.cs-calculator-container {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 20px auto;
background: #ffffff;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
overflow: hidden;
}
.cs-calc-header {
background: #2c3e50;
color: #fff;
padding: 20px;
text-align: center;
}
.cs-calc-header h2 {
margin: 0;
font-size: 24px;
}
.cs-calc-body {
padding: 25px;
display: flex;
flex-wrap: wrap;
gap: 30px;
}
.cs-calc-inputs {
flex: 1;
min-width: 300px;
}
.cs-calc-results {
flex: 1;
min-width: 300px;
background: #f8f9fa;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 8px;
border: 1px solid #dee2e6;
}
.cs-form-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.cs-form-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #333;
font-size: 14px;
}
.cs-form-group input, .cs-form-group select {
width: 100%;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.cs-form-group .input-suffix {
position: relative;
}
.cs-form-group .input-suffix input {
padding-right: 40px;
}
.cs-form-group .input-suffix span {
position: absolute;
right: 10px;
top: 50%;
transform: translateY(-50%);
color: #666;
font-size: 14px;
}
.cs-calc-btn {
width: 100%;
padding: 12px;
background: #e67e22;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background 0.3s;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.cs-calc-btn:hover {
background: #d35400;
}
.cs-result-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
padding: 10px 0;
border-bottom: 1px solid #e9ecef;
}
.cs-result-row:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
}
.cs-result-label {
color: #555;
font-size: 15px;
}
.cs-result-value {
font-weight: 700;
color: #2c3e50;
font-size: 16px;
}
.cs-total-cost {
background: #e8f6f3;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
margin-top: 15px;
text-align: center;
border: 1px solid #c3e6cb;
}
.cs-total-cost .cs-result-value {
font-size: 24px;
color: #27ae60;
}
.cs-article-content {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 40px auto;
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
}
.cs-article-content h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 2px solid #e67e22;
padding-bottom: 10px;
margin-top: 30px;
}
.cs-article-content h3 {
color: #d35400;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.cs-article-content ul {
background: #f9f9f9;
padding: 20px 40px;
border-left: 4px solid #e67e22;
}
Total Area:
0 sq ft
Total Volume:
0 cu ft
Cubic Yards Needed:
0.00 yds
(Includes waste factor)
80lb Bags (Pre-mix):
0 bags
60lb Bags (Pre-mix):
0 bags
Estimated Ready-Mix Cost
$0.00
How to Estimate Concrete Slab Costs
Planning a new patio, driveway, or shed foundation requires accurate measurements to ensure you order enough concrete without overspending. This Concrete Slab Cost Calculator helps homeowners and contractors estimate the volume of material needed in both cubic yards (for ready-mix trucks) and bags (for DIY projects).
The Concrete Volume Formula
To calculate the amount of concrete required for a slab, you need to determine the volume in cubic feet and then convert it to cubic yards. The formula used is:
- Area = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
- Volume (cu ft) = Area × (Thickness in inches ÷ 12)
- Volume (cu yds) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
Our calculator also adds a "Waste Factor" (usually 5-10%) to account for spillage, uneven subgrades, or settling, which is industry standard practice to prevent running short during the pour.
Standard Slab Thicknesses
Choosing the right thickness is crucial for the longevity of your project:
- 4 Inches: Standard for residential patios, sidewalks, and shed bases.
- 5-6 Inches: Recommended for residential driveways carrying passenger vehicles/SUVs.
- 8+ Inches: Required for heavy equipment or commercial loading zones.
Ready-Mix Truck vs. Pre-Mixed Bags
When should you order a truck versus buying bags? Generally, if your project requires more than 1.5 to 2 cubic yards of concrete, ordering a ready-mix truck is more cost-effective and labor-efficient. One cubic yard of concrete weighs roughly 4,000 lbs, which equals about 45 bags (80lb each). Mixing that amount by hand is physically demanding!
function calculateConcrete() {
// Get Inputs
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('csLength').value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('csWidth').value);
var thickness = parseFloat(document.getElementById('csThickness').value);
var pricePerYard = parseFloat(document.getElementById('csPrice').value);
var wasteFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('csWaste').value);
// Validate
if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(pricePerYard)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for Length, Width, and Price.");
return;
}
// Calculations
var areaSqFt = length * width;
// Convert thickness to feet (inches / 12)
var thicknessFt = thickness / 12;
// Calculate raw volume in cubic feet
var volCuFtRaw = areaSqFt * thicknessFt;
// Apply waste factor
var volCuFtTotal = volCuFtRaw * wasteFactor;
// Convert to Cubic Yards (1 yard = 27 cubic feet)
var volCuYards = volCuFtTotal / 27;
// Calculate Bags (Yield assumption: 80lb bag ~= 0.6 cu ft, 60lb bag ~= 0.45 cu ft)
var bags80 = Math.ceil(volCuFtTotal / 0.6);
var bags60 = Math.ceil(volCuFtTotal / 0.45);
// Calculate Cost
var totalCost = volCuYards * pricePerYard;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('resArea').innerHTML = areaSqFt.toFixed(2) + " sq ft";
document.getElementById('resCuFt').innerHTML = volCuFtTotal.toFixed(2) + " cu ft";
document.getElementById('resYards').innerHTML = volCuYards.toFixed(2) + " yds";
document.getElementById('resBags80').innerHTML = bags80 + " bags";
document.getElementById('resBags60').innerHTML = bags60 + " bags";
// Format Currency
document.getElementById('resCost').innerHTML = "$" + totalCost.toLocaleString('en-US', {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
}