Concrete Calculator
Estimate the volume and cost of concrete for your project.
How to Use the Concrete Calculator
- Select Units: Start by choosing your preferred measurement system, either Metric (meters, cm) or Imperial (feet, inches).
- Choose Shape: Select the tab that matches the shape of your project, such as Slab, Wall, Column, or Footing. The required input fields will appear automatically.
- Enter Dimensions: Fill in the dimensions for your shape. The labels will specify whether to use meters/feet or cm/inches.
- Add Optional Details: For a total estimate, enter the quantity of shapes you need and the price of concrete per cubic meter or cubic yard in your currency.
- View Instant Results: The required volume and total cost are calculated and displayed in real-time at the bottom.
Estimating Concrete for Your Project
Accurately calculating the amount of concrete needed is one of the most critical steps in any construction project. Ordering too little can cause delays and create cold joints (a weak spot in the concrete), while ordering too much leads to waste and unnecessary expense. This calculator helps you determine the precise volume of concrete required for common shapes. Concrete is typically measured and ordered in cubic meters (m³) or cubic yards (yd³). One cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet. Our tool automatically provides the volume in the standard unit for your selected measurement system (metric or imperial). For example, a simple slab for a small patio measuring 10 feet by 10 feet with a thickness of 4 inches would require approximately 1.23 cubic yards of concrete. By using this calculator for your slabs, walls, footings, and columns, you can plan your budget more effectively and communicate clearly with your concrete supplier, ensuring a smoother and more cost-efficient project from start to finish.
A Practical Tip
It is a common practice in the construction industry to order about 5-10% more concrete than your calculated volume. This extra amount accounts for potential spillage during pouring, uneven subgrade, and the small amount of concrete that may be left in the delivery truck and pump. This small buffer can save you from the significant headache of running short in the middle of a pour.