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Aggregates calculator: how much MOT Type 1, sand or gravel do I need?

Planning a patio, path, shed base or driveway? Enter the length, width and depth and we’ll work out the volume, the weight in tonnes and how many bulk bags (or 25kg bags, where we sell them) of MOT Type 1, hardcore, sharp sand, building sand, gravel or all-in ballast you need, priced live from the shop.

It’s an estimate: ground, compaction and moisture vary, so allow for your own site conditions.

Your area

Sets a typical depth, material and allowance. You can change any of them. Check the depth your paving or slab maker recommends.
Finished depth after compaction.
For compaction, settling and waste. 20–30% is typical for a compacted sub-base.

Material

Your materials

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What we’ve assumed
    Estimate only. Ground levels, the depth you dig, how well the material is compacted and how wet it is all change the quantity, and densities vary between quarries. Check the amount with your installer or the manufacturer’s guidance for your paving or slabs, or call us on 03330 908479 and we’ll happily look it over before you order.

    How it works

    1. Measure the length and width of the area in metres and choose the depth in millimetres (or pick a job to start from a typical depth).
    2. We multiply them to get the finished volume in cubic metres, then add your allowance for compaction, settling and waste.
    3. That volume is turned into tonnes using a typical bulk density for the material you choose. Loose material is lighter than compacted material, so we use the loose figure with the allowance added.
    4. The tonnes are divided by the pack weight (800kg bulk bags, or 25kg bags) and rounded up to whole bags.
    5. Press Add to basket, or call us to talk it through.

    Example: a 4m × 3m patio at 100mm deep is 1.2m³ finished. With a 25% allowance that’s 1.5m³ to order, about 2.55 tonnes of MOT Type 1, so four 800kg bulk bags.

    Questions

    Why does the weight depend on compaction?

    MOT Type 1 and hardcore are delivered loose with air between the pieces. When you compact them with a plate compactor they pack down, so you need to put in more loose material than the finished depth suggests. The allowance covers that.

    What density do you use?

    About 1.7 tonnes per m³ for loose MOT Type 1, hardcore and all-in ballast, and about 1.6 tonnes per m³ for sands and gravel. With a 25% allowance, MOT Type 1 works out at roughly 2.1 tonnes per m³ of finished, compacted sub-base. These are typical figures; moisture and the quarry make a difference.

    What depth should I use?

    It depends on the ground and what is going on top. The depths in the job list are typical starting points only. Follow your paving, slab or driveway manufacturer’s guidance, or ask your installer.

    How do you deliver bulk bags?

    By lorry with a truck-mounted forklift, offloaded at your site. We deliver to mainland England only, you need a firm, level place with suitable access for the bags, and someone must be there to receive the delivery. We’ll call you to arrange a day.

    Is there a minimum order?

    Yes. Timber, aggregates and cement have a £250 ex VAT minimum order. Delivery is £25 ex VAT on orders under £500 ex VAT and free over £500 ex VAT.

    Can I mix materials?

    Yes. Work out each material separately and add them to your basket one at a time; the minimum order counts all your aggregates and cement together.