Calculator Form
Choose the geometry that best matches the stockpile. The result will appear above this form after submission.
Example Data Table
| Shape | Example Inputs | Gross Volume | Adjusted Volume | Estimated Mass | Truckloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conical | Base 12 m, Height 5 m, Density 1.6 t/m³, Swell 8%, Loss 2% | 188.50 m³ | 199.51 m³ | 319.21 tonnes | 16.63 |
| Frustum | Base 14 m, Top 6 m, Height 5 m, Density 1.7 t/m³, Swell 6%, Loss 1.5% | 413.64 m³ | 431.88 m³ | 734.20 tonnes | 30.85 |
| Triangular Windrow | Base 6 m, Height 2.2 m, Length 20 m, Density 1.8 t/m³, Swell 9%, Loss 3% | 132.00 m³ | 139.56 m³ | 251.20 tonnes | 13.96 |
| Trapezoidal | Bottom 8 m, Top 3 m, Height 2.5 m, Length 18 m, Density 1.9 t/m³, Swell 10%, Loss 2% | 247.50 m³ | 266.81 m³ | 506.93 tonnes | 17.79 |
Formula Used
Conical Stockpile
Volume = π × r² × h ÷ 3
Use this when the pile is close to a circular cone. Base diameter gives the radius value.
Frustum Stockpile
Volume = π × h × (R² + Rr + r²) ÷ 3
Use this for flattened tops where the pile narrows from a larger base to a smaller top.
Triangular Windrow
Cross Section = 0.5 × base × height
Volume = cross section × length
This works for long windrows with a roughly triangular profile.
Trapezoidal Stockpile
Cross Section = ((bottom width + top width) ÷ 2) × height
Volume = cross section × length
Use this for elongated piles with a flat top and wider base.
Adjustment logic
Volume after swell = Gross volume × (1 + swell % ÷ 100)
Adjusted volume = Volume after swell × (1 - loss % ÷ 100)
Estimated mass = Adjusted volume × bulk density
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the stockpile shape that best matches your field condition.
- Choose metric or imperial units before entering dimensions.
- Enter the geometry values for the selected pile type.
- Add bulk density using a matching mass-per-volume unit.
- Include swell and loss allowances if your estimate requires handling adjustments.
- Enter truck capacity to estimate haul cycles automatically.
- Press Calculate Stockpile to show results above the form.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the result summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which shape should I choose for my pile?
Choose the geometry that most closely matches the field profile. Use cone for pointed circular piles, frustum for flattened tops, triangular windrow for long peaked rows, and trapezoidal for long piles with a broad top.
2. Why does the calculator ask for density?
Density converts calculated volume into estimated mass. This helps with procurement, weighing, truck planning, and comparing loose or compacted material quantities across different construction materials.
3. What does swell adjustment mean?
Swell adjustment accounts for material expansion after excavation, handling, or crushing. Loose material often occupies more space than compacted material, so swell can significantly affect stockpile estimates.
4. What is the loss allowance used for?
Loss allowance reduces the adjusted volume for waste, spillage, trimming, contamination, or site handling losses. It gives a more realistic takeoff for delivery or production planning.
5. Can I use feet and pounds instead of metric values?
Yes. Switch the unit system to imperial, then enter dimensions in feet and density in your chosen mass-per-cubic-foot unit. Keep all inputs consistent.
6. How accurate is a geometric stockpile estimate?
It is a practical estimating method, not a survey replacement. Accuracy depends on how closely the actual pile matches the chosen shape and how reliable your measurements are.
7. What does the truckloads result represent?
Truckloads equals adjusted volume divided by truck capacity. It estimates how many full-capacity loads are needed, which is useful for haul scheduling and cost planning.
8. Can this tool replace drone or survey measurements?
No. It is best for fast estimating, budgeting, and field checks. For final reconciliation or payment quantities, surveyed or drone-based volume models are usually better.