Convert Crushed Stone Between Tons And m³

This online calculator converts crushed stone and aggregate between tons and cubic meters by applying the basic mass–volume relationship with a density you control. It supports metric tonnes, US short tons, UK long tons, plan takeoffs from area and depth, plus optional moisture and compaction effects. All unit factors follow established standards, and density should come from your supplier’s test sheet for the exact material and gradation you’re using.

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Why you can trust these results

• Standards-backed density: Bulk density (“unit weight”) is determined by lab procedures such as ASTM C29/C29M and highway-spec equivalent AASHTO T 19/T 19M. In Europe, see EN 1097-3 for loose bulk density and voids.
• Correct unit conversions: Metric tonnes, US short tons, and UK long tons trace to the legally defined pound (0.45359237 kg); see NIST conversion guidance.
• Built for real jobs: The calculator mirrors field reality: you can choose density (supplier QC), set moisture if the stockpile is wet, and apply compaction reduction to link loose delivery to compacted in-place layers. For background on granular bases and construction practice, see FHWA granular base.

Formulas

Mass–volume link: Volume (m³) = Mass (t) ÷ ρ (t/m³). Mass (t) = Volume (m³) × ρ (t/m³).

Ton types: t = short_tons × 0.907185; t = long_tons × 1.016047. (Per international pound; see NIST.)

Area–depth: Volume = Area × Thickness (with unit conversions as needed: mm→m, in→m, etc.).

Moisture and compaction: ρ_wet = ρ_dry × (1 + moisture). V_compacted = V_loose × (1 − compaction). V_loose = V_compacted ÷ (1 − compaction).

How to use the calculator

1. Pick a mode
   • Tons → m³: You know mass and need volume.
   • m³ → Tons: You know volume and need mass.
   • Area + Depth: You have plan area and a layer thickness; the tool computes volume and mass.
2. Choose your ton unit (metric t, US short ton, or UK long ton). The result will use the unit you pick.
3. Select a material preset (AASHTO sizes, MOT Type 1, EN 0/31.5, TRH G-classes, AP40, DGB20, LFA classes, JP/KR/TW presets, or rock-type like granite/limestone/basalt). The preset fills a typical starting density ρ (t/m³). You can overwrite it with the exact supplier value.
4. Set Moisture (%) if the pile is wet. This raises the working density: higher moisture means the same mass occupies a bit less volume.
5. Set Compaction reduction (%) if you need to move between “loose” delivery volume and “compacted” in-place volume. Typical well-graded base layers compact about 5–12% (enter 0–15% unless your spec says otherwise).
6. Pick Material state:
   • Loose: Your input volume (or the headline volume you want) is in loose state before compaction (as delivered to site).
   • Compacted: Your input (or headline) is the in-place layer after compaction.
7. Enter the numbers and press Calculate. The result shows the main figure plus the counterpart volume (loose vs compacted), yd³/ft³, and the formula used. Use the Copy button to grab a clean summary.

What each parameter does (in simple words)

• Density ρ (t/m³): How heavy one cubic meter of your aggregate is. This is the key input. Use your supplier’s QC sheet (ASTM C29/AASHTO T 19/EN 1097-3). Presets are only starting points.
• Moisture (%): Extra water in the pile. The calculator increases density using ρ_wet = ρ × (1 + moisture). More moisture → slightly higher density → for the same mass you get a bit less volume.
• Compaction reduction (%): Shrinkage of loose volume when you compact the layer. If compaction is 10%, compacted volume = loose volume × 0.90. It bridges ordering (loose) and design (compacted).
• Material state (Loose/Compacted): Tells the tool which side of compaction your input and headline output belong to.
  • Example (Tons → m³): If you choose “Compacted,” the tool outputs compacted volume directly (M ÷ ρ_wet). If you choose “Loose,” it converts that to loose volume by dividing by (1 − compaction).
  • Example (m³ → Tons): If you enter a loose volume, the tool first reduces it by compaction to get compacted volume, then multiplies by ρ_wet to get mass.
• Ton unit: Pick the ton you are billed in (t, short ton, or long ton). The main mass result uses this unit.
• Area, Depth, Sections (Area + Depth mode): The tool multiplies area × thickness × sections. If you choose “Compacted,” that’s compacted geometry. If “Loose,” that’s loose geometry (then it compacts internally before calculating mass).
• Decimal places: Controls rounding in the display only. Calculations are done in full precision; rounding happens at the end.

Choosing the right density

Density depends on rock type (granite, limestone, basalt, slag, recycled concrete), gradation (e.g., 0/31.5 vs open 4/20), angularity, moisture, and state (loose vs compacted). Typical loose bulk densities are often in the 1.5–1.7 t/m³ range, but always prefer your supplier’s tested value for the exact product. That single number (ρ) is the most important input you’ll make.

Real-world examples

• Delivery planning (granite): 10 t at ρ = 1.55 t/m³ → volume = 10 ÷ 1.55 = 6.45 m³.
• US short tons to m³ (limestone, wet): 12 short tons = 10.886 t; at ρ = 1.60 t/m³ → volume ≈ 6.80 m³.
• Driveway base takeoff (compacted layer): Area 90 m², thickness 0.10 m → compacted volume = 9.0 m³. At ρ = 1.60 t/m³ → 14.40 t compacted. Ordering loose with 10% reduction → loose volume ≈ 10.0 m³, mass ≈ 16.0 t.
• m³ to long tons (RCA): V = 8.0 m³, ρ = 1.60 t/m³ → 12.8 t → 12.60 long tons.
• Moisture effect check: ρ = 1.50 t/m³, moisture = 5% → ρ_wet = 1.575 t/m³. Same mass, slightly smaller volume when wet.

Notes for best accuracy

• Use the supplier’s latest density (same material, same grading, same moisture state).
• Enter moisture if the pile is wet; it meaningfully changes mass↔volume.
• Include compaction reduction when you need to compare loose delivery to compacted layer thickness. Start with 8–10% for well-graded base unless your spec or QC says otherwise.

Sources

• ASTM C29/C29M — Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate: ASTM
• AASHTO T 19/T 19M — Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate: AASHTO PDF
• EN 1097-3 — Determination of loose bulk density and voids: BSI
• Unit conversions (ton/short ton/long ton): NIST
• Granular base practice: FHWA

FAQs

• Why can’t I convert tons to m³ without density? Mass and volume are linked by density. Different rocks and gradations pack differently.
• What density should I use? Use your supplier’s lab value for your exact product (method per ASTM/AASHTO/EN). Presets are guides only.
• Do moisture and compaction matter? Yes. Moisture increases the working density; compaction reduces loose volume to in-place volume. The tool models both.
• Which ton type should I pick? Use the ton used in quotes/tickets. The tool converts correctly among t, short tons, and long tons.
• Can I also see yd³ and ft³? Yes—these appear with the volumes so you can coordinate with US customary plans.

Have a supplier QC sheet? Paste that density for the most accurate result. If a preset you need is missing, tell us which national spec or product name you use and we’ll add it. Thank you!

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