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Measurement

Concrete Calculator

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How to Use This Calculator

Step 1: Select shape: Slab, Column, or Wall.

Step 2: Enter dimensions. Depth/thickness in inches, other dimensions in feet.

Step 3: Set quantity for multiple identical shapes.

Step 4: Click Calculate for cubic yards and bag estimates.

Estimating Concrete

Concrete is sold by cubic yard (27 cu ft). One cubic yard covers about 81 sq ft at 4 inches thick. Pre-mixed bags for small jobs; ready-mix trucks for 2+ cubic yards.

Common thickness: 4 inches patios, 6 inches driveways, 8-12 inches footings. Always add 5-10% extra for waste.

Volume Formulas

Slab: L(ft) x W(ft) x D(in)/12 / 27 = cu yd
Example: 20x10x4in = 66.67 cuft = 2.47 cu yd

Column: pi x (D/2)^2 x H / 27

Bags: 40lb=0.011, 60lb=0.017, 80lb=0.022 cu yd each

Coverage Guide

ThicknessCoverage/CuYdUse
4 inches81 sq ftPatios, walkways
6 inches54 sq ftDriveways, garages
8 inches40.5 sq ftFoundation walls
12 inches27 sq ftFootings, columns

Examples

Example 1: 12x12ft patio, 4in = 1.78 cu yd (81 bags of 80lb)

Example 2: 4 round footings, 1.5ft diam, 3ft deep = 0.79 cu yd

Example 3: Wall 20x3ft, 8in thick = 1.48 cu yd

Ordering Tips

Order 5-10% extra. Ground is never perfectly level.

Depth in INCHES, not feet. 4 inches, not 4 feet!

Round up to nearest half-yard for truck delivery.

Check truck access. Chute reach is about 18 feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
A cubic yard of standard concrete weighs approximately 4,050 pounds, or about 2 tons. This weight matters for structural calculations and for ensuring your subgrade (the ground underneath) can support the load. An individual 80-pound bag of pre-mixed concrete yields about 0.6 cubic feet when mixed with water. Ready-mix concrete delivered by truck has the same density as bag mix.
How many bags of concrete do I need?
It depends on the bag size. For one cubic yard (27 cubic feet) of concrete, you need approximately 45 bags of 80-pound mix, 60 bags of 60-pound mix, or 90 bags of 40-pound mix. For projects larger than about 1-2 cubic yards, ordering ready-mix concrete from a truck is more cost-effective and produces better results since all the concrete is poured at once rather than batch by batch.
Should I order extra concrete beyond what the calculator shows?
Yes, always add 5-10% to your calculated amount. Real-world conditions mean you will use more than the theoretical volume — ground is never perfectly level, forms bow slightly under pressure, and some concrete is lost during mixing and transport. For projects with irregular shapes, sloped ground, or complex forms, add 10-15% extra. Running short mid-pour is far worse than having a small surplus.
What thickness should I use for a driveway?
Standard residential driveways should be at least 4 inches thick, but 6 inches is strongly recommended for any area that will support vehicle traffic. The additional 2 inches adds about 50% more concrete cost but significantly increases the load-bearing capacity and longevity. For driveways that will support heavy vehicles like RVs, trucks, or trailers, consider 6-8 inches with reinforcing wire mesh or rebar.
Can I pour concrete in cold weather?
Concrete should not be poured when the air temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), or when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing within 24 hours of the pour. Cold temperatures dramatically slow the chemical curing process and can cause the concrete to crack, flake, or fail to reach full strength. If you must pour in cold conditions, use hot water in the mix, insulating blankets over the surface, and cold-weather concrete admixtures.
How long does concrete take to fully cure?
Concrete curing happens in stages. You can carefully walk on it after 24-48 hours. Light foot traffic is safe after 3 days. You can drive on a driveway after 7 days when it reaches about 70% of its design strength. Full cure takes 28 days, at which point it reaches 99% of its rated compressive strength. During the first 7 days, keep the surface moist by spraying with water or covering with plastic sheeting — this prevents surface cracking.

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