Project Inputs
ft
ft
in
Imperial uses inches; Metric uses millimeters.
yd³
Typical 3–10% depending on placement, reinforcement complexity, and pump loss.
Truck & Policy Inputs
yd³
yd³
Round last partial load up to this step.
lb
lb
lb/yd³
Approx. 4050 lb/yd³ (2400 kg/m³). Adjust for mix design.
yd³
If a load is below this, a short-load fee may apply.
$
Results Overview
Effective Volume
— yd³
Max Per-Load Capacity
— yd³
Limited by volume
Loads Required
—
Full Loads
—
Last Load Volume
— yd³
Est. Short-Load Fees
$0
Load Plan
| # | Planned Volume | Percent of Full Load | Est. Load Weight | Short Load? | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run a calculation to populate the plan. | |||||
Example Data
These examples illustrate typical inputs and resulting load counts.
| Scenario | Units | Area / Volume | Thickness | Waste | Truck Cap | Loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway pour | Imperial | 30 ft × 20 ft | 4 in | 5% | 10 yd³ | ~1 load |
| Patio slab | Imperial | 20 ft × 12 ft | 4 in | 7% | 8 yd³ | ~1 load |
| Footings | Metric | Volume 9.0 m³ | — | 5% | 7.5 m³ | ~2 loads |
Formulas Used
- Imperial volume (yd³) = (Length_ft × Width_ft × Thickness_in / 12) ÷ 27
- Metric volume (m³) = Length_m × Width_m × Thickness_mm / 1000
- Effective volume = Base volume × (1 + Waste_% / 100)
- Weight-limited capacity = (Max_GVW − Tare) ÷ Density (density in lb/yd³ or kg/m³)
- Per-load capacity = min(Nominal capacity, Weight-limited capacity)
- Full loads = ⌊Effective volume ÷ Per-load capacity⌋
- Last load = Effective volume − Full loads × Per-load capacity (rounded up to step)
- Short-load fee applies if Last load < Min charge threshold
How to Use
- Select unit system and choose an entry method for volume.
- Enter project dimensions or total volume, then set waste percentage.
- Provide truck capacity, vehicle weight limit, tare, and density as needed.
- Set rounding step, minimum charge threshold, and any short-load fee.
- Click Calculate to see required loads and the detailed plan.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF to export results.
- Confirm company-specific policies and fees with your concrete supplier.
FAQs
A common assumption is ~4050 lb/yd³ (about 2400 kg/m³). Ask your supplier for mix-specific density to refine weight-limited capacity.
Typical waste is 3–10% depending on placement, pump priming loss, site access, crew experience, form leakage, and reinforcement complexity.
Enable weight capping. The tool limits per-load volume by the lower of nominal capacity or the weight-legal payload derived from GVW, tare, and density.
Many dispatchers schedule to quarter- or half-yard increments. Rounding helps align with ticket practices while preventing under-ordering.
If the load volume is below your supplier’s minimum charge threshold, a fee may apply. Enter the threshold and fee to estimate costs.
Yes. Switch to Metric to enter meters and millimeters. The calculator converts and reports consistently in m³-based values.
This tool focuses on load planning and fees. Request current per-yard rates, admixture costs, and delivery surcharges from your ready-mix supplier.