🏗️ Concrete Volume Calculator

Why Add a Waste Factor?

Concrete is lost to spillage during placement, absorbed into dry or uneven sub-base, and left in pump lines and chutes. Forms are never perfectly dimensioned. A 10% waste factor is standard practice — on rough or rocky sub-base, go 15%. For pump pours, add another 3–5% for line fill.

Bags vs. Ready-Mix

• Under 1 cy: Use bags — a 60 lb bag yields about 0.45 cf, so roughly 60 bags per cubic yard. Setup cost for a truck isn't worth it.
• Over 1 cy: Order ready-mix — cheaper per yard, faster, and better consistency. Standard truck holds 9–10 cy.
• Minimum truck charge usually applies for loads under 5–7 cy — factor that into your cost estimate.

Ordering Tips

• Round up to the nearest 0.25 cy on your order — running short mid-pour is a disaster.
• Confirm the truck's rated capacity and batch plant lead time before the pour date.
• In cold weather, order heated water mix and have insulated blankets ready.