Overview
Limestone products span the heaviest and lightest ends of the aggregate range, so pick the exact product before ordering.
How the calculation works
Limestone weight = area × compacted depth × planning density: 2.0 t/m³ for scalpings, 2.2 t/m³ for graded limestone Type 1, and around 1.5 t/m³ for decorative chippings.
At 100mm compacted, scalpings run 0.2 tonnes per square metre before compaction allowances.
Decorative limestone chippings calculate like any gravel: area × dressing depth × ~1.5 t/m³.
Worked example
A parking bay 5m × 3m needs 100mm of limestone scalpings compacted.
Area = 15 m². Volume = 1.5 m³. Weight = 1.5 × 2.0 = 3.0 tonnes.
With a 15% compaction and ordering allowance, order about 3.45 tonnes — a 4-tonne loose load or five 850kg bulk bags.
Limestone scalpings at a glance
- Planning density2.00 t/m³
- Typical range1.80–2.20 t/m³
- CategorySub Base
- CompactionOften relevant
- SourcePlanning value based on typical UK scalpings bulk densities
- Reviewed2026-08-16
Planning values for typical UK supplies; your supplier product data takes precedence.
Limestone scalpings coverage guide
| Depth | Area per tonne | Area per 850kg bag | Weight per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25mm | 20.0 m² | 17.0 m² | 50 kg |
| 40mm | 12.5 m² | 10.6 m² | 80 kg |
| 50mm | 10.0 m² | 8.5 m² | 100 kg |
| 75mm | 6.7 m² | 5.7 m² | 150 kg |
| 100mm | 5.0 m² | 4.3 m² | 200 kg |
| 150mm | 3.3 m² | 2.8 m² | 300 kg |
Computed from a 2.00 t/m³ planning density on level ground.
Assumptions and accuracy
Scalpings are quarry-run and vary more than graded Type 1; the planning density assumes typical compaction.
Decorative limestone density depends on whether it is crushed angular or rounded gravel.
Confirm product-specific densities with your supplier for firm orders.
Planning density values
Use supplier product data whenever available. These figures are planning defaults shared by every calculator on the site.
| Material | Category | Planning density | Typical range | Compaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOT Type 1 | Sub Base | 2.20 t/m³ | 2.00–2.30 t/m³ | Relevant |
| MOT Type 3 | Sub Base | 2.10 t/m³ | 1.90–2.20 t/m³ | Relevant |
| Recycled Type 1 | Recycled | 2.00 t/m³ | 1.80–2.20 t/m³ | Relevant |
| 6F2 / 6F5 crushed aggregate | Recycled | 2.00 t/m³ | 1.80–2.20 t/m³ | Relevant |
| Road planings | Recycled | 2.00 t/m³ | 1.80–2.20 t/m³ | Relevant |
| Sharp sand | Sand | 1.60 t/m³ | 1.50–1.70 t/m³ | Usually no |
| Building sand | Sand | 1.50 t/m³ | 1.40–1.60 t/m³ | Usually no |
| Kiln-dried sand | Sand | 1.50 t/m³ | 1.40–1.60 t/m³ | Usually no |
| 10mm pea shingle | Gravel | 1.60 t/m³ | 1.40–1.70 t/m³ | Usually no |
| 20mm gravel / shingle | Gravel | 1.60 t/m³ | 1.40–1.70 t/m³ | Usually no |
| Decorative gravel | Decorative | 1.50 t/m³ | 1.30–1.70 t/m³ | Usually no |
| Slate chippings | Decorative | 1.60 t/m³ | 1.40–1.80 t/m³ | Usually no |
| Gabion stone | Gravel | 1.50 t/m³ | 1.40–1.60 t/m³ | Usually no |
| Self-binding gravel | Gravel | 1.90 t/m³ | 1.80–2.10 t/m³ | Relevant |
| Crushed concrete | Recycled | 1.90 t/m³ | 1.70–2.10 t/m³ | Relevant |
| Limestone scalpings | Sub Base | 2.00 t/m³ | 1.80–2.20 t/m³ | Relevant |
| Ballast | Sand | 1.70 t/m³ | 1.60–1.80 t/m³ | Usually no |
| Generic aggregate | General | 1.70 t/m³ | 1.50–2.20 t/m³ | Usually no |
How to use this calculator
- Choose scalpings for sub-base fill or decorative limestone for finishes.
- Enter the compacted depth for sub-base work or dressing depth for finishes.
- Apply the compaction allowance when ordering loose scalpings.
- Compare loose-load versus bulk-bag pricing in Advanced options.
When limestone is commonly used
Limestone scalpings build economical sub-bases and hardstandings; limestone Type 1 meets specified sub-base gradings; Cotswold and golden limestone chippings finish drives, paths and borders.
Frequently asked questions
How much limestone scalpings do I need?
At 100mm compacted allow 0.2 tonnes per square metre plus 10-20% for compaction, so 200-240kg per m² in total. Use the calculator for exact areas.
Are scalpings as good as MOT Type 1?
Scalpings are a cost-effective sub-base for many domestic jobs, but Type 1 is the graded material where a specification requires it. Check what your project calls for.
How many bulk bags of limestone for 20 m² at 100mm?
Roughly 2 tonnes compacted plus allowance — order 2.3 tonnes, which is three 850kg bulk bags or a small loose load.
Can I lay limestone chippings straight onto soil?
A membrane is recommended: without it, chippings sink into soil in wet weather and weeds grow through. Lay a permeable membrane, then dress 40–50mm of chippings over it.
References and source notes
- Typical UK limestone scalpings and chipping densities from supplier technical data (planning values).