Free · No sign-up · Updated 2026
Concrete Calculator — How Much Do You Need?
Get cubic yards, bag count, and cost estimate in seconds. Works for slabs, driveways, footings, columns, and steps — with regional pricing for all 50 states.
Free Tool
Concrete Calculator
Select your project type, enter dimensions, and choose your region. Results update instantly.
Estimates include 10% overage. Costs based on NRMCA regional averages (2026). Ready-mix pricing excludes pump trucks and labor. Always get 2–3 contractor quotes.
Step by Step
How to Calculate Concrete
Four inputs is all it takes to go from blank project to a number you can take to the supply yard.
Pick your project type
Slabs and patios, driveways, footings, round columns, and staircases all use different geometry. Select the matching tab above.
Measure length, width & depth
Use feet for large slabs, inches for depth and columns. The calculator handles unit conversion automatically — no math needed.
Choose your supply region
Ready-mix concrete pricing varies by up to 25% across the US. Select your region to get a cost range that matches your market.
Read cubic yards, bags & cost
Results show cubic yards with 10% overage built in, bag equivalents for both 60 lb and 80 lb bags, and a ready-mix cost range.
2026 Pricing Data
Concrete Cost Guide — By Project & Region
Prices based on NRMCA 2026 survey data covering 90+ US metro markets. All figures include material only unless noted.
Ready-Mix Concrete — Cost per Cubic Yard by Region
| Region | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, MA, CT, NJ) | $115 | $130 | $165 | Highest labor & transport costs |
| Southeast (FL, GA, SC, NC) | $110 | $125 | $150 | Large aggregate quarries nearby |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI, IN) | $105 | $120 | $145 | Competitive market, low transport |
| Southwest (TX, AZ, NM) | $110 | $125 | $150 | Varies heavily by metro vs. rural |
| West Coast (CA, OR, WA) | $130 | $145 | $185 | CA surcharges drive highest prices |
| Mountain (CO, UT, NV, ID) | $115 | $135 | $160 | Remote areas add transport premium |
Concrete Cost by Project Type — Installed (Material + Labor)
| Project | Typical Thickness | Cost/ft² (installed) | 10×10 ft example | 20×20 ft example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio slab | 4" | $6–$10 | $600–$1,000 | $2,400–$4,000 |
| Driveway | 6" | $8–$18 | $800–$1,800 | $3,200–$7,200 |
| Garage floor | 4–6" | $5–$10 | $500–$1,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Sidewalk | 4" | $6–$12 | $600–$1,200 | $2,400–$4,800 |
| Foundation footing | 8–12" | $15–$30 | $1,500–$3,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Steps (per step) | n/a | $300–$500 | Per step installed, varies by width | |
Bag Concrete Prices — Quikrete & Sakrete (2026)
| Bag Size | Coverage @ 4" | Bags/yd³ | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb | ~0.30 ft² | ~90 | $5–$7 | Small repairs, patches |
| 60 lb | ~0.45 ft² | ~60 | $7–$10 | Footings, posts, small slabs |
| 80 lb | ~0.60 ft² | ~45 | $9–$13 | Most DIY projects, best value/bag |
Common Questions
Concrete Calculator FAQ
Multiply length × width × thickness (all in feet) then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. For example, a 20 ft × 20 ft slab at 4 inches (0.333 ft) thick = 20 × 20 × 0.333 = 133 ft³ ÷ 27 = 4.93 cubic yards. Always add 10% for waste and uneven subgrade.
One 80 lb bag of Quikrete or Sakrete yields approximately 0.60 cubic feet of cured concrete. Since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, you need approximately 45 bags (27 ÷ 0.60 = 45). For 60 lb bags (0.45 ft³ yield), you need about 60 bags per cubic yard.
Ready-mix concrete typically costs $120–$165 per cubic yard in 2026, depending on region. The Midwest averages around $120/yd³, while California and the Northeast can reach $165+ per yard. These prices are for material delivery only — labor, finishing, and forming add $3–$12 per square foot depending on project complexity.
The ACI (American Concrete Institute) recommends 6 inches for residential driveways subject to passenger vehicle traffic. Four inches is the minimum for patios and foot-traffic-only slabs. If you expect regular truck or RV traffic, go to 8 inches and consider adding #4 rebar on 18-inch centers.
The general rule: under 1 cubic yard, use bags. Over 1 yard, ready-mix is almost always cheaper per cubic foot once you account for your time mixing. Ready-mix trucks typically have a minimum order of 1 yard and charge a short-load fee for orders under 3–5 yards. For a typical 20×20 ft patio at 4 inches thick (~5 yards), a ready-mix truck is the obvious choice.
Real-world subgrades are rarely perfectly flat, forms flex under pressure, and some concrete is lost to spillage and sticking. Running short mid-pour forces a cold joint — a structural weak point. The NRMCA and most contractors recommend a 5–10% overage buffer. Our calculator applies 10% by default, which is the industry-standard conservative figure.
Calculator formulas and pricing data reviewed against NRMCA national pricing surveys, ACI standard practice guides, and Quikrete/Sakrete published yield specifications. Updated May 2026. Regional pricing updated quarterly.