Mining and aggregates
Stockpile volume and tonnage
Estimate an idealized stockpile volume and convert it to mass using a supplied matching bulk density.
Your inputs
Complete the fields for your selected method. Zero means intentionally zero, not unknown. Currency selection labels amounts; it does not convert exchange rates.
How this calculation works
volume = chosen geometric shape; mass = volume × supplied bulk density
Dimensions approximate the selected ideal shape, not an irregular surveyed stockpile. Tapered rectangular pile assumes aligned top and bottom with linearly sloping faces. Use bulk density for the actual moisture and compaction; no standard density, angle of repose, safe slope or certified inventory quantity is inferred. Use your own records for the same scope and period. Example figures are illustrative, not industry benchmarks. Results exclude income taxes and any cost you have not entered. Check the result before pricing work or committing resources.
What information do I need?
Use records for the same job, equipment or accounting period. Only the fields for your selected entry method are required. An unknown amount is not zero.
Input definitions and where to find them
- Measured stockpile shape: Choose the entry method matching the information you have. Only its active inputs are required.
- Bottom length (ft): Use measured dimensions or quantities and select their actual units. Do not mix dry and wet weight or capacity and actual consumption. Used with: box,taper.
- Bottom width (ft): Use measured dimensions or quantities and select their actual units. Do not mix dry and wet weight or capacity and actual consumption. Used with: box,taper.
- Measured pile height (ft): Use measured dimensions or quantities and select their actual units. Do not mix dry and wet weight or capacity and actual consumption.
- Base diameter (ft): Use measured dimensions or quantities and select their actual units. Do not mix dry and wet weight or capacity and actual consumption. Used with: Circular cone.
- Flat-top length (ft): Use measured dimensions or quantities and select their actual units. Do not mix dry and wet weight or capacity and actual consumption. Used with: Aligned rectangular pile with smaller flat top.
- Flat-top width (ft): Use measured dimensions or quantities and select their actual units. Do not mix dry and wet weight or capacity and actual consumption. Used with: Aligned rectangular pile with smaller flat top.
- Measured bulk density for these conditions (lb/ft³): Use measured dimensions or quantities and select their actual units. Do not mix dry and wet weight or capacity and actual consumption.
Use the Where to find this value controls beside the inputs for available work-it-out helpers. Estimates remain your assumptions; a helper does not verify the source figures.
Worked example
Example amounts use US dollars (USD).
Example answer: Idealized pile volume is 130.80 yd³ for the illustrative inputs below.
Example inputs
- Measured stockpile shape: Rectangular prism
- Bottom length: 32.808398950131 ft
- Bottom width: 16.404199475066 ft
- Measured pile height: 6.561679790026 ft
- Measured bulk density for these conditions: 93.641940864217 lb/ft³
- Idealized pile volume
- 130.80 yd³
- Mass at entered bulk density
- 165.35 US short tons
- Idealized pile volume in cubic feet
- 3,531.47 ft³
These illustrative values are not recommended rates or industry averages. Replace every example input with your own figures.
Use the result well
Estimate an idealized stockpile volume and convert it to mass using a supplied matching bulk density. Inputs come from your own records and stated assumptions; no rates or legal limits are looked up.
Keep inputs on the same scope and time basis. Calculations retain precision internally; displayed values generally round to two decimal places, with extra precision for very small values and whole-unit rounding where required. Economic comparisons describe your supplied assumptions and do not guarantee future results.
This tool provides business arithmetic. It does not approve engineering designs, establish legal or tax treatment, select equipment or certify safe operating conditions.