How to Use Our Concrete Calculator
3 min read
How to Use Our Concrete Calculator
Getting concrete quantities wrong means either running out mid-pour or paying for excess. Our Concrete Calculator ensures you order the right amount every time.
Entering Your Project Dimensions
- Length -- The length of your pour area in feet or meters.
- Width -- The width of your pour area.
- Depth (Thickness) -- The thickness of the concrete slab. Standard sidewalks use 4 inches, driveways use 4-6 inches, and structural foundations use 6-12 inches.
For non-rectangular areas, divide the project into rectangular sections and calculate each separately.
Understanding Your Results
Cubic Yards -- The standard ordering unit for ready-mix concrete trucks. One cubic yard covers about 80 square feet at 4 inches thick.
Cubic Feet -- Useful for smaller projects where you are mixing by hand.
Number of Bags -- The calculator converts to common bag sizes (40 lb, 60 lb, or 80 lb bags). An 80-lb bag of premixed concrete yields about 0.6 cubic feet.
Always Order Extra
Add 10% to your calculated amount for waste, uneven surfaces, and spillage. For projects with many forms, corners, or irregular shapes, add 15%. Running out of concrete during a pour is far worse than having a little left over.
Related Calculators
- Concrete Calculator -- Calculate your concrete needs
- Square Footage Calculator -- Measure your project area
- Concrete Volume Calculator -- Advanced volume calculations