MEASUREMENTS AND PURCHASE DECISIONS
Keep loose delivery and placed fill volumes separate.
Which volume should you use when the supplier quotes loose material?
Use the matching calculator
Use this decision sequence
- Calculate the required placed volume from the measured geometry.
- Ask for a compatible loose-to-placed volume ratio for your selected material and process.
- Multiply the placed volume by that supplied ratio.
- Add separately stated handling loss once and use density on the same loose-volume basis.
Keep the quantities distinct
| Quantity or assumption | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Placed volume | Finished geometric space. |
| Loose delivery volume | Supplier basis after the supplied volume ratio. |
| Mass quote | Requires bulk density on the same basis. |
Worked comparison
A 10 m³ placed requirement with a supplied loose factor of 1.2 becomes 12 m³ before handling loss. Adding 5% handling loss gives 12.6 m³ for the delivery estimate.
Check before using the estimate
A factor is not a universal compaction specification and must not be selected from this arithmetic example.
All dimensions, product properties, prices and specifications in this example are illustrative arithmetic inputs. Use the values from your measured plan, selected product data sheet and supplier quote. This guide does not choose construction specifications or certify safety.
Calculation and scope checked 2026-10-04. Methods and scope.