PourGaugeHow much concrete you actually need, and what to mix into it.

How much concrete for a 12 × 30 ft slab, 6″ thick?

Concrete needed
7.33cubic yards
198 ft³ including 10% waste
Plan12 ft30 ft360 ft²SectionConcrete slab — 6″Compacted gravel base — 4″
Slab area360ft²
Volume (exact)before waste180ft³
Volume (order this)+10% waste198ft³
Ready-mix7.33yd³
40 lb bags0.3 ft³ per bag660bags
60 lb bags0.45 ft³ per bag440bags
80 lb bags0.6 ft³ per bag330bags
Gravel base (4")4.44yd³
Rebar #4 @ 18" grid522linear ft

Notes

  • At 7.33 yd³ a ready-mix truck is almost always cheaper than bagged mix — most suppliers have a 1 yd³ minimum plus a short-load fee.
  • Figures assume a flat slab on a compacted base. Thickened edges, footings and piers need to be added separately.

How the number is worked out

A 12 × 30 ft slab covers 360 ft². At 6 inches thick that is 198 ft³ of concrete once 10% is added for waste — spillage, an uneven base and overfill at the form edges.

Divided by 27, that comes to 7.33 cubic yards.

Bags or ready-mix

Bagged mix is priced per bag and mixed on site; ready-mix arrives in a truck already wet. The crossover sits close to 1 cubic yard. Below it, bags usually win. Above it, the short-load fee on a small delivery is still cheaper than 330 bags and the hours it takes to mix them.

What is not included

These figures are for a flat slab on a compacted base. Thickened edges, footings, piers and any slope have to be added on top.

Nearby sizes

Read more