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

How much concrete for a 16 × 28 ft slab, 4″ thick?

Concrete needed
6.08cubic yards
164.27 ft³ including 10% waste
Plan16 ft28 ft448 ft²SectionConcrete slab — 4″Compacted gravel base — 4″
Slab area448ft²
Volume (exact)before waste149.33ft³
Volume (order this)+10% waste164.27ft³
Ready-mix6.08yd³
40 lb bags0.3 ft³ per bag548bags
60 lb bags0.45 ft³ per bag366bags
80 lb bags0.6 ft³ per bag274bags
Gravel base (4")5.53yd³
Rebar #4 @ 18" grid656linear ft

Notes

  • At 6.08 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 16 × 28 ft slab covers 448 ft². At 4 inches thick that is 164.27 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 6.08 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 274 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

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