How to Measure Concrete for Sidewalks

Concrete is sold in cubic yards. This means one cubic yard of concrete would fill a space 36 inches high X 36 inches wide X 36 inches deep. When figuring out how much concrete you will need for a sidewalk, you will have to determine the length, width and depth of the sidewalk. It is recommended that a sidewalk be at least 3 inches deep, with 4 inches being best.

1. Measure. Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the sidewalk you are planning to make. Mark these measurements on a piece of paper. Also decide on the depth of the sidewalk.


2. Change all numbers to the same unit of measurement. Since the depth will be in inches, you would have to change the width and length into inches. For example if the sidewalk is 8 feet wide and 10 feet long, you would have 96 inches wide, 120 inches long and 4 inches deep. You get these numbers by figuring out the inches in 8 feet and how many inches are in 10 feet. If the depth of your project was in yards, you would not have had to change the unit of measurement.


3. Multiply the length by the width by the depth. For this example, 96 X 120 X 4= 46,080 cubic inches. 


4. Convert cubic inches into cubic yards. To do this, you would have to know how many cubic inches are in a cubic yard. You would find this by multiplying the length X width X depth of a cubic yard. It would be 36 X 36 X 36 = 46,656. You would divide the cubic inches for your sidewalk by the cubic inches of a yard of concrete, 46,080 divided by 46,656.


5. In this example, 1 cubic yard would be enough and you would still have some left over. The same calculations will work no matter what your numbers.


6. When ordering concrete, it is recommended that you order a bit more than you need, just in case it is needed. Always round up, to be sure there is enough to complete the project.