Slab calculator

Concrete Slab Calculator

Calculate concrete for a slab, patio, driveway, sidewalk, or garage floor.

Default slab estimate · length x width x thickness · 40/60/80 lb bags

Slab estimate guide

How to calculate concrete for a slab

Slab formula

For a slab, multiply length by width by thickness to get volume. The calculator converts inches of thickness into feet before calculating cubic feet and cubic yards.

Use this for patios, driveways, sidewalks, garage floors, and other flat rectangular slab work.

slab cubic feet = length x width x thickness

Common slab thickness chart

Thickness depends on the project, subbase, reinforcement, and local requirements. These common values are starting points for material estimating, not structural design.

ProjectCommon thickness
Patio4 inches
Sidewalk4 inches
Driveway4-6 inches
Garage slab4-6 inches

Example: 10 x 10 slab

A 10 ft by 10 ft slab at 4 inches thick is 33.33 cubic feet before waste. With 10% waste, the estimate is 36.67 cubic feet, or about 1.36 cubic yards.

Using approximate bag yields, that same adjusted volume needs about 123 40 lb bags, 82 60 lb bags, or 62 80 lb bags.

Driveway and patio notes

Driveways and garage slabs are often thicker than patios and sidewalks. If the slab has thickened edges, grade beams, or irregular shapes, estimate those sections separately and add them to the total.

Actual concrete needs may vary based on site conditions, formwork, compaction, and measurement accuracy.

FAQ

Common questions

How thick should a concrete slab be?+

Many patios and sidewalks are about 4 inches thick. Driveways and garage slabs are often 4-6 inches, depending on load, subbase, and local requirements.

How much concrete is needed for a 10 x 10 x 4 inch slab?+

With 10% waste, a 10 ft by 10 ft slab at 4 inches thick needs about 1.36 cubic yards, or about 62 80 lb bags.

Should I order extra concrete for a slab?+

Usually yes. A waste factor helps cover uneven grade, form variation, spills, and small measurement errors.

Does this slab calculator include reinforcement?+

No. It estimates concrete material volume and bags. Rebar, wire mesh, base rock, labor, and finishing are separate items.

Related tools