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Concrete Calculator

By Muhammad Abdullah Rauf · Founder, EverydayTools.proUpdated 2026-06-27

How much concrete do I need for a slab?

Concrete volume is **footprint area × depth**, converted to cubic yards for ready-mix orders or bags for small pours.

**Formula:**

Cu ft = sq ft × (depth in ÷ 12)

Cu yd = cu ft ÷ 27

Bags = ceil(cu ft ÷ yield per bag)

**Example — 10×10 ft slab, 4 in deep:**

100 × (4÷12) = 33.33 cu ft = **1.23 yd³**

≈ **75** sixty-pound bags (0.45 cu ft each)

Add **5–10% buffer** for uneven subgrade and spill.

Slab volume formula

Rectangle, circle, or area footprint times depth, with optional order buffer.

Formula

cu_yd = (sq_ft × depth_ft) / 27; bags = ceil(cu_ft / bag_yield)

Assumptions

  • Level, uniform depth across footprint.
  • No voids for rebar or embedded pipes subtracted.

Limitations

  • Does not design rebar spacing or PSI mix.
  • Post holes use circle mode — not sonotube wall thickness.

How to use Concrete Calculator

  1. Pick a slab preset

    Tap 10×10 patio, sidewalk, or post hole on the main form.

  2. Enter footprint

    Rectangle L×W, total sq ft, or round pad diameter.

  3. Set depth

    4 in for patios, 6–8 in for driveways and footings — use depth chips.

  4. Read cu yd and bags

    Results show cubic yards, bag counts by size, and ready-mix note.

  5. Order gravel base first

    Compact crushed stone under the slab — see Gravel Calculator.

Concrete Calculator examples

10×10 · 4 in

Input

100 sq ft patio

Output

1.23 yd³ · 75×60 lb bags

33.33 cu ft ÷ 27 = 1.23 yd³.

12×20 · 4 in

Input

240 sq ft drive pad

Output

2.96 yd³

80 cu ft — ready-mix territory.

12 ft ⌀ · 4 in

Input

Round pad

Output

≈ 1.4 yd³

113 sq ft footprint × 4 in depth.

Who uses Concrete Calculator?

Common real-world scenarios where this tool saves time.

10×10 ft patio

4 in slab ≈ 1.23 yd³ — bag mix or short-load ready-mix.

4×20 ft sidewalk

4 in × 80 sq ft ≈ 1 yd³ — common walk pour.

12 in round post hole

24 in deep — circle mode for fence posts.

Workflow guides

Step-by-step chains that connect related tools for common tasks.

Pour a patio slab

  1. Compact 4 in gravel base — Gravel Calculator. Base prep
  2. 10×10 preset, 4 in depth, 10% buffer.
  3. Order ready-mix or bags.

Reference tables

Typical slab depths

UseDepth
Patio / sidewalk4 in
Driveway6–8 in
Footings8 in+

Bag yield reference

Bag sizeApprox. yield
40 lb0.30 cu ft
60 lb0.45 cu ft
80 lb0.60 cu ft

Best practices

Order 10% extra

One continuous pour

Common mistakes to avoid

Measuring before base prep

Compact gravel base **before** final depth measurement — subsidence changes volume.

Undersizing driveways

Driveways need **6–8 in** depth — 4 in patio math will crack under vehicle load.

Ignoring short-load fees

Under 1 yd³ ready-mix often costs more per yard — compare bag mix.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much concrete for a 10×10 slab?

At 4 inches thick: about 1.23 cubic yards or roughly 75 sixty-pound bags. Add 10% buffer for spill.

How many bags of concrete do I need?

Divide total cu ft by bag yield (60 lb ≈ 0.45 cu ft) and round up. The calculator shows 40/60/80 lb counts.

How many cubic yards in a slab?

Cu yd = (sq ft × depth in feet) ÷ 27. Example: 100 sq ft × 0.333 ft ÷ 27 = 1.23 yd³.

4 inch vs 6 inch slab?

4 in for patios and walks. Driveways and garage slabs need 6–8 in — change depth on the form.

Ready-mix vs bags?

Under ~1 yd³, bag mix avoids short-load fees. Above 1 yd³, ready-mix delivery is usually cheaper per yard.

Concrete calculator vs gravel calculator?

Gravel Calculator estimates compacted base under the slab. Concrete Calculator estimates the pour on top.

Round pad concrete?

Use circle mode — enter diameter and depth for cu yd and bags.

Metric concrete volume?

Switch to metric — enter m² and depth in cm for m³ and liters.

How much extra concrete to order?

5–10% buffer for uneven subgrade and spill — enable on the main form.

Post hole concrete?

Use the post hole preset — 12 in diameter circle mode with your bury depth.

Privacy, accuracy, and trust

Privacy

Dimensions stay on your device.

Estimates only — structural footings and PSI mix require engineered plans.

Part of Calculator Tools

More free tools for the same workflow.

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Reviewed on 2026-06-27.