TryBuildCalcLoose Bulk Density Calculator(Uncompacted Aggregate Density)
Calculate loose aggregate density.
π Last updated: June 17, 2026
Inputs
Container Details
IS 2386 (Part III) container guide
Standard containers: 3 litres for fine aggregate (<=4.75mm), 15 litres for aggregate up to 40mm, and 30 litres for aggregate up to 150mm.
Sample Condition
Sample Weights
Derived Properties
βΉοΈRequired to calculate void content. Use 2.65 for river sand / M sand, 2.68 for granite, or 2.70 for limestone if unknown.
βΉοΈOptional. Enter WA% to calculate SSD bulk density.
1,593 kg/m3
1.593 kg/litre - Loose bulk density
Normal-weight concrete reference: 1,200-1,750 kg/m3.
2.68
Used in void calculation (from measurement)
40.5%
Voids (%) = ((Gs - gamma) / Gs) x 100
2,680 kg/m3
Density of individual aggregate particle (no inter-particle voids)
Used in concrete mix design calculations.
Not calculated
Enter water absorption % to calculate SSD density
Test Standard: IS 2386 (Part III) - 1963
Container Volume: 15 litres
Condition: Loose
Net Sample Mass: 23.9 kg
Result accepted
This aggregate meets IS 383:2016 reference checks for normal-weight concrete. Bulk density, specific gravity, and void content are within typical limits.
Aggregate Density Visualizations
Void Content Gauge
Solid aggregate portion is based on specific gravity and bulk density. Void space is the air volume between particles.
How does your aggregate compare?
Approximate results for planning only. Verify with a professional.
Loose bulk density from field measurements
Loose bulk density represents stockpile or delivery condition.
It is useful for quantity ordering and quick acceptance checks before batching or placement.
- Loose / uncompacted selected.
- 15 litre container default.
- Void content calculated when Gs is entered.
What Is an Aggregate Density Calculator?
When you order aggregate by the tonne but batch concrete by volume, you need bulk density. When a structural engineer designs a concrete mix, they need specific gravity. When a QC engineer checks grading and packing, they compute void content.
This Aggregate Density Calculator computes all three from actual field or lab measurements, following the procedure in IS 2386 (Part III) - 1963 for specific gravity, density, voids, absorption, and bulking of aggregates.
It is useful for site engineers accepting a truckload, lab technicians computing void content, contractors checking a new quarry source, and students learning the IS 2386 test procedure.
- Enter empty container mass, filled container mass, and calibrated volume.
- Select loose or rodded test condition.
- Enter known specific gravity to compute void content.
- Use lookup mode to compare against reference values by aggregate type.
How Is Aggregate Density Calculated?
This calculator works in two ways: from your own measured container weights, or from a selected aggregate type reference density. The calculation steps change slightly depending on the input mode.
Aggregate Anatomy: Bulk Density vs Particle Density
Step 1 β Identify Input Mode
From My Measurements: use empty container weight, filled container weight, and container volume
From Aggregate Type: use selected aggregate type and reference bulk density
If you enter your own measurements, the calculator calculates bulk density from the actual sample mass and known container volume. If you select aggregate type, the calculator uses the reference bulk density for that material and condition.
Step 2 β Calculate or Select Bulk Density
From Measurements: Net Mass = Filled Container Weight β Empty Container Weight
From Measurements: Bulk Density (kg/litre) = Net Mass Γ· Container Volume
From Aggregate Type: Bulk Density (kg/mΒ³) = Reference Bulk Density
In measurement mode, density is calculated from the measured sample. In aggregate-type mode, density is selected directly from the reference value for the chosen aggregate and condition.
Step 3 β Convert Bulk Density Units
Bulk Density (kg/mΒ³) = Bulk Density (kg/litre) Γ 1000
Bulk Density (kg/litre) = Bulk Density (kg/mΒ³) Γ· 1000
Since 1 cubic metre equals 1000 litres, multiplying kg/litre by 1000 gives kg/mΒ³. Dividing kg/mΒ³ by 1000 gives kg/litre. The kg/litre value is used later for void content calculation.
Step 4 β Calculate Particle Density
Particle Density (kg/mΒ³) = Specific Gravity Γ 1000
Specific gravity compares aggregate particle density with water. A specific gravity of 2.68 means the aggregate particles are 2.68 times denser than water. Since water density is about 1000 kg/mΒ³, particle density = 2.68 Γ 1000 = 2680 kg/mΒ³.
Step 5 β Calculate Void Content
Void Content (%) = ((Specific Gravity β Bulk Density in kg/litre) Γ· Specific Gravity) Γ 100
Void content estimates the air gap between aggregate particles. Bulk density is used in kg/litre here because specific gravity is based on water density, and water density is 1 kg/litre.
Step 6 β Calculate SSD Bulk Density (Optional)
SSD Bulk Density (kg/mΒ³) = Dry Bulk Density Γ (1 + Water Absorption % Γ· 100)
SSD bulk density applies when aggregate is pre-wetted before concrete batching, which is standard practice for mix design per IS 10262:2019. Enter water absorption percentage in the optional field to unlock this result.
Real-World Aggregate Density Calculation Example
This example follows the same calculation flow used by the calculator. In measurement mode, density is calculated from your container weights. In aggregate-type mode, density is selected from the reference value for the chosen material and condition.
Input Values Used
| Input | Value | Why it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Input mode | From my measurements | Decides whether density is calculated from weights or selected from reference data |
| Condition | Loose / uncompacted | Shows whether aggregate is loose or compacted |
| Empty container weight | 3.75 kg | Deducted from filled weight to get aggregate-only mass |
| Filled container weight | 27.65 kg | Includes both container and aggregate |
| Container volume | 15 litres | Known volume occupied by the aggregate sample |
| Specific gravity | 2.68 | Used for particle density and void content calculation |
Step 1 β Calculate Net Aggregate Mass
The filled container weight includes both the container and the aggregate. To get only the aggregate mass, subtract the empty container weight from the filled container weight.
| Calculation | Formula / Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Net aggregate mass | 27.65 β 3.75 | 23.9 kg |
Step 2 β Calculate Bulk Density
Bulk density means mass per unit volume. Here, the aggregate mass is divided by the container volume because the container volume is the space occupied by the aggregate sample.
| Calculation | Formula / Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk density in kg/litre | 23.9 Γ· 15 | 1.593 kg/litre |
| Bulk density in kg/mΒ³ | 1.593 Γ 1000 | 1593.33 kg/mΒ³ |
Step 3 β Calculate Particle Density
Specific gravity compares aggregate particle density with water. A specific gravity of 2.68 means the aggregate particles are 2.68 times denser than water. Since water density is about 1000 kg/mΒ³, particle density is calculated as specific gravity Γ 1000.
| Calculation | Formula / Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Particle density | 2.68 Γ 1000 | 2680 kg/mΒ³ |
Step 4 β Calculate Void Content
Void content estimates the air gap between aggregate particles. Bulk density is used in kg/litre here so that it is comparable with specific gravity, which is based on water density of 1 kg/litre.
| Calculation | Formula / Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Void content | ((2.68 β 1.593) Γ· 2.68) Γ 100 | 40.5% |
| Void content status | Compared with expected practical range | Typical void content |
Step 5 β Calculate SSD Bulk Density
When aggregate is pre-wetted to Saturated Surface Dry condition, its density increases by the water absorption percentage.
| Calculation | Formula / Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| SSD Bulk Density | 1593.33 Γ (1 + Γ· 100) | 0 kg/mΒ³ |
Therefore, the bulk density is 1593.33 kg/mΒ³, or 1.593 kg/litre. The void content is 40.5%, and the particle density is 2680 kg/mΒ³.
Aggregate Density Reference Tables
Typical Bulk Density by Aggregate Type (IS 383:2016)
| Aggregate Type | Loose Bulk Density (kg/m3) | Rodded Bulk Density (kg/m3) | Specific Gravity (Gs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Sand (Zone II) | 1,550-1,650 | 1,700-1,800 | 2.60-2.65 |
| M Sand (Manufactured) | 1,700-1,800 | 1,850-1,950 | 2.62-2.67 |
| Stone Dust (Zone IV) | 1,600-1,700 | 1,750-1,850 | 2.58-2.65 |
| 12mm Crushed Granite | 1,580-1,650 | 1,700-1,800 | 2.65-2.70 |
| 20mm Crushed Granite | 1,550-1,650 | 1,680-1,780 | 2.65-2.70 |
| 40mm Crushed Granite | 1,500-1,600 | 1,650-1,750 | 2.65-2.70 |
| Crushed Limestone | 1,450-1,550 | 1,580-1,680 | 2.55-2.65 |
| River Gravel / Pebbles | 1,400-1,500 | 1,550-1,650 | 2.60-2.67 |
| RCA (Recycled Concrete) | 1,100-1,350 | 1,250-1,500 | 2.20-2.50 |
| GSB (Granular Sub-Base) | 1,650-1,750 | 1,800-1,900 | 2.60-2.68 |
All values are dry condition. Wet aggregate may yield 8-20% higher measured mass for the same volume.
Typical Void Content by Aggregate Type
| Aggregate Type | Typical Void Content (%) | Grading Note |
|---|---|---|
| Well-graded coarse aggregate | 30-38% | Good particle size distribution |
| Single-size coarse aggregate (20mm) | 38-45% | Uniform size = more voids |
| Single-size coarse aggregate (40mm) | 40-47% | Larger size = higher voids |
| Fine aggregate (river sand Zone II) | 32-40% | Natural grading helps packing |
| M Sand | 30-38% | Better graded, fewer voids |
| All-in aggregate (combined) | 28-35% | Best packing, lowest voids |
IS 383:2016 Specific Gravity Requirements
| Aggregate Application | Gs Minimum | Gs Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal-weight concrete | 2.4 | 2.9 | IS 383:2016 practical range |
| Copper slag aggregate | 2.4 | 3.8 | Permitted with limits per IS 383:2016 |
| Recycled Concrete Agg. | 2.0 | 2.8 | Lower due to attached mortar |
| Heavyweight concrete | > 2.9 | - | Special applications |
| Lightweight concrete | < 2.0 | - | Pumice, expanded clay, separate standards |
IS 2386 Container Size Requirements (Part III)
| Maximum Aggregate Size | Container Volume | Container Dimensions (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| <= 4.75mm (Fine aggregate) | 3 litres | 155mm dia x 155mm height |
| <= 40mm (Coarse aggregate) | 15 litres | 255mm dia x 295mm height |
| <= 150mm (Large stone) | 30 litres | 355mm dia x 305mm height |
Unit Conversion Quick Reference
| From | To | Multiply By |
|---|---|---|
| kg/litre | kg/m3 | x 1,000 |
| kg/m3 | kg/litre | / 1,000 |
| kg/m3 | g/cm3 | / 1,000 |
| kg/m3 | lb/ft3 | x 0.0624 |
| Gs (dimensionless) | Particle density (kg/m3) | x 1,000 |
Aggregate Density Verification Checklist
Use this checklist before recording aggregate density results to verify container calibration, sample preparation, filling method, weighing, specific gravity source, void content, and IS 383:2016 compliance.
βEquipment and Container Verification+-
- Container volume is confirmed by calibration β filled with water, water weighed, and volume calculated as mass Γ· 1 (since 1 litre of water = 1 kg at standard temperature).
- Correct container size is used β 3 litres for fine aggregate (β€4.75mm), 15 litres for coarse aggregate up to 40mm, 30 litres for aggregate up to 150mm per IS 2386 (Part III).
- Container is clean, dry, and free from any residual aggregate or moisture from a previous test.
- Container exterior is wiped clean before each weighing to avoid false mass readings.
- Weighing balance is zeroed before each weighing.
- Balance sensitivity is adequate β IS 2386 (Part III) requires sensitivity to 0.5% of the sample mass.
- Tamping rod is 16mm diameter and at least 600mm long for rodded bulk density tests.
- No dents, deformations, or bulges on container walls that would affect internal volume.
βSample Preparation Verification+-
- Aggregate sample is representative of the batch β taken from multiple points in the stockpile or truck, not from the surface alone.
- Sample size is sufficient β at least 1.25 times the container volume to allow proper filling without running short.
- For standard IS 2386 results, aggregate is oven-dried at 105Β°C for a minimum of 24 hours before testing.
- If oven-drying is not possible on site, aggregate is air-dried and the moisture condition is recorded alongside the result.
- Aggregate is cooled to room temperature after oven drying before weighing β hot aggregate gives slightly lower density readings.
- Sample is not contaminated with soil, organic matter, or aggregate of a different type or size.
- For coarse aggregate tests, fines passing 4.75mm sieve are removed before filling the container.
βFilling Procedure Verification β Loose Bulk Density+-
- Aggregate is poured into the container from a maximum height of 5cm above the container rim, as specified in IS 2386 (Part III).
- Aggregate is poured in a single continuous operation β not added in stages or topped up after settling.
- Surface is struck off level with a straight tamping rod β no heaping above the rim and no depression below it.
- Container is not shaken, vibrated, or tapped during or after filling.
- No manual consolidation or pushing of particles is done during loose filling.
- Test is repeated at least three times and the average is used for reporting per IS 2386 requirements.
βFilling Procedure Verification β Rodded Bulk Density+-
- Container is filled in exactly three equal layers.
- Each layer is tamped 25 times with the 16mm tamping rod, with strokes distributed uniformly over the surface.
- Tamping rod does not penetrate into the layer below when rodding the second and third layers.
- After rodding the final layer, surface is struck off level with the tamping rod.
- Container is not dropped, jarred, or vibrated during or between layers.
- Rodded condition is clearly recorded alongside the result β rodded and loose results must not be mixed.
βWeighing and Calculation Verification+-
- Empty container mass (M1) is recorded before filling.
- Container plus aggregate mass (M2) is recorded after striking off the surface.
- Net aggregate mass is calculated as M2 minus M1 β not estimated or assumed.
- Container volume used in the formula matches the calibrated volume, not a nominal or labelled value.
- Bulk density is calculated as (M2 β M1) divided by container volume in litres, giving kg/litre.
- Result is converted to kg/mΒ³ by multiplying kg/litre by 1,000 before comparing to IS 383:2016 reference ranges.
- At least three test repetitions are completed and individual results are within 1% of each other before averaging.
- If any individual result deviates by more than 1% from the others, that test is discarded and repeated.
βSpecific Gravity Verification+-
- Specific gravity value used is from an actual pycnometer or water displacement test per IS 2386 (Part III) β not assumed from a generic table unless clearly labelled as a reference value.
- If a reference specific gravity is used, the aggregate type and source match the reference material closely.
- Specific gravity is within the IS 383:2016 acceptable range of 2.4 to 2.9 for normal-weight concrete aggregate.
- For RCA (Recycled Concrete Aggregate), lower specific gravity (2.0β2.5) is expected and noted in the report.
- Specific gravity source β measured or reference β is recorded alongside the result.
- Specific gravity is not confused with bulk density β Gs of approximately 2.65 for granite is the particle density ratio, not the bulk unit weight.
βVoid Content Verification+-
- Void content is calculated using the IS 2386 (Part III) formula: Voids (%) = ((Gs β Ξ³) Γ· Gs) Γ 100, where Ξ³ is bulk density in kg/litre.
- Bulk density is converted to kg/litre (not kg/mΒ³) before substituting into the void content formula.
- Calculated void content is compared against the expected range for the aggregate type β typically 30β45% for coarse aggregate and 28β40% for fine aggregate.
- If void content exceeds 45% for coarse aggregate, aggregate gradation is reviewed β high voids typically indicate single-size or poorly graded material.
- If void content is below 28%, aggregate source and grading are verified β unusually low voids may indicate contamination with fines or a measurement error.
- Void content result is not used alone as a pass/fail criterion β it is reviewed alongside bulk density and specific gravity together.
βIS 383:2016 Compliance Verification+-
- Measured bulk density is within the typical range for the aggregate type β 1,200β1,750 kg/mΒ³ for normal-weight concrete aggregate.
- Specific gravity is within 2.4β2.9 for normal-weight concrete applications per IS 383:2016.
- If aggregate is RCA, usage is limited to permitted replacement percentages β 25% for plain concrete, 20% for RCC up to M25 grade.
- Aggregate is classified correctly as fine (β€4.75mm) or coarse (>4.75mm) per IS 383:2016 definitions before comparison.
- Results are compared to IS 383:2016 reference values for the specific aggregate type, not a generic threshold.
- Test certificate from the aggregate supplier referencing IS 2386 and IS 383 is requested and filed for project records.
βResult Recording and Reporting+-
- All three individual test results are recorded β not just the average β for traceability.
- Moisture condition of aggregate at time of test is recorded (oven-dry / air-dry / as-received).
- Filling method (loose or rodded) is clearly stated in the report.
- Container size and calibrated volume are recorded in the report.
- Specific gravity source (measured or reference) is noted.
- Date of test, aggregate source or quarry, aggregate type and size, and name of person conducting the test are recorded.
- Photographs of the test setup, filled container, and struck-off surface are taken before the container is disturbed.
- Result is compared to previous test results for the same aggregate source to check for consistency across batches.
βBefore Accepting the Aggregate Batch+-
- Bulk density result is within acceptable range for the specified aggregate type.
- Specific gravity is within IS 383:2016 limits for the intended concrete grade.
- Void content is within the expected range and consistent with aggregate gradation.
- Results match or are close to the supplier's test certificate values β large deviations trigger rejection or further testing.
- Site engineer or quality supervisor has reviewed and signed off the test result.
- Aggregate batch is not used in structural concrete until test results are confirmed acceptable.
- Any out-of-range result is escalated to the structural engineer before proceeding.
Tips for Accurate Aggregate Density Testing
Tip 1 - Calibrate your container volume accurately
For improvised field containers, fill with water, weigh the water, and use 1 litre = 1 kg of water. A 0.5 litre error on a 15 litre container creates about 3.3% density error.
Tip 2 - Use oven-dried aggregate for standard results
IS 2386 Part III specifies oven-dry aggregate at 105 deg C for 24 hours. For quick site checks, air-dried aggregate is acceptable if you record the condition.
Tip 3 - Test loose and rodded density separately
Loose density represents delivery or stockpile condition. Rodded density represents compacted condition and is useful for mix design proportioning.
Tip 4 - Specific gravity is not bulk density
Specific gravity around 2.65 for granite is particle density relative to water. Bulk density around 1,600 kg/m3 includes voids and changes with packing.
Tip 5 - Low density does not always mean bad aggregate
RCA may have bulk density around 1,100-1,400 kg/m3 because of attached mortar and higher porosity. Compare against the correct material reference range.
Tip 6 - Check void content to predict mix efficiency
Void content above 45% may indicate poor grading and higher cement paste demand. Blending with finer aggregate can improve packing and reduce paste requirement.
Calculator Limitations & Assumptions
Bulk density only, not measured specific gravity: This calculator computes bulk density from container weights. Specific gravity must be measured separately by pycnometer or water displacement test.
Assumes uniform filling: The formula assumes proper loose pour or rodded filling and a level struck-off surface. Heaping or partial filling creates measurement errors.
Dry-basis by default: Reference values are oven-dry. For SSD density, enter water absorption percentage in the optional field.
Container calibration is your responsibility: The calculator cannot verify if the container volume is correct.
Reference values are typical ranges: IS 383 specifies specific gravity requirements, but bulk density depends on aggregate type and gradation.
Not a substitute for full lab testing: This tool computes results from measured weights. It does not replace IS 2386 Part III procedure, calibration, repetitions, or formal reporting.