Concrete Calculator

Estimate concrete volume for rectangular slabs or round columns, with optional waste allowance.

Runs in this browser. No upload by this tool. Copy/download/export locally.

Dimensions

Concrete volume

Choose a shape and units, then enter the finished dimensions.

Shape
Units

This estimates geometric volume only. Job-site conditions, excavation, overbreak, spillage, reinforcement, mix design, and supplier minimums are outside the calculation.

Result

Enter project dimensions to estimate concrete volume.

Export result

Copy a readable summary or download the current result as a local file.

How Concrete Calculator works

Use the calculator first. The sections below explain the inputs, worked examples, method, outputs, and limits.

How to use

  1. Choose slab/rectangle or round column.
  2. Choose US or metric units.
  3. Enter the dimensions shown for that shape.
  4. Optionally enter a waste allowance percentage.
  5. Review cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters, then export locally.

Worked examples

Slab example

A 20 ft × 12 ft slab at 4 in thick has a base volume of about 2.96 yd³.

Waste example

Adding 10% to that 2.96 yd³ geometric volume produces about 3.26 yd³.

Metric slab

A 6 m × 4 m slab at 10 cm thick has a base volume of 2.4 m³.

Round column

A 12 in diameter column 8 ft high uses the cylinder formula and is much smaller in volume than an equivalently tall rectangular prism.

Result reference

Cubic yards

US suppliers often quote ready-mix concrete by cubic yard. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.

Cubic meters

Metric volume is reported in cubic meters after dimension conversion.

Waste allowance

Order volume = base geometric volume × (1 + waste percentage ÷ 100).

Round columns

Cylinder volume uses π × radius² × height.

FAQ

What does the concrete calculator estimate?

It estimates geometric concrete volume for either a rectangular prism or a round cylinder, then optionally adds a waste percentage.

What units are supported?

US mode accepts feet for slab length/width and column height, inches for thickness/diameter, and reports cubic yards prominently. Metric mode uses meters and centimeters and reports cubic meters prominently.

How is slab volume calculated?

Length × width × thickness after converting all dimensions to compatible units.

How is round-column volume calculated?

π × radius² × height after converting the dimensions to compatible units.

What is the waste allowance?

It increases the base geometric volume by the percentage you enter. It is not a recommendation for a specific project.

Why does the result also show other volume units?

Equivalent cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters help with plans, supplier orders, and cross-checking.

Does this calculate concrete bags?

No. Bag yields vary by product, mix, and package size, so this version does not guess a bag count.

Does this account for rebar or forms?

No. Those affect project planning but are not subtracted from the geometric concrete volume here.

Is this a final material order?

No. Verify dimensions, job-site conditions, and supplier requirements before ordering.

Are project dimensions saved?

No. This tool does not persist dimensions after the page is closed or cleared.

Method & limitations

Rectangle

Volume = length × width × thickness after unit conversion.

Round column

Volume = π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × height.

Conversions

1 yd³ = 27 ft³; 1 ft³ = 0.028316846592 m³.

Scope

Geometric volume is an estimate, not a supplier quantity recommendation.

Boundary

Verify dimensions and local supplier/job-site requirements before ordering concrete. This tool does not account for field conditions or construction tolerances.