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24 dedicated tools covering concrete, structural, earthwork, geotechnical engineering, and site drainage — imperial and metric, always free.

Concrete & Structural
Earthwork & Aggregates
Site Development & Drainage
Geotechnical & Soil Mechanics

Why use this construction calculator?

Instant Results

Updates in real time as you type — no need to hit calculate.

24 Tools in One

From concrete and rebar to pipe bedding and retaining walls — each with its own dedicated calculator page.

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Works on the Job Site

Fully responsive — pull it up on your phone right at the site.

Concrete volume formula

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Thickness ÷ 12) ÷ 27

Always add 5–10% for waste, spillage, and uneven subgrade. Ready-mix is typically ordered by the cubic yard; bagged concrete is calculated in cubic feet, where one 60 lb bag yields about 0.45 cubic feet.

Why base rock and gravel need a compaction allowance

Loose material compacts down once it's spread and rolled or tamped. If you need a 4" compacted base, you typically need to order 15–20% more material by volume than the final depth, since compaction reduces the loose volume.

Bank volume vs. swelled volume in excavation

Soil in the ground (bank measure) takes up less space than the same soil once it's dug up and loosened (swelled measure). This is why the dirt from a hole never fits back into the hole it came from — always estimate hauling based on the swelled volume, not the bank volume.

Rebar spacing and grid layout

Rebar is typically placed in a grid pattern at a set spacing (commonly 12" or 18" on-center for slabs) running in both directions. Total linear footage combines both directions, and a waste allowance accounts for overlaps at splices and trimming at edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much extra concrete should I order?
Most contractors add 5–10% over the calculated volume to account for spillage, subgrade irregularities, and minor form deviations. For complex pours or uneven ground, some go as high as 15%.
Why do gravel and base rock calculations differ?
Gravel used for drainage or decorative coverage is typically ordered at its loose, uncompacted volume. Base rock used under slabs, driveways, or pavers is compacted after placement, so you need extra loose material upfront to reach your target compacted depth.
How is excavation volume different from the finished hole size?
The hole itself is measured at "bank" volume — the soil's size while still in the ground. Once removed, that same soil expands (swells) due to added air pockets, typically by 20–30%. Hauling and disposal costs should be based on the swelled volume, not the bank volume.
Is this construction calculator free?
Yes — completely free, forever. No account required, no premium tier.
What's the difference between the Aggregate and Gravel calculators?
The Gravel calculator is a quick single-purpose tool with a typical gravel density pre-set. The Aggregate calculator is more flexible — pick from several common materials (crushed stone, sand, pea gravel, crushed concrete, decomposed granite, river rock) and it auto-fills the right density, or you can enter your own for a specific product.

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