Inputs
Example Data Table
| Shape | Key Inputs | Density | Adjustment | Expected Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conical pile | H=3 m, D=6 m | 1600 kg/m³ | 1.00 | ~28.27 m³, ~45.2 t |
| Truncated cone | H=3 m, D=6 m, d=2 m | 1450 kg/m³ | 1.05 | ~33.0 m³, ~50.3 t |
| Rectangular heap | L=8 m, W=4 m, H=2 m | 1200 kg/m³ | 0.95 | ~60.8 m³, ~73.0 t |
| Triangular prism | B=6 m, H=2 m, L=10 m | 1800 kg/m³ | 1.00 | ~60.0 m³, ~108.0 t |
Formula Used
- Conical pile: V = (π·R²·H) / 3
- Truncated cone: V = (π·H·(R² + R·r + r²)) / 3
- Rectangular heap: V = L·W·H
- Triangular prism: V = (B·H / 2) · L
- Adjustment: Vadj = V · factor
- Mass: m = Vadj · ρ
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the heap shape that matches your stockpile.
- Choose a length unit and enter all dimensions.
- Enter bulk density and select its unit.
- Set an adjustment factor if needed.
- Press
Submitto calculate volume and mass. - Use export buttons to download CSV or PDF.
Professional Notes
Operational quantity planning
Stockpile estimation supports procurement, logistics, and site safety. This calculator converts field measurements into usable volume and mass so teams can compare against truck payloads, storage bins, and production targets. By selecting a shape that matches the pile profile, you reduce bias that comes from assuming a rectangular block. Consistent unit handling also prevents costly rework when survey notes mix metric and imperial measurements. It also helps document quantities for audit trails.
Selecting a representative shape
Geometry drives volume, so accurate dimensions matter. For a conical pile, radius equals half the measured diameter, and volume scales with radius squared. Small diameter errors can therefore create large volume errors. For truncated cones, measuring both top and bottom diameters improves realism when equipment flattens the crest. Rectangular heaps fit stockyards with retaining walls, while triangular prisms model windrows and long berms along roads. Record diameters at right angles for consistency.
Density, moisture, and adjustments
Bulk density links volume to mass and varies with moisture, gradation, and compaction. Typical dry sand may range around 1450–1700 kg/m³, while crushed rock can be higher. If density is uncertain, take multiple samples or use supplier test reports. The adjustment factor lets you tune results for swell, voids, or measured compaction. Keeping the factor near 1.00 maintains traceability and highlights assumptions clearly. Recheck density after rain or washing.
Reporting and traceability
Exportable outputs improve coordination between field, office, and finance. CSV files can be appended to daily quantity logs, while a PDF snapshot supports approvals and change documentation. When comparing piles over time, keep the same shape model and measurement method so deltas reflect real movement rather than modeling changes. Pair results with date, location, and material notes for stronger reconciliation against weighbridge tickets and invoices. Standard naming keeps teams aligned across projects.
Measurement quality checks
Good practice includes verifying inputs before relying on totals. Walk the perimeter, choose representative cross sections, and avoid measuring on unstable slopes. Use consistent reference points for height, especially when piles sit on uneven ground. If the pile is irregular, split it into two shapes and sum volumes externally. Finally, review the calculated mass against equipment capacity limits to reduce handling risks. Use spot checks, then refine with better surveys later, always.
FAQs
1) What is the best way to measure heap height?
Measure from the base plane to the crest using a staff and level, laser rangefinder, or drone model. Use the same reference plane each time, especially on uneven ground, so trends reflect real changes.
2) Which shape should I choose for irregular piles?
Pick the closest overall profile first. If the pile has distinct lobes or a flattened section, split it into two simpler shapes, calculate each volume, and add them to approximate the total.
3) Why does diameter accuracy matter so much for cones?
Conical volume depends on radius squared. A small diameter error changes radius, then amplifies through the squared term, which can noticeably shift volume and mass estimates compared with linear dimensions.
4) How do I choose bulk density for my material?
Use lab or supplier data when available. Otherwise, take representative samples and determine mass per known container volume. Consider moisture and compaction state, and update the density when conditions change.
5) What does the adjustment factor represent?
It is a controlled multiplier applied to calculated volume. Use it to account for voids, swell, or compaction differences between ideal geometry and field conditions. Document the reason so results remain auditable.
6) Can I reconcile results with weighbridge tickets?
Yes. Convert weighbridge mass to a comparable unit, then compare with the calculated mass. Differences often come from density assumptions, moisture, or measurement error. Refining density and repeating measurements improves agreement.