Concrete Weight Calculator
Calculate how much concrete weighs based on volume and type
Enter Your Concrete Details
Standard concrete with sand and gravel aggregate
Quick Answer
One cubic yard of normal weight concrete weighs approximately 3,915 pounds (1.96 tons). One cubic foot weighs about 145 pounds. An 80lb bag of concrete mix yields approximately 0.6 cubic feet and weighs about 87 pounds when mixed with water.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
Concrete Weight Reference Table
| Volume | Normal (145 lb/ft³) | Lightweight (110 lb/ft³) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cubic foot | 145 lbs | 110 lbs |
| 1 cubic yard | 3,915 lbs (1.96 tons) | 2,970 lbs (1.49 tons) |
| 1 cubic meter | 5,122 lbs (2,322 kg) | 3,885 lbs (1,762 kg) |
| 80lb bag (0.6 ft³) | 87 lbs (mixed) | 66 lbs (mixed) |
| 4" thick per sq ft | 48 lbs | 37 lbs |
Unit Conversions
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 0.7646 cubic meters. 1 US ton = 2,000 lbs = 907 kg. 1 metric ton = 1,000 kg = 2,205 lbs.
Types of Concrete by Weight
Normal Weight Concrete
145 lb/ft³
2322 kg/m³
Standard concrete with sand and gravel aggregate
Uses: Slabs, Foundations, Driveways, Sidewalks
Lightweight Concrete
110 lb/ft³
1762 kg/m³
Made with expanded shale, clay, or slate aggregate
Uses: Roof decks, Floor fill, Precast panels, Insulating fill
Heavyweight Concrete
220 lb/ft³
3523 kg/m³
Made with magnetite, barite, or steel aggregate
Uses: Radiation shielding, Counterweights, Sound barriers
Reinforced Concrete
150 lb/ft³
2403 kg/m³
Normal concrete with steel reinforcement
Uses: Structural elements, Beams, Columns, Walls
Wet/Fresh Concrete
150 lb/ft³
2403 kg/m³
Freshly poured, uncured concrete
Uses: Fresh pours, Form pressure calculations, Lifting calculations
Weight Calculation Formulas
Basic Formula
Weight = Volume × Density
Example:
1 cu yd × 145 lb/ft³ × 27 ft³/yd³
= 3,915 pounds
Slab Weight Formula
Weight = L × W × D × Density
Example (10' × 12' × 4"):
10 × 12 × (4/12) × 145
= 5,800 pounds
Quick Weight Estimates
Per Square Foot
4" slab: ~48 lbs/sq ft
6" slab: ~72 lbs/sq ft
8" slab: ~97 lbs/sq ft
Per Bag
80lb bag: 87 lbs mixed
60lb bag: 65 lbs mixed
50lb bag: 54 lbs mixed
Truck Load
8 cu yd: ~31,320 lbs
10 cu yd: ~39,150 lbs
(~15-20 tons)
Why Concrete Weight Matters
Engineering & Safety
- •Structural calculations: Ensure beams and columns can support the load
- •Foundation sizing: Design footings for proper bearing capacity
- •Form design: Build forms strong enough for concrete pressure
- •Shoring requirements: Temporary supports for elevated pours
Logistics & Planning
- •Truck capacity: Avoid overloading delivery trucks
- •Crane sizing: Select right equipment for lifting
- •Floor loading: Ensure floors can handle equipment and concrete
- •Transportation: Plan routes for heavy precast elements
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
A cubic yard of normal weight concrete weighs approximately 3,915 pounds (1.96 US tons or 1,776 kg). This is based on a standard density of 145 pounds per cubic foot × 27 cubic feet per yard. Lightweight concrete weighs about 2,970 lbs/yd³, while heavyweight concrete can weigh up to 5,940 lbs/yd³.
How much does a cubic foot of concrete weigh?
A cubic foot of normal weight concrete weighs approximately 145 pounds (65.8 kg). This weight includes the cement, sand, gravel aggregate, and water. The density can range from 110 lb/ft³ for lightweight concrete to 220 lb/ft³ for heavyweight radiation shielding concrete.
How much does an 80lb bag of concrete weigh when mixed?
An 80lb bag of dry concrete mix weighs approximately 87-90 pounds when mixed with the required amount of water (adding about 7-10 pounds of water). When fully cured, it weighs close to 80 pounds as excess water evaporates during the curing process. Each 80lb bag yields about 0.6 cubic feet of finished concrete.
Is wet concrete heavier than cured concrete?
Yes, wet (fresh) concrete is slightly heavier than fully cured concrete because it contains more water. Fresh concrete weighs about 150 lbs/cu ft, while fully cured concrete weighs about 145 lbs/cu ft - a difference of about 3%. This is due to water evaporation during the 28-day curing process.
How do I calculate concrete weight for a slab?
Calculate the volume in cubic feet (length × width × thickness in feet), then multiply by 145 lbs/cu ft for normal concrete. For example, a 10ft × 12ft × 4inch slab = 10 × 12 × 0.333 = 40 cubic feet × 145 lbs = 5,800 pounds or 2.9 US tons.
What is the density of concrete in kg/m³?
Normal weight concrete has a density of approximately 2,400 kg/m³ (more precisely 2,322 kg/m³). Lightweight concrete ranges from 1,400-1,800 kg/m³, while heavyweight concrete used for radiation shielding can exceed 3,500 kg/m³. Reinforced concrete typically has a density of 2,400-2,500 kg/m³.
How much does a concrete truck hold?
A standard concrete mixer truck (ready-mix truck) holds 8-10 cubic yards of concrete. At 3,915 lbs per cubic yard, a full truck carries approximately 31,320-39,150 pounds (15.6-19.5 US tons) of concrete. Mini mixer trucks hold 3-4 cubic yards for residential and hard-to-access areas.
Why is concrete weight important to know?
Concrete weight is essential for: 1) Structural load calculations to ensure supports (beams, columns, foundations) can handle the dead load, 2) Transportation planning for trucks and equipment, 3) Form design to resist hydrostatic pressure of fresh concrete, 4) Crane and lifting equipment selection, 5) Building code compliance for dead load calculations, and 6) Soil bearing capacity verification.
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Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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