Concrete Slab & Bag Calculator
Estimated Materials Needed:
*Calculations include the selected waste margin. Always round up when purchasing bags.
How to Calculate Concrete for a Slab
Planning a patio, driveway, or shed foundation requires accurate concrete calculations to ensure you order enough material without excessive waste. This calculator determines the total volume required in both Cubic Yards (for truck delivery) and Pre-mix Bags (for smaller DIY projects).
The Formula
To calculate the concrete needed for a rectangular slab, you use the following formula:
Volume (Cubic Feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (ft)
Since thickness is usually measured in inches, divide the inches by 12 to convert to feet before multiplying.
- Example: For a 10′ x 10′ patio that is 4 inches thick:
10 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 33.33 cubic feet.
Converting to Cubic Yards
If you are ordering ready-mix concrete from a truck, you will need to know the Cubic Yards. There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
- Math: 33.33 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 1.23 cubic yards.
How Many Bags Do I Need?
For smaller projects, purchasing bags from a home improvement store is common. The yield of standard bags is approximately:
- 80lb Bag: Yields approximately 0.60 cubic feet.
- 60lb Bag: Yields approximately 0.45 cubic feet.
To find the number of bags, divide your total required cubic feet by the bag yield. Don't forget to add a safety margin!
Why Include a Waste Margin?
Professional contractors always include a "waste factor" or "spillage margin" of 5% to 10%. This accounts for:
- Uneven subgrade depth.
- Spillage during pouring.
- Concrete remaining in the mixer or wheelbarrow.
- Settling of forms.
It is far more expensive to stop a pour to buy two more bags than to buy a few extra upfront.