How to Estimate Concrete by the Yard

Measure and then convert dimensions into square yards when ordering concrete

Concrete material must be carefully estimated when placing an order to prevent waste and paying for that waste. It is equally important so that enough is transported to the work site, especially if the material has to be transported a great distance. When placing an order, or otherwise purchasing concrete mix, the order is generally expected to be made in square yards and this measurement is industry-specific amongst contractors and suppliers when working with concrete.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Pen and paper

Instructions

1. Measure the entire length and width of the area in which you will be pouring concrete and write down the measurements. Write down the depth (thickness) you desire the concrete slab to be also. An example to use in this article is a slab in the dimensions of: 50 feet long, 50 feet wide, and six inches deep.

2. Convert any inches into feet. Six inches is .50 (1/2) of a foot, three inches is .25 (1/4) of a foot, nine inches is .75 (3/4) of a foot, and so forth. Inches must be converted to feet, or decimal portion of a foot, to continue with the formula herein. Per this article's example, the slab measurement will now be 50 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 1/2 of a foot deep.

3. Calculate the area volume measurements into cubic feet by multiplying slab length, width, and depth: 50 x 50 x .50 = 1250 cubic feet.

4. Convert cubic feet to the final measurement needed when ordering or purchasing the concrete, in cubic yards. Since a yard is three feet, a cubic yard is three feet by three feet by three feet, or three to the third power which equals 27. Divide the cubic feet by 27 to arrive at the total number of cubic yards worth of concrete needed for this project: 1250 divided by 27 (1250 / 27) = 46.30 cubic yards (decimal rounded).

5. Calculate, using the same formula above, the cubic yards necessary to fill in footings and any additional appendages which will be included in the concrete floor plan.

Tips & Warnings

• Always double check (and possibly even triple check) your calculations to be sure you arrive at the same results before placing a concrete order.

References

• Math Central: Cubic Yards of Concrete (Formula)