How to Calculate Concrete for Slabs and Driveways
Whether you are pouring a new patio, a driveway extension, or a shed foundation, knowing exactly how much concrete to order is critical. Ordering too little results in expensive "short load" fees or cold joints in your slab, while ordering too much is a waste of money.
This calculator determines the volume of concrete required based on the dimensions of your project, converting cubic feet into cubic yards (the standard unit for ordering from ready-mix trucks) and pre-mix bags (for smaller DIY jobs).
The Concrete Formula
The math behind calculating concrete volume involves three steps:
- Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: Multiply Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (ft). Note: You must convert the thickness from inches to feet by dividing by 12.
- Convert to Cubic Yards: Divide the total cubic feet by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard).
- Add Waste Margin: Always add 5-10% to account for spillage, uneven subgrades, and form spreading.
Standard Thickness Recommendations
Choosing the right thickness is essential for the durability of your slab:
- 4 Inches: Standard for residential sidewalks, patios, and garage floors for passenger cars.
- 5-6 Inches: Recommended for driveways that hold heavier SUVs, trucks, or RVs.
- 6+ Inches: Heavy-duty foundations or commercial aprons.
Truck vs. Bags: When to DIY?
If your project requires less than 1 cubic yard (about 45 bags of 80lb concrete), mixing by hand or with a small rental mixer is cost-effective. However, once you exceed 1 to 1.5 cubic yards, ordering a ready-mix truck is usually cheaper and guarantees a more consistent strength and finish. A standard concrete truck holds 9-10 cubic yards.
Pro Tip: When ordering a truck, ask for "4000 PSI" mix for driveways in freeze-thaw climates to prevent cracking and scaling.