TryBuildCalcAggregate Calculator for Concrete (Quantity, Weight & Volume)
Estimate coarse aggregate quantity and aggregate weight instantly from concrete mix ratio.
Calculate coarse aggregate quantity, aggregate volume, and aggregate weight for concrete, PCC, and construction works using mix ratio, aggregate part, dry volume factor, and wastage with results in m³, ft³, kg, and tons.
🕒 Last updated: August 17, 2026
Inputs
Use this calculator when you know concrete volume and mix ratio. If you know the concrete element dimensions, switch to Dimensions mode and the calculator will first calculate concrete volume.
Need aggregate for road base, driveway, GSB, WMM, or area × depth? Use the Aggregate Coverage Calculator or Aggregate Weight Calculator.
ℹ️Selecting aggregate size updates the default ratio, aggregate part, and bulk density.
ℹ️For a 1:2:4 concrete ratio, the aggregate part is 4.
ℹ️Typical value is 1.54 for concrete and PCC aggregate estimation.
ℹ️Used to estimate weight from calculated loose aggregate volume.
Cost
For 1.000 m³ of concrete at a 1:2:4 ratio, you need approximately 0.924 m³ (32.6 cft) of 20mm aggregate — 1.43 tons.
Order Summary — Theoretical vs. Order Quantity
| Theoretical | Order Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 0.880 m³ | 0.924 m³ (32.6 cft) |
| Weight | 1,364 kg | 1,432 kg (1.43 tons) |
Theoretical = before wastage. Order Quantity = after your 5.0% wastage allowance. Round up to a supplier-friendly quantity — approx. 1.0 m³ or 1.5 tons.
Volume & Mix Details
Wet volume: 1.000 m³
Dry volume (×1.54): 1.540 m³
Ratio used: 1:2:4, aggregate part 4
Assumptions Used
Aggregate size: 20mm | Bulk density: 1,550 kg/m³ | Actual weight varies by aggregate size, stone type, moisture, and compaction.
What Is an Aggregate Calculator for Concrete?
This Aggregate Calculator helps estimate coarse aggregate quantity, loose aggregate volume, and approximate aggregate weight for concrete and PCC works based on concrete volume, aggregate size, mix ratio, dry volume factor, bulk density, and wastage allowance.
It is useful for site engineers, contractors, estimators, masons, and homeowners who need a quick practical estimate before ordering 10mm, 20mm, or 40mm aggregate. The Aggregate Size selector applies practical default bulk densities while still allowing manual adjustment for local material conditions.
Why accurate aggregate estimation matters:
- Provides both volume and weight, since suppliers may quote in m³, cft, truckloads, kg, or tons
- Reduces over-purchasing and material shortages mid-pour
- Improves supplier quotation comparison and BOQ preparation
- Supports preliminary material planning for concrete, PCC, and related works
Step-by-step aggregate quantity calculation method
Aggregate quantity calculation starts with the required wet concrete volume. In Direct Volume mode, you enter that concrete volume directly. In Dimensions mode, the calculator first converts length, width, and depth/thickness into concrete volume. The calculator then converts wet volume into dry material volume, applies the selected mix ratio, calculates the aggregate share, and converts loose aggregate volume into approximate weight using bulk density.
For road base, driveway layers, GSB, WMM, or area × depth aggregate-only work, use the Aggregate Coverage Calculator or Aggregate Weight Calculator. This calculator is for concrete mix-ratio aggregate estimation.
Step 1 - Determine required concrete volume
Concrete volume is the finished wet concrete volume required for slabs, beams, columns, PCC, foundations, or other construction works. Enter it directly, or calculate it from dimensions.
Direct Volume Mode: Wet Volume = Entered Concrete Volume
Dimensions Mode: Wet Volume = Length × Width × Depth / Thickness
Step 2 - Convert wet volume to dry volume
Dry volume factor accounts for voids between aggregate particles, sand bulking, compaction, and practical site handling losses. For concrete and PCC estimation, a dry volume factor of 1.54 is commonly used.
Step 3 - Calculate aggregate share from mix ratio
The aggregate ratio part is divided by the total mix ratio parts to calculate the loose aggregate volume required for the selected concrete mix.
Step 4 - Convert aggregate volume to approximate weight
Bulk density converts loose aggregate volume into approximate aggregate weight. The default density changes automatically when you select 10mm, 20mm, or 40mm aggregate, and it can be adjusted for local material conditions.
Step 5 - Apply wastage allowance
Wastage allowance accounts for practical site losses during transport, unloading, storage, handling, and placement.
Worked Example
This example walks through your current inputs above, using the same steps as the Formula section.
Input Values Used
| Input | Value | Why it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete volume | 1 m³ | Sets the wet concrete volume to convert |
| Mix ratio / aggregate part | 1:2:4, part 4, ×1.54 | Splits dry volume into the aggregate share |
| Density / wastage | 1,550 kg/m³, 5% wastage | Converts volume to weight and adds a buffer for site losses |
Step 1 — Volume
| Calculation | Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wet volume | 1 m³ | 1.000 m³ |
| Dry volume | 1.000 × 1.54 | 1.540 m³ |
Step 2 — Aggregate Quantity
| Calculation | Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aggregate volume (theoretical) | 4 / 7 × 1.540 | 0.880 m³ |
| Aggregate weight (theoretical) | 0.880 × 1,550 | 1,364 kg |
| With 5% wastage | 0.880 × 1.05 | 0.924 m³ (1.43 tons) |
Therefore, plan for approximately 0.92 m³ (32.6 cft) — 1.43 tons — of 20mm aggregate for this pour.
Essential Checklist+−
Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.
✓Volume Estimation & Formula+-
- Aggregate volume calculated using mix ratio applied to dry concrete volume
- Dry volume factor of 1.54 applied to wet concrete volume before mix calculation
- Mix ratio confirmed from structural drawing or specification — not assumed
- Wastage of 5–10% added to calculated aggregate volume
- Correct bulk density used for volume-to-weight or weight-to-volume conversion
✓Aggregate Size Selection+-
- Maximum aggregate size not exceeding roughly 1/4 of minimum member dimension
- Maximum aggregate size not exceeding 3/4 of minimum bar spacing
- 20mm aggregate specified for most structural concrete — confirmed from drawing
✓Aggregate Quality Testing+-
- Aggregate free from dust, clay coatings, and organic matter
- Aggregate strength/toughness confirmed within limits — AIV or LA Abrasion, per the applicable standard
✓Delivery & Storage+-
- Aggregate quantity verified on delivery — weigh bridge slip matches order
- Aggregate size confirmed on delivery — 20mm or specified size, not mixed with fines
- Aggregate stockpiled on hard, clean surface — separated from fine aggregate stockpile
Full QC Checklist+−
Verification checklist for coarse aggregate quantity estimation and procurement — covering volume calculation, size selection, quality testing, delivery verification, and storage. Use the Essential Checklist for critical checks before ordering and accepting aggregate; expand to Full QC Checklist for complete material quality control.
✓Volume Estimation & Formula+-
- Aggregate volume calculated using mix ratio applied to dry concrete volume
- Dry volume factor of 1.54 applied to wet concrete volume before mix calculation
- Mix ratio confirmed from structural drawing or specification — not assumed
- Wastage of 5–10% added to calculated aggregate volume
- Correct bulk density used for volume-to-weight or weight-to-volume conversion
- Aggregate calculated for each concrete element separately — not one combined volume
- Calculated aggregate volume checked against reference — M20 nominal 1:1.5:3 gives about 0.83–0.84 m³ aggregate per m³ concrete
✓Aggregate Size Selection+-
- Maximum aggregate size not exceeding roughly 1/4 of minimum member dimension
- Maximum aggregate size not exceeding 3/4 of minimum bar spacing
- 20mm aggregate specified for most structural concrete — confirmed from drawing
- Aggregate grading confirmed against the applicable standard — single-sized or graded as specified
- Angular crushed aggregate preferred over rounded aggregate for structural concrete
✓Aggregate Quality Testing+-
- Aggregate free from dust, clay coatings, and organic matter
- Aggregate strength/toughness confirmed within limits — AIV or LA Abrasion, per the applicable standard
- Aggregate soundness confirmed — not prone to frost or chemical attack
- Aggregate moisture content estimated — mix water adjusted if aggregate is wet
- Aggregate tested for alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) if new source is being used
✓Delivery & Storage+-
- Aggregate quantity verified on delivery — weigh bridge slip matches order
- Aggregate size confirmed on delivery — 20mm or specified size, not mixed with fines
- Aggregate stockpiled on hard, clean surface — separated from fine aggregate stockpile
- Aggregate stockpile protected from soil contamination and vehicle traffic
- Aggregate stockpile not more than 2m high — segregation avoided
Common aggregate size reference table
The following table shows commonly used coarse aggregate sizes, approximate loose bulk densities, typical construction applications, and nominal mix ratios used for concrete and PCC estimation.
| Aggregate Size | Typical Bulk Density | Common Applications | Typical Concrete Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mm Aggregate | 1600 kg/m³ | Thin concrete sections, close reinforcement zones, precast work, and detailed RCC elements | 1:2:4 |
| 20mm Aggregate | 1550 kg/m³ | General RCC works, slabs, beams, columns, foundations, and common concrete construction | 1:2:4 |
| 40mm Aggregate | 1500 kg/m³ | PCC works, mass concrete, large foundations, road sub-base, and heavy concrete sections | 1:3:6 |
Note: Actual aggregate density may vary depending on stone type, grading, moisture content, compaction condition, and local material source.
1 m³ concrete quick reference
Use this compact reference for quick checks when estimating aggregate required for 1 m³ of concrete before detailed ordering.
| Concrete Mix | Aggregate Part | Approx Aggregate for 1 m³ Concrete | With 5% Wastage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1.5:3 | 3 / 5.5 | 0.84 m³ | 0.88 m³ |
| 1:2:4 | 4 / 7 | 0.88 m³ | 0.924 m³ |
| 1:3:6 | 6 / 10 | 0.924 m³ | 0.97 m³ |
| 1:4:8 | 8 / 13 | 0.95 m³ | 0.995 m³ |
Values use a 1.54 dry-volume factor and are approximate. M20 nominal 1:1.5:3 is usually around 0.83–0.84 m³ aggregate per 1 m³ concrete before wastage.
When should you use this calculator?
- Use it when you know the concrete volume and need coarse aggregate quantity quickly.
- Use it to compare 10mm, 20mm, and 40mm aggregate size assumptions.
- Use it before requesting supplier quotations in m³, cft, or tons.
- Use it for preliminary material budgeting for concrete and PCC work.
Quick Aggregate Estimation Tips
- 20mm is a safe default for general structural work; check bar spacing before specifying 40mm in reinforced beams or columns.
- Switch aggregate size first — it updates the default bulk density automatically — then fine-tune the mix ratio and wastage.
- Use a higher wastage allowance (10%) for open batching from a loose stockpile versus plant-batched RMC (5%).
- Confirm bulk density with your actual supplier — crushed granite, river gravel, and lightweight aggregate all have different typical densities.
- Round up to a supplier-friendly quantity (whole m³ or ton) rather than ordering the exact decimal figure.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the 1.54 dry volume factor, which understates aggregate quantity by roughly 35%.
- Assuming a fixed aggregate part (e.g. always 4) instead of updating it when the mix ratio changes.
- Using a generic bulk density instead of confirming it with the actual supplier — a 200 kg/m³ density error changes weight by over 10%.
- Specifying 40mm aggregate for a congested or thin reinforced section, causing honeycombing at bar-dense zones.
- Under-ordering aggregate wastage relative to cement — aggregate is delivered loose and typically needs more wastage allowance (5-10%) than cement (2-5%).
Limitations of this calculator
- This is a nominal quantity estimator, not a laboratory concrete mix design.
- Actual aggregate quantity can vary due to grading, moisture, compaction, voids, and batching accuracy.
- Bulk density varies by stone type, shape, source, and moisture condition.
- The calculator does not verify aggregate grading, strength, flakiness, elongation, or project specification compliance.
- Cost excludes delivery, unloading, and any supplier minimum-order surcharges.
- Structural concrete should follow approved drawings, mix design, and engineer guidance.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides approximate results for planning and estimation purposes only. Actual requirements may vary based on site conditions, materials, workmanship, and local building regulations. Always consult a qualified engineer, architect, or construction professional before making final decisions.