How this calculator works
Order volume equals finished volume divided by one minus the loose-volume reduction, with a separate waste allowance. The 2000 kg/m3 example follows the cited Type 1 supplier density. Do not apply a compaction adjustment if your entered density already converts finished volume directly to required mass.
Formula
Vorder = Vfinished x (1 + waste) / (1 - compression); mass = Vorder x loose bulk density; cost = mass / 1000 x price per tonne, or Vorder x price per m3, plus fixed charges.
Worked example
For 4 m3 finished base and 20% loss of loose volume, 5 m3 loose material is needed before waste. At 2000 kg/m3 that is 10 tonnes.
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Frequently asked questions
What does 20% compression mean here?
It means 1 m3 loose material becomes 0.8 m3 finished material. Therefore 1 m3 finished requires 1.25 m3 loose, not 1.20 m3.
Is compression the same as a Proctor percentage?
No. A field density target such as 95% Proctor is not a volume-shrinkage fraction. Obtain a separate supplier or site estimate for volume change.
How do I avoid counting compaction twice?
Use loose bulk density with the volume-reduction field, or set reduction to zero when the supplied mass-per-finished-volume rate already accounts for compaction.