Worked example: 12 × 12 ft at 4 inches
| Step | Math | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 12 ft × 12 ft | 144 sq ft |
| Volume at 4 in | 144 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 12 | 48.0 ft³ |
| Add 10% extra | 48.0 × 1.10 | 52.8 ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 52.8 ÷ 27 | 1.96 yd³ |
| 80 lb bags | 52.8 ÷ 0.60, rounded up | 88 bags |
| 60 lb bags | 52.8 ÷ 0.45, rounded up | 118 bags |
| 40 lb bags | 52.8 ÷ 0.30, rounded up | 176 bags |
Yards and bags at 4, 5 and 6 inches
| Thickness | Cubic feet (+10%) | Cubic yards (+10%) | 80 lb bags | 60 lb bags | 40 lb bags | Ready-mix order (yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in | 52.8 | 1.96 | 88 | 118 | 176 | 2.00 |
| 5 in | 66.0 | 2.44 | 110 | 147 | 220 | 2.50 |
| 6 in | 79.2 | 2.93 | 132 | 176 | 264 | 3.00 |
Bags vs ready-mix cost
| Thickness | 80 lb bags | 60 lb bags | 40 lb bags | Ready-mix | Cheaper (80 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in | $572 | $620 | $748 | $490 | Ready-mix |
| 5 in | $715 | $772 | $935 | $575 | Ready-mix |
| 6 in | $858 | $924 | $1,122 | $660 | Ready-mix |
For the 4 in slab, ready-mix is cheaper by about $82 and avoids mixing 88 bags (7,040 lb) by hand. Your 2.00 yd³ ready-mix order is under the typical 4 yd³ minimum, so the plant adds a short-load fee (about $150 here). That fee is already inside the ready-mix cost above.
Prices used: 80 lb bag $6.50, 60 lb $5.25, 40 lb $4.25; ready-mix $170/yd³ with a $150 short-load fee under 4 yd³ (orders are rounded up to ¼ yd³, 1 yd³ minimum). Local prices vary a lot; change them in the calculator.
Planning notes for 12 × 12 ft
- Truck access: one truck holds this pour in a single load. Chutes reach about 15–20 ft; farther than that you need wheelbarrows or a pump.
- Weight: the 4 in pour weighs about 3.9 tons. Bags alone weigh 7,040 lb at 80 lb each.
- Gravel base: a 4 in compacted gravel base under this slab takes about 2.7 tons (2.0 yd³) with 10% extra. See gravel for a driveway.
- Thickness: 4 in suits patios, sheds and walks; 5–6 in is common for vehicle loads. See how thick a slab should be.
Nearby sizes
Also see 10×20 slab , 12×16 slab , 10×12 slab, or the full slab chart. For other sizes, open the concrete calculator, or compare bags and ready-mix.