How to Calculate Concrete Measurements

Calculating concrete measurements is a simple equation that requires a few conversions. Concrete is best calculated by the cubic yard or by fractions of the cubic yard. Having a calculator close by will make the calculations much easier. If you hire pavers, they will complete all the measurements for you. You may want to understand the process out of a desire to be involved in the process.

1. 
   

   Find the area
   of the planned concrete slab. Find the area by measuring the length
   and the width of the space for the slab. Multiply these two
   measurements together (length x width).

   
   


2. 
   

   Determine the
   desired thickness of the concrete slab. A 4-inch thick slab of
   concrete is the standard thickness used for most slabs. If the slab
   needs to hold something like an RV, a 6-inch thick slab would be
   more appropriate.

   
   


3. 
   

   Multiply the
   area by the desired thickness [(length x width) x thickness]. Most
   people use inches and then convert the measurements to cubic yards.
   For example:

   
   
   
   

   Length = 100
   
   inches

   
   

   Width = 80
   
   inches

   
   

   Thickness = 4
   
   inches

   
   

   [(length x
   
   width) x thickness] = (100 x 80) x 4= 32,000 cubic inches 

   
   


4. 
   

   Divide the
   
   cubic inches by 1 cubic foot (1,728) to find the cubic feet:
   
   32,000/1,728=18.52 cubic feet

   
   


5. 
   

   Divide 1
   
   cubic yard into the number of cubic feet (27).    18.52/27= .68
   
   cubic yards.

   
   


6. 
   

   Call your
   
   local concrete supplier and order this amount of concrete for the
   
   slab. You may order a tiny bit more than needed, but never less
   
   than the measured cubic feet amount. The measurements become easier, the more often you use the equation.