Concrete Slab Calculator
Calculate volume and bags needed for your project
Concrete Calculator: Estimate Yards & Premix Bags
Planning a new patio, driveway, or walkway? Accurate estimation of concrete materials is crucial to keep your project on budget and ensure you don't run out of material mid-pour. This Concrete Slab Calculator helps you determine exactly how much cement mix you need based on the dimensions of your pour.
How to Calculate Concrete Volume
To calculate the concrete needed for a slab, you need to determine the volume in cubic feet and then convert it to cubic yards (which is how ready-mix trucks measure delivery) or bag counts.
Volume (cu. ft.) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Thickness (in) ÷ 12)
For example, a 10×10 foot patio that is 4 inches thick involves the following math:
- Convert thickness to feet: 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.33 feet
- Calculate cubic feet: 10 × 10 × 0.33 = 33.33 cubic feet
- Convert to Cubic Yards: 33.33 ÷ 27 = 1.23 cubic yards
Standard Slab Thicknesses
Choosing the right thickness depends on what the concrete will be used for:
- 4 Inches: Standard for walkways, patios, and residential garage floors.
- 5-6 Inches: Recommended for driveways that hold heavier vehicles or light trucks.
- 6+ Inches: Heavy-duty industrial floors or areas expecting very heavy loads.
Calculating Bags of Concrete
If you are mixing the concrete yourself using premixed bags (like Quikrete or Sakrete), you need to know the yield of each bag:
- An 80lb bag typically yields approximately 0.60 cubic feet.
- A 60lb bag typically yields approximately 0.45 cubic feet.
Our calculator automatically applies these yield factors and adds your specified waste margin to ensure you buy enough bags for the job.
Why Include a Waste Factor?
Professional contractors always include a waste margin, typically 5% to 10%. This accounts for:
- Spillage during mixing or pouring.
- Uneven subgrade (ground) which may require more depth in spots.
- Concrete sticking to tools and the mixer.
It is much cheaper to buy one extra bag now than to stop work and drive to the store while your wet concrete begins to cure.