construction calculator

Concrete Slab Calculator

Estimate slab concrete before you call a ready-mix plant or decide whether bags are enough.

Important Use Notice

Planning calculator only. Do not rely on this page alone for structural design, permitting, code compliance, engineering signoff, procurement quantities, or contractual commitments.

Context

Enter slab length and width in feet, thickness in inches, then get ready-mix yards plus dry-bag estimates.

Estimate

Enter job values, review the estimate, then use the decision hints before ordering or quoting.

Estimate Results

Enter values to see the result.

Next Step

Patio pour where supplier asks for cubic yards
Garage slab check before booking delivery
Small pad where you need to compare ready-mix vs bag count

Check

Typing slab thickness as feet when the field expects inches
Ordering exact theoretical volume without waste allowance

Reference

lengthwidththickness Inchesyards
203047.41
121663.56

Example

20 ft × 30 ft × 4 in -> 200. 00 cu ft -> 7. 41 cu yd -> 8. 15 cu yd with waste
12 ft × 16 ft × 6 in -> 96. 00 cu ft -> 3. 56 cu yd -> 3. 91 cu yd with waste

Formula

Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × Thickness

Thickness is converted from inches to feet, then volume is translated to cubic yards for ordering.

Order quantity shown includes 10% waste. Bag yields are approximate: 80 lb ≈ 0. 60 cu ft, 60 lb ≈ 0. 45 cu ft.

Next Step

System note: validate this estimate against local code and supplier requirements before ordering.

FAQ

Should I order ready-mix or bags?

Ready-mix for anything over 4–5 cubic yards. Bags are only for very small jobs.

How much extra concrete should I order?

Always add 5–10% for spillage, uneven forms and over-excavation.