Concrete Volume Calculator
Free concrete calculator. Calculate concrete volume for slabs, footings, columns, and steps in metric or imperial units.
👆Select a pour type and enter dimensions to calculate concrete volume
How to Use the Concrete Volume Calculator
Select your pour type from the four tabs — Slab for flat surfaces like floors, driveways, and garden paths; Footing for strip or pad foundations; Column for vertical posts and piers; Steps for staircases. Enter the dimensions and the results update instantly. Use the batch mode to add multiple pours and get a single combined total for your whole project. The dry material breakdown shows what to purchase if mixing on-site rather than ordering ready-mixed concrete. Set the waste factor to account for spillage and uneven subbase — 10% is standard for most residential work.
About This Tool
A comprehensive concrete volume calculator supporting four pour types: slabs, footings (strip and pad), columns (round and square), and steps. Enter dimensions in metric or imperial and get instant results in cubic metres, cubic yards, and bag counts for both 25 kg and 50 lb ready-mix bags. The mix grade selector (C20–C35) adjusts the dry material breakdown to show cement, sand, aggregate, and water quantities for site mixing using the 1.54 dry volume factor. The waste factor slider adds a configurable percentage for spillage and subbase irregularity. Batch mode lets you combine multiple pours into a single total. All calculations run in your browser — no data is sent anywhere.
Concrete strength is measured in megapascals (MPa) after 28 days of curing. C20 (20 MPa) suits paths and non-structural slabs. C25 (25 MPa) is the standard residential specification for driveways and footings. C30 (30 MPa) is for garage floors, columns, and heavier structures. C35 (35 MPa) is used in demanding structural and commercial applications. The grade determines the water-to-cement ratio: stronger concrete uses less water per unit of cement.
Ready-mixed concrete is delivered by truck in a controlled mix, ensuring consistent strength. It is the correct choice for structural applications and pours over 1–2 m³. Site-mixed concrete using bagged cement, sand, and aggregate is cost-effective for small pours under 0.5 m³. The dry material breakdown in this calculator shows quantities for site mixing at each grade. Pair with the Percentage Calculator for proportion checks or the Loan Calculator for project financing.
Quick Reference Table
| Grade | Strength (MPa) | Typical Use | Water-Cement Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| C20 | 20 | Paths, garden slabs, non-structural | 0.55 |
| C25 | 25 | Driveways, footings, floor slabs | 0.50 |
| C30 | 30 | Garage floors, columns, heavy-duty | 0.45 |
| C35 | 35 | Industrial, bridges, reinforced | 0.40 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags of concrete do I need for a 10×10 slab?
A 10×10 foot slab at 4 inches thick has a volume of 0.929 m³ (approximately 1.22 cubic yards). With a standard 10% waste factor that becomes approximately 1.02 m³. At the standard yield of 0.012 m³ per 25 kg bag you would need approximately 85 bags of 25 kg ready-mix. Enter these exact dimensions in the Slab tab above for a precise result with your chosen thickness and mix grade.
What is the difference between C20, C25, and C30 concrete?
These designations refer to the compressive strength of the concrete after 28 days, measured in megapascals. C20 achieves 20 MPa and suits paths and non-structural slabs. C25 achieves 25 MPa and is the standard residential specification for driveways and foundations. C30 achieves 30 MPa and is used where greater strength is needed — garage floors, columns, and footings for heavier structures. For most residential DIY projects, C25 is the appropriate specification.
How do I calculate concrete for a round column?
Use the Column tab, select Round, and enter the diameter and height. The formula used is π × r² × h, where r is the radius (half the diameter). For example, a 300 mm diameter column 2.4 metres tall requires π × 0.15² × 2.4 = 0.170 m³ of concrete. Enter the number of columns to get the combined total for all piers on your project.
What waste factor should I use?
10% is the standard allowance for most residential pours on a flat prepared subbase. Use 15% for strip footings in rough-cut trenches, irregular-shaped areas, or any pour where you expect higher losses. Use 5% only for very precise pours into smooth-sided formwork with minimal handling, such as precast column forms. It is almost always cheaper to order slightly more than to arrange a second delivery.
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