How to Calculate How Much Aggregate You Need

How to Calculate How Much Aggregate You Need

Whether you're laying a patio, building a driveway, or preparing footings for a new extension, knowing how much aggregate to order is essential. Order too little and you risk costly delays. Order too much and you're wasting money and site space.

At L&S Waste, we help customers across Portsmouth, Southampton, Fareham and Chichester get their aggregate calculations right first time. Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you estimate the correct quantity.

Step 1: Measure Your Area

You’ll need three basic dimensions:

Length (in metres)
Width (in metres)
Depth (in metres)

For example:

Length = 5m
Width = 4m
Depth = 0.05m (that’s 50mm depth)

Step 2: Calculate the Volume

Multiply the three dimensions:

5m x 4m x 0.05m = 1 cubic metre

Step 3: Convert to Tonnes or Bulk Bags

Different aggregates have different densities, but as a rough guide:

1 cubic metre of aggregate = approx. 1.5 tonnes
1 bulk bag = approx. 0.85 tonnes

So in this case:

1 cubic metre = 1.5 tonnes = roughly 2 bulk bags

For more accurate figures:

MOT Type 1 / Crushed Concrete: ~1.5 tonnes per m³
Sharp Sand / Ballast: ~1.4 tonnes per m³
Shingle / Gravel: ~1.5 tonnes per m³

Top Tips for Accurate Ordering

Double check your measurements on site
Add 10% extra for uneven ground, compaction or spillages
Choose bulk bags for smaller areas or tight access
Use loose loads for large, open sites where tipping is easy

Speak to Our Team

If you’re not sure which material to use or how much to order, we’re here to help. From Portsmouth patios to Chichester car parks, we’ve advised thousands of customers on the right aggregate and quantity for the job.

Fast Delivery, Great Prices

Order MOT Type 1, sharp sand, shingle and more from L&S Waste with confidence: