Concrete Slab Calculator

Size a rectangular or L-shaped slab as two rectangles and get the concrete in cubic yards and bags. Leave the second rectangle at zero for a simple slab.

Confirm yield against your product’s bag/spec sheet and order a little extra (5–10%) for spillage, uneven subgrade and over-excavation. Bag yields and coverage vary by mix and brand.

Calculator

ft
ft
ft
0 for a plain rectangle
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in
Concrete needed1.85 yd³
Total area (rectangle + L-shape)150 sq ft
Volume50.0 cu ft
Bags (80 lb)84 bags

A slab of 150 sq ft at 4" is about 50.0 cu ft1.85 yd³ or 84 bags of 80 lb. For an L-shape, add the two rectangles.

Most real slabs are not perfect rectangles. A patio wraps around a corner, a shed pad has a bump-out, a driveway apron flares at the street. This calculator handles that the easy way: describe the shape as two rectangles, add their areas, and convert the combined volume to cubic yards and bags. For a plain rectangle, leave the second one at zero.

Formula

Sum the rectangle areas, multiply by thickness, then convert:

area = (L₁ × W₁) + (L₂ × W₂)

cu ft = area × (thickness_in ÷ 12)

cubic yards = cu ft ÷ 27 · bags = ceil(cu ft ÷ bag yield)

Worked example

An L-shaped slab, one 10 × 10 ft bay plus a 5 × 10 ft leg, at 4 in:

  • Area = (10 × 10) + (5 × 10) = 100 + 50 = 150 sq ft
  • Volume = 150 × (4 ÷ 12) = 50 cu ft
  • Cubic yards = 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 yd³
  • Bags (80 lb) = ceil(50 ÷ 0.60) = 84 bags

Breaking a shape into rectangles

For anything more complex than an L, slice the footprint into non-overlapping rectangles on paper first, then add them two at a time. Round curves and diagonals up to the enclosing rectangle — you will slightly over-order, which is exactly what you want on a monolithic pour. If the slab steps down in thickness (a thickened edge, for instance), treat each thickness zone as its own calculation and total the volumes.

Frequently asked questions

How many bags of concrete for a 10x10 slab at 4 inches?
A 10 × 10 ft slab at 4 in is 100 sq ft × 0.333 = about 33.3 cu ft, or roughly 56 bags of 80 lb mix (1.23 yd³). Add the second rectangle above for an L-shape.
How do I calculate an L-shaped slab?
Split the L into two rectangles that do not overlap, enter each one, and the calculator adds the areas before converting to volume. The worked example above shows a 150 sq ft L at 4 in coming to 1.85 yd³.
What thickness should a slab be?
Residential patios and sidewalks are typically 4 in; garage and driveway slabs run 5–6 in. Those are labeled planning typicals — see the slab thickness reference and confirm load-bearing thickness with a licensed engineer.
Should I add waste to a slab pour?
Yes — 5–10% for spillage and an uneven subgrade. This tool reports the exact geometric volume; round the ready-mix order up to the next quarter yard and buy a spare bag or two.