Enter your project's Length, Width, and Depth, then select your Material Type and Compaction Method to calculate exactly how much Material Needed — accounting for shrinkage after compaction — along with the Compaction Factor, Weight Required, and an optional Total Cost if you throw in a Price per Ton.
Material Needed
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Weight Required
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Compaction Factor
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Total Cost
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A compaction factor is the ratio between loose and compacted soil volume. It's crucial for accurately estimating material quantities since soil volume reduces significantly when compacted during construction.
Soil volume typically reduces by 15-30% when compacted, depending on the material type and compaction method. Clay compacts more than sand, and mechanical compaction achieves higher density than natural settling.
Loose measurement is the volume of uncompacted material as delivered. Compacted measurement is the final volume after proper compaction. Always order materials based on loose volume calculations.
Clay and topsoil typically have higher compaction factors (1.25-1.35) compared to sand and gravel (1.15-1.25). The exact factor depends on moisture content and compaction equipment used.
Yes, it's recommended to order 5-10% extra material to account for waste, spillage, and variations in actual compaction achieved on-site.
Optimal moisture content (usually 10-15%) produces maximum compaction. Too dry or too wet soil will not achieve target density, requiring more material than calculated.
This calculator works for common construction materials including topsoil, sand, gravel, crushed stone, clay, and fill dirt. For specialized materials, consult with your material supplier for specific compaction factors.
Soil should be compacted in lifts of 6-8 inches for optimal results. Thicker lifts may not achieve uniform compaction throughout the depth.