How Much Concrete for a 12x12 Slab?
A 12x12 ft slab (144 sq ft) poured 4 inches thick needs about 1.96 cubic yards of concrete, or 88 bags of 80-lb mix. Both figures include 10% extra for spillage and an uneven subgrade.
12x12 slab by thickness
| Thickness | Cubic yards | 80-lb bags | 60-lb bags | 40-lb bags | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in (typical patio) | 1.96 | 88 | 118 | 176 | 7,920 lb |
| 5 in | 2.44 | 110 | 147 | 220 | 9,900 lb |
| 6 in (driveway, heavy use) | 2.93 | 132 | 176 | 264 | 11,880 lb |
Volume = length × width × thickness ÷ 12 = 12 × 12 × 4 ÷ 12 = 48 cu ft (1.78 cu yd) before the 10% extra. Bag yields: 80 lb ≈ 0.60 cu ft, 60 lb ≈ 0.45 cu ft, 40 lb ≈ 0.30 cu ft.
Bags or ready-mix?
For the 4-inch slab, 88 bags at an example $7 each is about $616, while 1.96 yards of ready-mix at an example $165 a yard is about $323 before delivery and any short-load fee. Prices vary a lot by region and supplier, so enter your own in the concrete calculator. Mixing 88 bags means moving about 7,040 pounds of dry mix, plus water.
Before you order
A 12x12 slab also needs a base: gravel under the concrete is measured in cubic yards too, so use the gravel calculator for a 4-inch base. Check the area with the square footage calculator if the space is not a perfect rectangle, and add the extra for forms that bow or ground that dips. Wire mesh or rebar, expansion joints and curing time are not included in these figures.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of concrete do I need for a 12x12 slab?
For a 12x12 ft slab 4 inches thick you need about 88 bags of 80-lb mix, 118 bags of 60-lb mix or 176 bags of 40-lb mix. That includes 10% extra for spillage and an uneven subgrade. Without the extra, the slab is 48 cubic feet.
How many yards of concrete is a 12x12 slab?
A 12x12 slab at 4 inches is 1.78 cubic yards, or 1.96 cubic yards with 10% extra. At 5 inches it is 2.44 yards and at 6 inches 2.93 yards.
How much does a 12x12 slab of concrete weigh?
Normal-weight concrete weighs about 150 pounds per cubic foot, so a 12x12 slab 4 inches thick weighs roughly 7,920 pounds (3.96 tons), including the extra.
Should I use bags or ready-mix for a 12x12 slab?
At 88 bags, mixing by hand is a lot of work and the slab should be poured in one go to avoid cold joints. Ordering 1.96 yards of ready-mix is usually the better choice, though small orders often carry a short-load fee.
Other slab sizes
Planning figures for a rectangular slab. Brands and delivery practices differ, so confirm quantities with your supplier.