Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Length | Width | Thickness | Waste | Concrete Volume | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential walkway | 20 ft | 4 ft | 4 in | 10% | ≈ 0.49 yd³ | Varies by rates |
| Garden path | 35 ft | 3 ft | 4 in | 8% | ≈ 0.52 yd³ | Varies by rates |
| Site sidewalk section | 12 m | 1.2 m | 10 cm | 7% | ≈ 1.54 m³ | Varies by rates |
Examples are illustrative. Local codes, subgrade, and access conditions can change recommended thickness, reinforcement, and overall cost.
Formula Used
- Area = Length × Width
- Volume = Area × Thickness
- Waste volume = Volume × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100)
- 1 yd³ = 27 ft³
- 1 m³ ≈ 35.3147 ft³
- 1 yd³ ≈ 0.7646 m³
- Concrete cost = Ordered volume × Unit price × Finish multiplier
- Labor = Area × Labor rate
- Base = Base volume × Base price (if enabled)
- Reinforcement = Area × Reinforcement rate (if enabled)
- Joints = Estimated joints × Sawcut cost per joint
- Forming = Perimeter × Forming cost per linear unit
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the unit system that matches your drawings.
- Enter sidewalk length, width, and concrete thickness.
- Set a waste factor for realistic ordering totals.
- Fill in concrete price and labor rate for budgeting.
- Enable base and reinforcement options if your project needs them.
- Adjust joint spacing, sawcut cost, and forming rate as required.
- Press Calculate to view results above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to download your estimate.
Measuring Length and Width Accurately
Confirm the pour footprint in the field, not just on plans. Measure length and width at several points, especially on curved walks and tapering edges. Residential sidewalks are often 1.0–1.5 m (3–5 ft) wide, while commercial paths may exceed 1.8 m (6 ft). Use the largest verified dimensions for ordering.
Choosing a Practical Sidewalk Thickness
Thickness drives volume and performance. A common slab is 100 mm (4 in) for pedestrian use, while 125–150 mm (5–6 in) is often used where light vehicles may cross. Thicker slabs reduce edge breakage and improve feel under wheels, but increase material cost. Match thickness to loading and local requirements.
Converting Dimensions Into Concrete Volume
Concrete volume is length × width × thickness. The calculator converts to cubic meters or cubic yards and applies your waste factor. For quick checking, 1 m³ ≈ 1.308 yd³, and 1 yd³ = 27 ft³. Keeping units consistent also improves bid comparisons and reduces change orders. It also simplifies vendor quotes.
Base Preparation and Compaction Targets
A stable base limits settlement and pumping. Many crews place 75–150 mm (3–6 in) of compacted granular base on prepared subgrade. Aim for uniform thickness, drainage slope, and tight compaction; weak spots are where cracks start first. If soil is soft or wet, stabilization can beat simply adding more concrete.
Reinforcement Options for Durability
Sidewalks may use welded wire mesh, fiber reinforcement, or small rebar to control cracking and keep panels aligned. Fiber can improve toughness and reduce plastic shrinkage cracking, while mesh or bars help hold cracks tight when movement happens. Reinforcement does not replace joints, but it can reduce spalling and improve serviceability.
Joint Spacing and Crack Control
Control joints guide shrinkage cracking. A common rule is joint spacing near 24–30 times slab thickness, about 2.4–3.0 m (8–10 ft) for a 100 mm (4 in) slab. Depth matters: sawcut or tooled joints are often near one‑quarter of thickness. The calculator estimates joint count, spacing, and sawcut costs.
Budget Inputs That Move the Total Cost
Concrete price per cubic unit is only one budget line. Forming, placing, finishing, reinforcement, base material, and sawcutting can add as much as the concrete itself. Entering local labor rates makes the estimate more realistic for your crew, overtime, and schedule. Keep line items separate so alternates stay easy to price.
Ordering Strategy and Waste Allowance
Include waste to cover uneven grades, spillage, and small over‑excavations. Typical waste runs 5% for simple rectangles and 10–12% for curves or tough access. Consider delivery minimums, pump fees, and batch increments; ordering slightly high is usually cheaper than pausing the crew for a second truck.
FAQs
What concrete strength should I choose for sidewalks?
Many sidewalks use mixes in the 3,000–4,000 psi range, depending on climate and specifications. In freeze‑thaw regions, air‑entrained concrete is commonly specified. Always follow local code, engineer notes, and supplier recommendations for your project.
How do I convert thickness from inches to feet for volume?
Divide inches by 12 to get feet. For example, 4 inches equals 0.333 feet. Use that thickness in the length × width × thickness calculation, then convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27.
How much waste should I add when ordering?
Use 5% for simple rectangular pours with good access. Use 10–12% for curves, steps, uneven grades, or long wheelbarrow runs. If the truck has a minimum load fee, ordering slightly high may save money.
Do I need reinforcement in a sidewalk?
Not always, but it can help keep cracks tight and reduce panel movement. Fiber, mesh, or small rebar is common near driveways, heavy foot traffic, or poor subgrade. Reinforcement complements joints; it does not eliminate cracking.
How many control joints will my sidewalk need?
A practical starting point is joint spacing around 8–10 feet for a 4‑inch slab. The calculator estimates joint count from your chosen spacing and includes sawcut costs if you enter a rate.
Should I include a gravel base in the estimate?
If the subgrade is soft, wet, or variable, a compacted granular base improves support and drainage. Many projects use 3–6 inches of base. If you already have a stable, well‑compacted subgrade, you may reduce or omit it.
Can this calculator estimate total project cost?
Yes. It combines concrete volume, waste, unit price, and optional costs for labor, forming, base material, reinforcement, and sawcuts. For bidding, confirm local production rates, access constraints, and any permit or inspection fees.
Measure, estimate, and pour confidently with dependable totals today.