Measure conical, pyramidal, windrow, and irregular piles accurately. Add density for tonnage and truckloads. Export clear reports for site teams and clients fast anytime.
| Shape | Inputs | Bulking | Density | Loose volume | Estimated mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conical pile | Height 6.0 m, Radius 7.0 m | 1.10 | 1700 kg/m³ | ~339.3 m³ | ~577.0 tonnes |
| Rectangular prism | L 12 m, W 8 m, H 3 m | 1.00 | 1500 kg/m³ | 288.0 m³ | 432.0 tonnes |
| Windrow (half‑ellipse) | L 40 m, W 6 m, H 2 m | 1.05 | 1200 kg/m³ | ~197.9 m³ | ~237.5 tonnes |
V = (1/3) π r² hV = (1/3) π h (R² + Rr + r²)V = (1/3) (L·W) hV = L·W·HV = (1/2 · b · hₜ) · LArea = π·W·H / 8, V = Area · LV = (1/2) π (W/2)² · LV = Area · Height · ShapeFactorV_loose = V_geom · Bulking, V_compacted = V_loose · Shrinkρ_wet = ρ_dry · (1 + Moisture/100), Mass = V_loose · ρ_wetAccurate stockpile volume supports ordering, cost control, and haul planning. A 5% error on a 400 m³ pile can shift deliveries by 20 m³, affecting schedule, cash flow, and disposal tickets. Consistent methods also reduce disputes between site, supplier, and client.
Most piles resemble cones, frustums, pyramids, prisms, or windrows. Pick the closest shape and measure representative dimensions. For frustums, capture both radii to reflect a flattened top. For windrows, the half‑ellipse model often matches loose aggregates better than a half‑cylinder.
Measure height from the base plane to the peak and take multiple radius or width readings around the pile. Average values reduce local irregularities. For long piles, measure widths and heights at several stations and average, then apply the average cross‑section to the length.
Material condition changes volume without changing solids. Typical bulking factors: 1.05–1.25 for excavated soils, 1.10–1.35 for fractured rock, and near 1.00 for screened aggregates. Compaction shrink factors often range 0.85–0.98 depending on moisture and effort.
When density is known, the calculator estimates mass to support load limits and billing. Common loose bulk density ranges: sand 1400–1700 kg/m³, gravel 1500–1900 kg/m³, crushed stone 1600–2000 kg/m³, and topsoil 1000–1400 kg/m³. Use project‑specific test values when available.
Moisture increases wet density and can change bulking behavior. The moisture adjustment here scales density by (1 + moisture/100) as a simple planning approximation. For saturated fine soils or highly variable stockpiles, weighbridge data or lab tests will outperform assumptions.
Truckloads can be estimated from volume capacity (preferred) or from tonnage capacity (requires density). Round up for logistics, then add contingency for spillage and route restrictions. A practical approach is to plan at least 1–3% extra capacity for operations variance.
Validate results using a second shape approximation or independent measurement (e.g., drone photogrammetry). Track inputs, date, and operator to build an audit trail. Export CSV for spreadsheets and PDF for daily reports so quantities remain consistent across stakeholders.
Choose the closest overall geometry, then use the irregular option with a shape factor. If the pile is longer than it is wide, windrow is usually a better starting point than a cone.
Start with 0.75–0.90 for rough piles with sloped edges, and 0.60–0.75 for piles with voids or significant cutouts. Calibrate with a surveyed volume when possible.
Screened aggregates are often close to 1.00 bulking and 1.00 shrink. Use factors when material is excavated, broken, or later compacted, where volume can change noticeably.
Yes. Select lb/ft³, enter your value, and the tool converts internally to kg/m³. It then estimates mass and shows both metric tonnes and US short tons for convenience.
Tonnage depends on mass, and mass depends on density. Without density, the tool can only estimate loads from volume capacity. Enter density to switch to tonnage‑based planning when needed.
Accuracy improves when you measure several stations and average the cross‑section. Half‑ellipse often matches loose stockpiles; half‑cylinder can fit tighter shapes. For high value quantities, consider survey or drone models.
Yes, as long as you pick an appropriate shape and use a representative bulk density. Recycled materials vary widely, so weighbridge tickets or periodic sampling will improve your density input and final mass estimate.
Plan smarter material handling with reliable stockpile volume results.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.