Concrete Sidewalk Calculator
Estimate the concrete for a sidewalk or walkway from its length, width and thickness.
Calculator
| Cubic yards (exact) | 1.23 yd³ |
|---|---|
| Cubic feet | 33.3 ft³ |
| 80-lb bags of concrete mix | 62 bags |
| 60-lb bags of concrete mix | 82 bags |
How it is calculated
10 ft × 10 ft × 4 in ÷ 12 = 33.3 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 1.23 cubic yards, then add 10% for spillage and uneven ground: 1.36 cubic yards.
About this calculator
A sidewalk is a long, narrow slab, so the volume is still length × width × thickness. Residential walkways are commonly about 3 to 4 feet wide and 4 inches thick.
Short walks are practical with bagged mix. Longer ones are usually cheaper by truck, though small orders can carry a minimum charge. Joints cut into the surface help control where the concrete cracks.
Worked examples
| Project | Cubic yards to order (+10% waste) | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| a 10 ft long, 3 ft wide sidewalk, 4 in thick | 0.41 yd³ | $57.04 – $81.48 |
| a 20 ft long, 4 ft wide sidewalk, 4 in thick | 1.09 yd³ | $152 – $217 |
| a 40 ft long, 4 ft wide sidewalk, 4 in thick | 2.17 yd³ | $304 – $435 |
| a 100 ft long, 5 ft wide sidewalk, 4 in thick | 6.79 yd³ | $951 – $1,358 |
Buying notes
- Measure along the centerline of curved walks, not the straight-line distance.
- Slope the walk slightly to shed water; a compacted gravel base helps prevent heaving and cracking.
- Joint spacing depends on slab thickness and width; ask your contractor or supplier.
Quick answers by size
Click a size for the exact quantity and cost.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the path's length along its centerline and its width.
- Enter the thickness, typically 4 inches for foot traffic.
- Read the cubic yards or bag count.
- For short paths, compare the cost of bags with a small ready-mix delivery.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring curves; measure along the curve, not the straight-line distance.
- Skipping the compacted gravel base, which prevents cracking and heaving.
- Underestimating how much a few extra inches of width adds.
Tips
- Residential sidewalks are typically 3–4 feet wide and 4 inches thick.
- Long, narrow pours use less concrete than people expect: width and thickness matter as much as length.
- Bagged mix is practical for short walks; for 60+ feet, compare the price of a ready-mix delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How wide should a sidewalk be?
Many residential walkways are 36–48 inches wide; 60 inches lets two people pass comfortably.
How wide should a sidewalk be?
Many residential walkways are 36 to 48 inches wide. Sixty inches lets two people walk side by side.
Can I pour a sidewalk with bagged concrete?
Yes, for short sections. Work out the bag count with the calculator and compare it with a small ready-mix delivery if the number gets large.