Concrete Slab Calculator to Estimate Yards Bags and Cost

Volume, weight, bags vs. truck orders, rebar & cost in one estimate

Generated by QuickTonnage.com ·

Measurement Units
Applies to all sections below

Unexcavated soil is rarely perfectly flat — this adds volume for low spots in the sub-base.

Leave blank to use the standard default: 150 lb/ft³ (≈4,050 lb/yd³) for normal-weight concrete. Typical range: 140–155 lb/ft³.

Total Concrete Needed

–cubic yards

– cu ft · – m³

Total Weight
– tons
Weight (metric)
– tonnes
🚚 Ready-Mix Truck Order
Enter your section dimensions and calculate to see whether this job needs bagged concrete or a ready-mix truck.
–
80 lb bags
–
60 lb bags
–
40 lb bags
⚠️ This order is below most plants' 5 yd³ full-load minimum — expect a short-load fee (commonly $75–$200) added by the ready-mix supplier. Combining sections or rounding up your order can sometimes avoid it.
🚛
– Full Ready-Mix Truck Loads
Based on a standard ~10 yd³ mixer truck
🧱
– 80 lb Bags
Most common DIY / small-job bag size
🛒
– 60 lb Bags
Easier to lift, more bags needed
Rebar & Wire Mesh Takeoff
Based on total slab area across all sections
Total Rebar (incl. 10% waste) – linear ft
20 ft Rebar Sticks Needed –
Rebar Chairs (~1 per 3 ft) –
Wire Mesh Rolls (5' × 150', 6" overlap) –
$

National average ballpark is roughly $130–$180 per cubic yard adjust to your local supplier's price.

Estimated Ready-Mix Cost $–
$
Estimated Bag Cost $–

Estimates are approximate and based on standard industry densities, bag yields, and rebar spacing rules of thumb. Always confirm quantities, mix design, and reinforcement with your ready-mix supplier or a structural engineer before ordering.

How to Use the Concrete Slab Calculator

Pour the right amount of concrete the first time. QuickTonnage's concrete slab calculator turns your slab's length, width, and thickness into cubic yards, bag counts, or a ready-mix truck order in seconds.

  1. Enter length, width, and thickness for your main slab.
  2. Add extra sections for steps, footings, or thickened edges, they combine into one total.
  3. Choose a waste buffer and a subgrade loss buffer for uneven ground.
  4. Pick a PSI strength 3,000 for footings, 4,000 for driveways.
  5. Open "Advanced" for rebar spacing or wire mesh coverage.
  6. Get your total yards of concrete, bag or truck recommendation, and material cost right away.

How Much Concrete Do You Need? Quick Reference

Wondering how much concrete you need before you even open the calculator? Here's the short version.

  • A 10×10 ft slab at 4 inches thick needs about 1.23 cubic yards of concrete.
  • A standard ready-mix truck holds around 10 cubic yards, so most small slabs only use part of a load.
  • Anything under 1 cubic yard is usually cheaper and easier as bagged concrete instead of a truck order.
  • Always add a 5 to 10% waste buffer uneven ground eats more concrete than most people expect.

This concrete slab calculator runs the same math instantly for your exact dimensions, so you don't have to guess.

Concrete Slab Calculator FAQ

How much concrete do I need for a 10×10 slab?

At 4 inches thick, a 10×10 ft slab needs about 1.23 cubic yards of concrete, plus a 5% waste buffer.

How many yards of concrete does a truck hold?

A standard ready-mix truck carries about 10 cubic yards. Orders under 5 yards often carry a short-load fee.

How thick should a concrete slab be?

Most patios and walkways use 4 inches. Driveways and garage slabs typically need 4–6 inches to handle vehicle loads.

Can I use bags instead of a truck for a small slab?

Yes. Under 1 cubic yard, bagged concrete is usually more practical than ordering a ready-mix truck.