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Concrete Calculator: Cubic Yards & Bags.
The #1 tool to estimate cubic yards and concrete bags for slabs, driveways, and footings. Accurate math for DIY and contractors.
Dimensions
Waste Buffer10%
Results
1.36Yds³
62
80lb Bags
82
60lb Bags
* Includes 10% waste buffer for spillage and variation.
Precision Math
Standard formulas for professional results.
Bulk vs Bags
Get yardage for trucks or bag counts for mix.
Waste Margin
Custom buffers to ensure you never run short.
Project Execution Guides
Expert technical walkthroughs for professional results.
How to Calculate a Concrete Slab
1.Measure the length of your area in feet.
2.Measure the width of your area in feet.
3.Decide on the thickness (usually 4 inches for slabs).
4.Multiply Length × Width × (Thickness / 12) to get cubic feet.
5.Divide the result by 27 to get cubic yards.
6.Add 10% for waste factor.
Measuring for Sonotubes & Footings
1.Determine the diameter of the Sonotube (e.g., 8", 10", 12").
2.Measure the depth of the hole below the frost line.
3.Calculate volume: π × (radius²) × depth.
4.Convert cubic inches to cubic feet (divide by 1728).
5.Multiply by the number of posts/footings.
6.Convert to cubic yards (divide total cubic feet by 27).
How to Order Ready-Mix Concrete
1.Calculate your total cubic yardage precisely using our tool.
2.Determine the PSI requirement (e.g., 3000 for footings, 4000 for driveways).
3.Decide on additives (Fiber, Accelerator, or Air Entrainment).
4.Call your local dispatch at least 48 hours in advance.
5.Ask about 'short load' fees if ordering under 10 yards.
6.Ensure you have enough help on-site to unload the truck within the allotted time (usually 60-90 mins).
How to Calculate
Concrete Volume.
Calculating concrete volume is essential to avoid ordering too much or, worse, running short mid-pour. Our calculator uses the industry-standard formula to ensure your project is estimated with precision.
1
Determine Dimensions: Measure the length and width of your area in feet.
2
Measure Thickness: Convert your desired thickness from inches to feet (e.g., 4" is 0.33 feet).
3
Calculate Volume: Multiply Length × Width × Thickness to get total cubic feet.
4
Convert to Yards: Divide the total cubic feet by 27 to get the amount in cubic yards.
The Formula
// Result in Cubic Yards
Volume = (Length × Width × (Depth / 12)) / 27
Volume = (Length × Width × (Depth / 12)) / 27
* Pro Tip: Always add 10% to your final total to account for spillage, edge forms, and sub-base variations.
Concrete Bag Reference Table
Quick estimates for 4-inch deep slabs using standard 80lb bags.
| Slab Size (ft) | Cubic Yards | 80lb Bags Required | 60lb Bags Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 | 1.23 yd³ | 56 Bags | 74 Bags |
| 12 x 12 | 1.78 yd³ | 80 Bags | 107 Bags |
| 14 x 14 | 2.42 yd³ | 109 Bags | 145 Bags |
| 16 x 16 | 3.16 yd³ | 142 Bags | 190 Bags |
| 20 x 20 | 4.94 yd³ | 222 Bags | 296 Bags |
* Bag counts above include a 10% waste factor.
Concrete Slabs
Perfect for estimating material for patios, shed bases, and garage floors.
Driveways
Calculate cubic yards for large residential and commercial ready-mix truck deliveries.
Footings & Posts
Accurately estimate Sonotubes and deck post holes by diameter and depth.
Project Planning
Checklist.
A successful pour starts with great preparation. Use our checklist to ensure your concrete estimate is used correctly on site.
- Check for frost or excessive mud before pouring.
- Verify formwork is rigid and level.
- Confirm sub-base is compacted to prevent settling.
- Double check dimensions against our calculator.
- Ensure easy access for the concrete truck delivery.
10%
Suggested Waste
4"
Slab Standard
27
Feet per Yard
45
80lb Bags / Yard
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Industry Compliance
Verified by
Global Standards.
Our calculations are based on the volumetric standards established by leading international building authorities. We ensure your estimates align with real-world material performance.
Why Accuracy Matters
0.5 Yard Errors
A small error in measurement can lead to a "short load," often costing $200+ in delivery surcharges.
Curing Failure
Incorrect bag counts lead to shallow pours, causing structural cracking under vehicle loads.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know to plan your pour.
How many 80lb bags of concrete are in a cubic yard?
There are approximately 45 bags of 80lb concrete in one cubic yard. It is always recommended to buy 10% more (about 50 bags) to account for spillage and variations in depth.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
A standard residential driveway should be at least 4 inches thick. For heavier vehicles or delivery trucks, 5 to 6 inches is recommended.
How long should I wait before driving on new concrete?
You can typically walk on new concrete after 24-48 hours. However, you should wait at least 7 days before driving a standard vehicle on it, and 28 days for heavy trucks.
What is the standard size of a concrete truck?
Most ready-mix concrete trucks hold between 8 and 11 cubic yards of concrete. If you need more, you will need to schedule multiple deliveries.
Do I need rebar for a 4-inch slab?
While not strictly required for all foot traffic slabs, rebar or wire mesh is highly recommended to control cracking and provide structural integrity, especially for driveways.
What does PSI mean in concrete?
PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch. It measures the compressive strength of the concrete. 3000 PSI is standard for footings, while 4000 PSI is best for driveways and heavy-use slabs.