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Calculators & guides

Free estimating tool

Concrete Calculator

Estimate concrete for slabs, round footings, tubes, curbs, walls and stairs — with volume, weight, bags and cost.

Project type

Units

Geometry dimensions — schematic, not to scaleL (length)HW
Schematic · not to scale · quantity repeats the entire solid

Concrete & bag assumptions

Density is the placed concrete density, not dry bag weight. Defaults are examples for normal-weight concrete. Bag weight does not determine yield; use the mixed yield printed on your product.

Estimate cost (optional · USD)

All cost fields are optional and user-entered. Ready-mix and bags are alternatives, never added together. No average or local prices are assumed — use a real quote. Labor per area is available only for shapes with a defined footprint.

Formula & solid model

V = L × W × H × Q

All lengths convert to metres before calculation. Blank waste = 0%. Zero dimensions or quantity produce zero volume. Display values are rounded; costs and bags use unrounded volumes.

Rectangular slab · incl. 10% waste

You need approximately 1.358 cubic yards

36.667 ft³ · 1.038 m³ · 1,038.28 litres

Volume

UnitExact+10% waste
Cubic yards1.2351.358
Cubic feet33.33336.667
Cubic metres0.9441.038
Litres943.8951,038.284

Placed weight · incl. waste

5,500 lb / 2,494.76 kg

Density: 150 lb/ft³ · weight = volume × density

Selected premix bags · incl. waste

62 × 80 lb bags

Yield: 0.6 ft³ / bag · total volume ÷ yield, rounded up.

Above about 1 yd³, ready-mix is often more practical than mixing bags.

Estimate inputs & formula

Length: 10 ft · Width: 10 ft · Thickness (H): 4 in · Quantity (Q): 1

V = L × W × H × Q

Estimate only, not engineering advice. Actual needs vary with subgrade, forms and spillage. Confirm final quantities and product yields with your supplier or contractor before ordering.

How to calculate concrete

Concrete is measured by volume. For any rectangular pour, multiply the three dimensions in the same unit, then convert to the unit your supplier sells in.

Cubic yards = (length ft × width ft × thickness ft) ÷ 27

Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12, so a 4 inch slab is 0.333 ft. A 10 × 10 ft slab at 4 inches is 33.3 cubic feet, or 1.23 cubic yards. For a full walkthrough, read how much concrete do I need.

What are you calculating?

Conversion reference

Concrete volume and bag conversions
1 cubic yard27 cubic feet0.7646 m³
1 cubic foot0.037 cubic yards0.0283 m³
1 cubic metre1.308 cubic yards35.31 cubic feet
1 cu yd at 4 in thickcovers ≈ 81 sq ft≈ 7.5 m²
1 cu yd at 6 in thickcovers ≈ 54 sq ft≈ 5.0 m²
80 lb bag≈ 0.60 cu ft45 bags per cu yd
60 lb bag≈ 0.45 cu ft60 bags per cu yd
40 lb bag≈ 0.30 cu ft90 bags per cu yd

Bag yields are typical; check the label on the product you buy.

Why add a waste allowance?

Real pours rarely match the drawing. Subgrade dips, forms bow, some concrete stays in the mixer or wheelbarrow, and a bit always spills.

  • 5% — accurate forms on a compacted, level base.
  • 10% — a sensible default for most DIY slabs.
  • 15%+ — trenches, uneven ground or complex shapes.

Running short mid-pour can leave a weak cold joint, so a small surplus is usually the cheaper mistake.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate how much concrete I need?

Multiply length × width × thickness in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add 5–10% for waste and round up.

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft), which is about 0.765 cubic metres.

How many 80 lb bags of concrete are in a yard?

At a typical yield of 0.60 cubic feet per bag, about 45 bags of 80 lb premix make one cubic yard.

How much waste should I add?

Around 5–10% is common for formed slabs on a level base. Use more for trenches, uneven ground or first-time pours.

Is this calculator engineering advice?

No. It estimates volume from the dimensions you enter. Structural requirements such as thickness, reinforcement and footing size should come from your plans, local code or a qualified professional.