How to Figure Square Feet for a Concrete Patio
A concrete patio may not look like much when it's first poured, but with some tint or paint, a few plants and a little patio furniture, you have a backyard oasis. Once you have settled on a design, or after it's framed out, you will need to calculate how much concrete you will need. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be all set. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Calculating Square Feet
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1
Multiply the length of the patio frame or design by the width for a square or rectangular patio.
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2
For a half-circle patio, measure the long, straight side and divide it by 2. Multiply that number by itself, and then multiply the result by 3.14. Divide that number by 2.
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3
Break a free-form design patio into 1 foot by 1 foot square and add them all up.
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Tips & Warnings
Always add in at least one extra cubic yard of concrete, to make sure you have enough. To find the cubic footage, multiply your calculations by .333 which is the average depth of concrete patios (4 inches or 1/3 foot). Divide your final number by 27 to get the amount of concrete you will need, because concrete is sold by the cubic yard, (3' H x 3' W x 3' D = 27) not by cubic feet.
Measure everything at least twice and triple-check your math, because little mistakes can cause big problems.
