Structural Masonry & Ready-Mix Estimator

Concrete Volume Calculator

Calculate cubic yards and 60-lb / 80-lb pre-mix bag requirements for slabs, footings, sonotube columns, and concrete stairs. Built to avoid expensive short-load fees and cold joints.

Structure Type:
Waste Margin:
Standard slab is 4"; driveway 5"-6"
$
$
Recommended Order (With +10% Safety Margin)
5.21 yd³ (Cubic Yards)
Net volume: 4.74 yd³ (128.0 cu ft)
Ready-Mix Truck Delivery
$756.15

Truck order recommendation: 5.25 yards (batch plants order in 0.25 yd increments).

✓ Economical volume: Ready-mix is ideal for orders over 2.5–3 cubic yards.
Pre-Mix Dry Bags (Home Center)
$1468.75
235
80-lb Bags
313
60-lb Bags
376
50-lb Bags
Water required: ~212 galTotal weight: 10.56 tons

Essential Contractor Rules for Pouring Concrete

1. Proper Sub-Base Preparation

Never pour over loose or muddy topsoil. Excavate 4 inches and compact crushed stone (crusher run) to prevent slab settling and catastrophic cracking.

2. Control Joints Are Mandatory

Concrete shrinks as water evaporates. Place control joints at intervals 2 to 3 times the thickness in feet (e.g., a 4-inch slab needs joints every 8 to 10 feet).

3. Moisture Curing Protocol

Do not let fresh concrete dry out rapidly in direct sun or high winds. Keep moist or spray a curing compound for 5 to 7 days to attain 4,000+ PSI compressive strength.