Concrete Tools

Concrete Volume Calculator

Calculate the exact amount of concrete needed for your slabs, footings, and columns. Get cubic yards, bag quantities, and cost estimates instantly.

Enter Your Measurements

Calculation Results

Volume 0 cu ft
Total Needed 0 cu yd
Volume (cubic yards) 0
80lb Bags Needed 0
60lb Bags Needed 0
Estimated Cost $0 - $0

How to Use

  1. Enter the length and width of your slab or footing
  2. Enter the depth in inches
  3. See instant results with 10% waste factor included

Formula

Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × Depth

Volume (cu yd) = cu ft ÷ 27

Total Needed = cu yd × 1.10 (waste factor)

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Concrete Volume Calculator for Construction Projects

Accurate concrete volume calculations are essential for any construction project, whether you're pouring a foundation, building a patio, or creating structural footings. Our free concrete calculator helps contractors and DIY enthusiasts determine exactly how much concrete they need, preventing costly overages or shortages.

Why Accurate Concrete Estimation Matters

Ordering the right amount of concrete is critical for several reasons. First, concrete has a limited working time once mixed, so having too little means your project could be compromised. Second, excess concrete represents wasted money and disposal costs. Our calculator includes a standard 10% waste factor to account for spillage, uneven ground, and measurement variations.

Types of Concrete Projects

This calculator works for various concrete applications:

  • Slabs: Garage floors, basement floors, patios, and driveways
  • Footings: Foundation supports for homes and commercial buildings
  • Columns: Structural support pillars and posts
  • Walkways: Sidewalks and garden paths

Understanding Cubic Yards

Concrete is typically sold by the cubic yard. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet - imagine a box 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet tall. Most ready-mix concrete trucks carry 8-10 cubic yards. Knowing your volume in cubic yards helps you plan deliveries and understand pricing.

Bagged vs. Ready-Mix Concrete

For smaller projects (under 2 cubic yards), bagged concrete may be more practical. Our calculator shows both bag quantities and ready-mix volumes:

  • 80lb bags cover approximately 0.6 cubic feet each
  • 60lb bags cover approximately 0.45 cubic feet each
  • Ready-mix delivery is typically more economical for projects over 3 cubic yards

Cost Considerations

Concrete costs vary by region, strength requirements, and delivery distance. Our calculator provides cost estimates based on current market rates. Remember to factor in:

  • Base concrete cost per cubic yard
  • Short-load fees for small orders
  • Delivery charges
  • Reinforcement materials (rebar, wire mesh)
  • Finishing and curing supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate concrete volume?

To calculate concrete volume, multiply length × width × depth (all in feet), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Our calculator includes a 10% waste factor automatically. For example, a 10×10 foot slab at 4 inches deep needs approximately 1.23 cubic yards of concrete.

How many 80lb bags of concrete per cubic yard?

One 80lb bag covers approximately 0.6 cubic feet. Therefore, you need about 45 bags per cubic yard (27 cubic feet ÷ 0.6). For a project requiring 2 cubic yards, you would need approximately 90 bags of 80lb concrete mix.

How much does concrete cost per cubic yard?

Concrete costs typically range from $120 to $150 per cubic yard delivered. Prices vary by location, strength requirements (PSI rating), and any special additives. Short-load fees may apply for orders under 4-5 cubic yards, typically adding $50-100 per load.

What depth should concrete be?

Standard concrete depths vary by application: Patios and walkways: 4 inches; Driveways: 4-6 inches; Foundation footings: 8-12 inches; Garage floors: 4-6 inches; Commercial slabs: 6+ inches. Always check local building codes for your specific project.

How long does concrete take to cure?

Concrete reaches initial set in 24-48 hours and can support light foot traffic after this period. It achieves 70% strength in 7 days and full design strength in 28 days. Proper curing (keeping moist) is essential during the first week for maximum strength development.

Should I order extra concrete?

Yes, always order 10% extra to account for waste, spillage, and minor measurement errors. Our calculator automatically includes this waste factor. It's better to have slightly too much than to run short during a pour, as stopping and restarting creates weak cold joints.

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