How to use it
- Enter the patio length in feet.
- Enter the patio width in feet.
- Enter the slab thickness in inches.
- Enter the price per cubic yard and click Calculate.
This calculator tells you exactly how much concrete your patio project needs and what it will cost. Just enter your patio's length, width, and thickness, plus the price per cubic yard, and you'll get the cubic yards of concrete, the estimated total cost, the number of 80-lb bags to buy, and the total cubic feet.
Why does this matter? Ordering too little concrete means a failed pour and expensive delays. Ordering too much wastes money. The bag count is based on a standard 80-lb bag yielding about 0.6 cubic feet, so you can also choose between ready-mix delivery or bagged concrete.
Read the results this way: cubic yards is what ready-mix companies quote; bags is what you'd buy at a home center; cost is the dollar amount you'll pay for the concrete itself. Use these numbers to budget, compare quotes, or create a shopping list. It's instant, accurate, and free.
Pro tips
- Add 10% waste to your total cubic yards to cover spillage, uneven subgrade, or over-pour.
- Round your bag count up to the nearest whole bag — you can't buy a partial bag.
- For large patios, compare ready-mix delivery vs. bags; ready-mix is often cheaper per yard but has a minimum order.
- Double-check thickness: a 4-inch slab is standard for patios, but 5-6 inches is better for heavy furniture or hot tubs.
Real-life examples
- Planning a 12x16 backyard patio and need to budget for ready-mix concrete.
- Deciding whether to mix 80-lb bags yourself or order a delivery truck.
- Getting a quote from a contractor and wanting to verify the concrete quantity and cost.
Case study
Mark planned a 10x12 patio, 4 inches thick. He used the calculator and saw he'd need 1.48 cubic yards and 67 bags. He ordered 2 yards from a ready-mix plant, saved $120 vs. bags, and had exactly enough with a little extra for waste.