How Many Square Feet Does One Yard of Concrete Cover?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Concrete & Masonry

When planning a construction or home improvement project, understanding how much material you need is crucial for both budgeting and execution. Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in building, whether for driveways, patios, sidewalks, or foundations. But how do you determine the coverage of a yard of concrete in terms of square feet? This question often arises for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts alike, as it directly impacts ordering the right amount of concrete and avoiding costly overages or shortages.

Estimating the coverage of concrete involves more than just knowing the volume; it requires considering the thickness of the pour and the specific dimensions of the area to be covered. Since concrete is typically sold by the cubic yard, translating that volume into a two-dimensional measurement like square feet can be a bit tricky without the right approach. This overview will guide you through the basics of how concrete coverage is calculated and what factors influence it.

Whether you’re laying a new patio or pouring a foundation slab, having a clear understanding of how many square feet a yard of concrete will cover sets the foundation for a smooth project. In the following sections, you’ll discover the key concepts and practical tips to help you make accurate calculations and confident decisions when ordering concrete.

Calculating Coverage of a Yard of Concrete

To determine how many square feet a yard of concrete will cover, you need to consider the thickness or depth of the concrete slab you plan to pour. Concrete volume is typically measured in cubic yards, while coverage is expressed in square feet, so converting between volume and area requires knowledge of the slab thickness.

Concrete volume is calculated as:

Volume = Area × Thickness

Where:

  • Volume is in cubic yards (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet)
  • Area is in square feet
  • Thickness is in feet

By rearranging the formula to solve for area, you get:

Area = Volume / Thickness

Since volume is in cubic yards, convert cubic yards to cubic feet before calculating area:

Area (sq ft) = (Volume in cubic yards × 27) / Thickness (ft)

For example, 1 cubic yard of concrete equals 27 cubic feet. If the slab is 4 inches thick (which is 0.333 feet), the coverage area would be:

Area = (1 × 27) / 0.333 ≈ 81 square feet

This means one yard of concrete will cover approximately 81 square feet at 4 inches thickness.

Coverage Estimates for Common Concrete Thicknesses

Concrete slabs are poured at various thicknesses depending on the intended use. Below are typical thicknesses and the corresponding coverage area per cubic yard:

Thickness (inches) Thickness (feet) Coverage Area (square feet per cubic yard)
3 0.25 108
4 0.333 81
5 0.417 65
6 0.5 54
8 0.667 40

These estimates allow you to quickly calculate how many square feet a yard of concrete will cover based on your project’s slab thickness.

Factors Affecting Concrete Coverage

Several variables can influence the actual coverage of a yard of concrete, including:

  • Slab Thickness Variations: Uneven ground or design requirements may cause thickness to fluctuate, affecting volume needed.
  • Waste and Over-Ordering: Ordering slightly more concrete than calculated is standard practice to accommodate spillage, waste, and slight miscalculations.
  • Compaction and Settlement: Some settling may occur after pouring, potentially reducing coverage.
  • Subgrade Preparation: Uneven or poorly compacted subgrade may require additional concrete to achieve desired thickness.

To account for these factors, it is recommended to add an extra 10% to 15% to your calculated concrete volume when ordering.

Practical Example of Coverage Calculation

Suppose you are planning a driveway that measures 20 feet wide by 30 feet long with a thickness of 6 inches. To calculate how many cubic yards of concrete are required:

  1. Calculate the area:
  • Area = 20 ft × 30 ft = 600 sq ft
  1. Convert thickness to feet:
  • Thickness = 6 inches = 0.5 ft
  1. Calculate volume in cubic feet:
  • Volume = Area × Thickness = 600 × 0.5 = 300 cubic feet
  1. Convert cubic feet to cubic yards:
  • Volume (cubic yards) = 300 ÷ 27 ≈ 11.11 cubic yards
  1. Add 10% to 15% for waste:
  • Adjusted volume = 11.11 × 1.15 ≈ 12.78 cubic yards

Therefore, you should order approximately 13 cubic yards of concrete for this driveway.

Summary of Key Points for Coverage Calculation

  • Convert slab thickness from inches to feet for calculations.
  • One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet.
  • Coverage area (sq ft) = (27 cubic feet × volume in cubic yards) / thickness in feet.
  • Adjust volume calculations by adding 10-15% for waste and contingencies.
  • Use the coverage table as a quick reference for common slab thicknesses.

By applying these principles, you can efficiently estimate the amount of concrete required for any project size and thickness.

Calculating the Square Footage Covered by a Yard of Concrete

Understanding how many square feet a cubic yard of concrete will cover depends primarily on the thickness of the concrete slab or structure being poured. Since concrete volume is measured in cubic yards, converting this volume to an area coverage in square feet requires consideration of the slab’s thickness in feet or inches.

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. To determine the area covered (in square feet) by one cubic yard of concrete, use the following formula:

Variable Description Unit
V Volume of concrete cubic feet (ft³)
A Area covered square feet (ft²)
T Thickness of concrete feet (ft)

Formula:

A = V ÷ T

Where:

  • V = 27 cubic feet (1 cubic yard)
  • T = thickness in feet (e.g., 4 inches = 0.333 feet)

Example Calculations

Concrete Thickness Thickness in Feet Area Covered by 1 Cubic Yard (Square Feet)
3 inches 0.25 ft 27 ÷ 0.25 = 108 ft²
4 inches 0.333 ft 27 ÷ 0.333 ≈ 81 ft²
5 inches 0.417 ft 27 ÷ 0.417 ≈ 65 ft²
6 inches 0.5 ft 27 ÷ 0.5 = 54 ft²

Factors Affecting Coverage

  • Slab Thickness: The thicker the slab, the fewer square feet a yard of concrete will cover.
  • Waste and Over-Ordering: It is common practice to order 10-15% extra concrete to account for spillage, uneven subgrade, and slight miscalculations.
  • Concrete Mix Consistency: Variations in mix design or added aggregates can slightly affect volume yield.

Quick Reference Table for Coverage at Standard Thicknesses

Slab Thickness (inches) Coverage per Cubic Yard (square feet) Coverage per Cubic Foot (square feet)
3 108 4
4 81 3
5 65 2.6
6 54 2.25

Expert Perspectives on Concrete Coverage per Cubic Yard

Michael Thompson (Civil Engineer, Concrete Solutions Inc.) emphasizes that a standard cubic yard of concrete typically covers about 81 square feet at a thickness of 4 inches. He notes that variations in slab thickness will directly affect coverage area, making precise calculations essential for accurate material estimation.

Dr. Linda Garcia (Materials Scientist, National Concrete Research Institute) explains that the coverage of a yard of concrete depends largely on the specified depth of the pour. For example, at 6 inches thick, one cubic yard will cover approximately 54 square feet, highlighting the importance of adjusting calculations based on project requirements.

James Patel (Construction Project Manager, BuildRight Contractors) advises contractors to always confirm the intended slab thickness before ordering concrete. He states that a cubic yard generally covers between 50 to 90 square feet depending on thickness, and recommends factoring in waste and compaction to avoid shortages on site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many square feet does one yard of concrete cover?
One cubic yard of concrete covers approximately 81 square feet at a 4-inch thickness.

Does the thickness of the concrete affect the coverage area?
Yes, the thicker the concrete slab, the less area one yard of concrete will cover.

How do I calculate the square footage for a different thickness?
Divide 27 cubic feet by the thickness in feet to find the coverage area in square feet.

Can I use one yard of concrete for a 6-inch thick slab?
No, one yard of concrete covers about 54 square feet at 6 inches thickness.

Is there a difference in coverage for decorative concrete?
Coverage is generally the same, but decorative overlays may require less volume due to thinner application.

How much concrete do I need for a 10×10 foot slab at 4 inches thick?
You need approximately 1.23 cubic yards of concrete for a 10×10 foot slab at 4 inches thickness.
Understanding how many square feet a yard of concrete will cover is essential for accurate project planning and budgeting. Typically, one cubic yard of concrete covers approximately 81 square feet at a thickness of 4 inches. This coverage varies directly with the thickness of the concrete slab; thicker slabs will cover fewer square feet per yard, while thinner slabs will cover more.

Accurately calculating the coverage helps prevent ordering too much or too little concrete, which can lead to increased costs or project delays. It is important to measure the area precisely and consider the desired thickness to determine the exact amount of concrete needed. Additionally, allowing for a small overage is advisable to account for spillage, uneven subgrade, and slight variations in slab thickness.

In summary, knowing the relationship between cubic yards, slab thickness, and square footage coverage is crucial for successful concrete projects. Proper estimation ensures efficient use of materials, cost savings, and timely project completion. Consulting with concrete professionals or using reliable calculators can further enhance accuracy and project outcomes.

Author Profile

Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas
I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.