Concrete Slab Calculator

Calculate the volume of concrete needed for a slab, footing, or pad. Enter dimensions, choose a depth preset, and get volume, cost, and bag count instantly.

Slab & Footing Volume

Calculate concrete volume from length × width × depth, with slab depth presets

Covers spillage, uneven sub-base, and over-dig

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Concrete slab calculation tips

How to measure for a concrete slab

Measure the length and width of the area to be concreted. For depth, use 100mm for patios and sheds, 150mm for driveways, and 225mm or more for footings. Always check local building codes for minimum depth requirements.

Waste allowance for concrete

Add 5-10% extra concrete to account for spillage, uneven sub-base, and over-excavation. For irregular shapes or sloping ground, use 10-15%. Ordering slightly more is always better than running short mid-pour.

Ready-mix vs bagged concrete

For slabs over 2m³, ready-mix delivery is usually cheaper and faster. For smaller jobs (under 1m³), bagged concrete mixed on-site is more practical. A standard 25kg bag yields about 0.0125m³ of concrete.

Curing time and strength

Concrete reaches about 60% of its 28-day strength after 7 days. Keep it moist for at least 7 days (cure) to achieve full strength. Do not load heavily until at least 7 days have passed.

Formulas used

Volume

V = length × width × depth

With waste

V_total = V × (1 + waste%)

Bags needed

bags = ceil(V_total / yield_per_bag)

Cost

cost = V_total × price_per_m³

Worked example: 5m × 4m driveway slab at 150mm depth

  1. 1Volume = 5m × 4m × 0.15m = 3.0 m³
  2. 2With 5% waste: 3.0 × 1.05 = 3.15 m³
  3. 3Bags needed (25kg, 0.0125m³ yield): ceil(3.15 / 0.0125) = 252 bags
  4. 4Ready-mix cost at £120/m³: 3.15 × £120 = £378.00
  5. 5Ready-mix is clearly cheaper than bagged for this volume

Assumptions & limitations

When to ask a professional

For structural concrete (foundations, retaining walls, suspended slabs), consult a structural engineer for mix design, reinforcement specification, and loading calculations. Building control approval may be required for concrete work in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

How much concrete do I need for a 4m × 3m slab at 100mm?

Volume = 4 × 3 × 0.1 = 1.2 m³. With 5% waste: 1.26 m³. At £120/m³ ready-mix: about £151. You would need about 101 bags of 25kg concrete.

What depth should my concrete slab be?

Patios and shed bases: 100mm. Driveways and car parks: 150mm. House footings: 225mm minimum (consult building control). Heavy-duty industrial: 200-300mm. Always check local building regulations.

How many 25kg bags of concrete make 1m³?

Approximately 80 bags of 25kg concrete make 1m³ at standard mix ratio. Each bag yields about 0.0125m³. For a 1m³ slab, order at least 84 bags to account for 5% waste.

How do I calculate concrete cost?

Multiply the volume in m³ by the price per m³ of ready-mix concrete. Typical UK ready-mix prices range from £100-150/m³ depending on mix design and delivery distance.