Gravel volume, weight and truckload guide

Start with finished geometry

Measure the finished area and compacted layer thickness. A 10 m × 5 m rectangle at 0.10 m is 5.00 m³. Calculate base, subbase and surface layers separately when material or thickness changes.

Compacted volume is not delivery weight

Bulk density varies with aggregate type, grading, moisture and compaction state. Multiply order volume by the supplier's current loose bulk density to estimate tonnes. At 1.6 t/m³, 5.25 m³ including a 5% allowance is about 8.40 t.

Do not use a universal conversion found online as a purchasing guarantee. Ask the quarry or supplier for material-specific tonnes per cubic meter and whether sales are by scale weight or loose volume.

Truckloads and cost

Divide estimated tonnes by the truck's legal payload, then round up for planning. A nominal truck capacity may be reduced by road limits, access, material moisture or supplier practice. Cost should include material, delivery, minimum load, spreading and tax where applicable.

Field checklist

Mark the area, verify drainage and measure depth after excavation. Use multiple depth readings on uneven ground. Keep geotextile, edge restraint and compaction passes separate from the material quantity calculation.

• Confirm whether the quoted density is loose or compacted.
• Plan space for safe tipping and truck access.
• Order layers separately if aggregate sizes differ.