HOW MUCH CONCRETE DO I NEED?

Whether you’re planning a DIY project, or need concrete for your construction site, it can be tricky to work out exactly how much concrete you might need.

Highlight:

• Using the formula for Volume (Length x Width x Depth) can help you work out how much concrete you would need for your project.
• Order 10% more concrete than you think you need – this accounts for possible wastage.
• Use our simple concrete calculator for an instant calculation on how much concrete your project will require.

In this article, our concrete experts take you through how to calculate the amount of concrete you need depending on your type of project, and how an ‘only pay for what you need’ service can bypass these worries in the first place.

Why is it important to calculate how much concrete you’ll need? 

Planning a project requires good organisation, whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial company. All of your tools, equipment and time schedules need to be meticulously planned – and pinpointing exactly how much concrete you might need is part of that.

While it can be difficult to establish the exact amount of concrete required, having a rough idea can relieve stress and avoid delays. For example, if you under-order, getting less concrete than you need, this can throw off project timing, and in commercial settings, result in loss of money. On the opposite end, some concrete suppliers will charge you for any over-ordered excess to be disposed of, incurring more expenses. Luckily, over-ordering is less of a problem with companies who offer volumetric concrete such as EasyMix Concrete, who will only charge you for what you use. However, it’s still important to have an estimate of the correct amount to avoid the inconvenience of massively over-ordering.

If you’re unsure about how much concrete your project will require, why not head over to our concrete calculator for a quick and simple figure.

How do I calculate how much concrete I need? 

To calculate how much concrete you need, you’ll need to first determine the volume of the space you wish to fill using the Volume formula (Length x Width x Depth), then once you have a figure you will need to account for any wastage. Our concrete experts would also recommend adding an additional 10% just to be on the safe side. With everyone living such busy lives, nobody expects you to be a maths whiz to calculate concrete. Equations, such as the one for calculating Volume, do exist to get a reasonably accurate number but did you know there’s a much simpler, more accurate way?

All you need to do is input the desired dimensions of your slab, column, stairs or fence post and our online concrete calculator will do the rest. With EasyMix Concrete’s volumetric concrete, we only charge for what you use anyway, giving you freedom and peace of mind.

How can I avoid producing excess concrete? 

Even after using a concrete calculator to estimate how much you need, if you really want to avoid producing excess concrete, then it’s worth opting for volumetric concrete rather than ready-mixed.

The benefits of volumetric concrete include:

• You only pay for what you use
• The concrete is mixed on-site, allowing you more control over consistency and amount produced
• An experienced technician is also included as part of the service, armed with the equipment and knowledge to mix your concrete to your specifications
• Allows flexibility for last-minute changes to your order

Volumetric concrete from companies like EasyMix is, therefore, a flexible, cost-effective choice for your project which can avoid delays and extra expense.

Does project type affect how much concrete I need? 

The question of ‘how much concrete do I need’ is likely to depend on the type and scale of the project. For example, commercial or construction endeavours are likely to require a much larger supply of concrete, while a domestic back garden project will require much less. Likewise, estimating the amount of concrete needed for different shapes will require different equations. Our online concrete calculator can calculate amounts for circular shapes for columns or fence posts, as well as square/rectangular shapes for driveways, shed bases and other purposes.

Seeking rapid and reliable delivery of high-quality concrete? Here at EasyMix Concrete, we’re a leading concrete provider for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and beyond – and we only charge you for the concrete you use, so you can plan costs effectively.

So, whether you need concrete for driveways, shed bases or a large-scale commercial project, get in touch with our team today.