What This Calculator Does
The Concrete Cost Calculator estimates how much you will spend on ready-mix concrete for a slab, footing, or pad. Enter the area's length and width in feet, the pour thickness in inches, and the price your supplier charges per cubic yard. The tool converts your dimensions into volume and multiplies by the unit price to give a total cost.
How to Use It
Measure your pour area: length and width in feet, and the depth or thickness in inches. Type those into the form along with the quoted price per cubic yard (concrete is almost always sold by the cubic yard). The result shows your total cost plus the volume in both cubic yards and cubic feet, so you can order the right amount.
The Formula Explained
Volume in cubic feet equals length \(\times\) width \(\times\) (thickness \(\div\) 12), since thickness is entered in inches. Concrete is sold by the cubic yard, and one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so we divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Finally, multiply the cubic yards by the price per cubic yard:
$$\text{Cost} = \frac{\text{L} \times \text{W} \times \dfrac{\text{T}}{12}}{27} \times \text{Price}$$
Worked Example
Suppose you pour a 10 ft \(\times\) 10 ft slab that is 4 inches thick, and concrete costs $125 per cubic yard. Volume = \(10 \times 10 \times (4/12) = 33.33\) ft³. In cubic yards: \(33.33 \div 27 = 1.2346\) yd³. Cost = \(1.2346 \times \$125 =\) $154.32.
FAQ
Should I order extra concrete? Yes. Most contractors add 5–10% to account for spillage, uneven subgrade, and waste.
Does this include delivery or labor? No. This estimates material cost only, based on the price per cubic yard you enter. Add delivery fees, short-load charges, and labor separately.
Can I use it for footings or columns? Yes, as long as the shape is rectangular. Multiply length \(\times\) width \(\times\) thickness for any box-shaped pour.
