Worked example: 16 × 16 ft at 4 inches
| Step | Math | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 16 ft × 16 ft | 256 sq ft |
| Volume at 4 in | 256 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 12 | 85.3 ft³ |
| Add 10% extra | 85.3 × 1.10 | 93.9 ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 93.9 ÷ 27 | 3.48 yd³ |
| 80 lb bags | 93.9 ÷ 0.60, rounded up | 157 bags |
| 60 lb bags | 93.9 ÷ 0.45, rounded up | 209 bags |
| 40 lb bags | 93.9 ÷ 0.30, rounded up | 313 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 | 93.9 | 3.48 | 157 | 209 | 313 | 3.50 |
| 5 in | 117.3 | 4.35 | 196 | 261 | 392 | 4.50 |
| 6 in | 140.8 | 5.21 | 235 | 313 | 470 | 5.25 |
Bags vs ready-mix cost
| Thickness | 80 lb bags | 60 lb bags | 40 lb bags | Ready-mix | Cheaper (80 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in | $1,020 | $1,097 | $1,330 | $745 | Ready-mix |
| 5 in | $1,274 | $1,370 | $1,666 | $765 | Ready-mix |
| 6 in | $1,528 | $1,643 | $1,998 | $892 | Ready-mix |
For the 4 in slab, ready-mix is cheaper by about $276 and avoids mixing 157 bags (12,560 lb) by hand. Your 3.50 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 16 × 16 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 7.0 tons. Bags alone weigh 12,560 lb at 80 lb each.
- Gravel base: a 4 in compacted gravel base under this slab takes about 4.9 tons (3.5 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 12×20 slab , 20×20 slab , 12×16 slab, or the full slab chart. For other sizes, open the concrete calculator, or compare bags and ready-mix.