How to Calculate The Number of Cubic Yards of Concrete Needed to Build a Curb
Concrete curbs are generally basic structures that can add a small barrier to a driveway or walkway. The process of estimating concrete begins with calculating the total volume of the curb to be poured. This is a simple task compared to other types of concrete estimating and can usually be completed by anyone with a calculator in less than an hour (depending on the curb size and level of detail). Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the proposed curb using the tape measure and convert into inches (this will make step 3 easier) by multiplying the measurement by 12.
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2
Multiply the curb length by its cross sectional area (its height multiplied by its width) to find the volume in cubic inches.
Example: A curb with a cross sectional dimension of 8 by 6 inches will have an area of 48 square inches. Multiplied by a length of 120 inches results in 5,760 cubic inches.
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3
Divide the product of step 2 by 144 (amount of inches in a cubic foot) to calculate the curb volume in cubic feet.
Example: 5,760 cubic inches divided by 144 results in 40 cubic feet.
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4
Divide the amount of cubic feet by 27 (amount of feet in a cubic yard) to calculate the curb volume in cubic yards. This is the final calculation, and its product will determine the amount of concrete you will need for the curb.
Example: 40 cubic feet divided by 27 results in 1.48 cubic yards.
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Tips & Warnings
Adding 10 percent to the final volume will account for any wasted concrete during the construction process.
