🧱 Concrete calculator

Concrete Yard Calculator

Estimate how many cubic yards of concrete you need for slabs, pads, sidewalks, driveways, footings, and flatwork.

Quick answer:

A 20 ft × 20 ft slab at 4 inches thick requires approximately 4.9 cubic yards before waste, or about 5.4 cubic yards with 10% waste.

Concrete estimate
0 cu yd
Area0 sq ft
Truckloads0
Material cost$0
FormulaL × W × depth ÷ 27

How to calculate concrete yards

The basic concrete yardage formula is:

Cubic yards = length × width × thickness in feet ÷ 27

Because concrete thickness is usually entered in inches, divide the thickness by 12 first. Then multiply length, width, and thickness in feet to get cubic feet. Finally, divide by 27 to convert cubic feet into cubic yards.

Example calculation

For a 20 ft × 20 ft slab at 4 inches thick:

  • 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet
  • 20 × 20 = 400 square feet
  • 400 × 0.333 = 133.3 cubic feet
  • 133.3 ÷ 27 = approximately 4.9 cubic yards

Concrete yardage quick reference

These estimates do not include waste unless noted. Add 5% to 10% overage for many real-world pours.

Slab size 4 inches thick 5 inches thick 6 inches thick
10 ft × 10 ft 1.2 cu yd 1.5 cu yd 1.9 cu yd
20 ft × 20 ft 4.9 cu yd 6.2 cu yd 7.4 cu yd
24 ft × 24 ft 7.1 cu yd 8.9 cu yd 10.7 cu yd
30 ft × 40 ft 14.8 cu yd 18.5 cu yd 22.2 cu yd
50 ft × 100 ft 61.7 cu yd 77.2 cu yd 92.6 cu yd

What affects concrete quantity?

  • Thickness: Even one extra inch can significantly increase cubic yards.
  • Waste: Add overage for uneven subgrade, forms, spillage, and field variation.
  • Subgrade: Low areas or poor grading may increase actual concrete required.
  • Shape: Irregular slabs should be broken into smaller rectangles and added together.

Estimator disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates only. Actual concrete quantities may vary based on field measurements, formwork, subgrade conditions, slab thickness, reinforcement, waste, supplier batching, and project specifications. Always confirm final quantities with project plans, specifications, supplier, engineer, or qualified professional before ordering concrete or bidding work.