker plate or roller, it compresses by roughly 25–30%. That means 1 m³ loose becomes about 0.75 m³ compacted. The densities shown above are loose (as delivered). If you're calculating compacted fill (e.g. for a sub-base that needs to be 100mm compacted), order enough to achieve the compacted depth — typically add 25–30% to your loose volume.
| Material | Loose (as delivered) | Compacted (on site) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOT/DOT Type 1 | 1.6 t/m³ | 1.9–2.2 t/m³ | Compacts by ~25–30% when rolled |
| Ballast | 1.6 t/m³ | 1.8–2.0 t/m³ | Used in concrete mixes |
| Sharp Sand | 1.6 t/m³ | 1.8–1.9 t/m³ | Compacts well for sub-bases |
| Building Sand | 1.6 t/m³ | 1.7–1.8 t/m³ | Soft sand for mortar |
| Gravel / Chippings | 1.5 t/m³ | 1.6–1.7 t/m³ | Minimal compaction |
| Crushed Concrete | 1.5 t/m³ | 1.7–1.9 t/m³ | Compacts by ~20% |
| Topsoil | 1.4 t/m³ | 1.5–1.6 t/m³ | Settles over time |
| Lawn Dressing | 1.3 t/m³ | 1.4–1.5 t/m³ | Light, fluffy material |
| Decorative Aggregate | 1.5 t/m³ | 1.5–1.6 t/m³ | Minimal compaction |
| Rootzone | 1.5 t/m³ | 1.6–1.7 t/m³ | Designed for drainage |
Please note: This calculator is intended as a rough guide only. Densities are based on typical UK industry loose bulk density values and actual coverage may vary depending on ground conditions, moisture content, compaction and material source. If you're unsure, call us and we'll help you work out exactly what you need.