Concrete Weight Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?

About 4,050 lb (2 short tons). This is the standard rule of thumb for load planning.

How heavy is a 4-inch slab per square foot?

50 lb per square foot (150 lb/ft³ x 4/12 ft). A 200 sq ft patio weighs about 10,000 lb.

Does rebar add significant weight to a slab?

About 1-3% for typical residential slabs. A standard grid adds 100-200 lb to a 10x20 ft slab.

How heavy is a standard concrete block?

A hollow 8x8x16-inch CMU weighs 28-35 lb. Solid CMUs weigh 55-65 lb.

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Estimates for informational purposes only.

Important Disclaimer: Estimates for informational purposes only.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.

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How This Calculator Works

Normal-weight concrete has a density of 150 lb/ft³ (2,400 kg/m³). This calculator computes volume from the shape and dimensions you enter, then multiplies by 150 lb/ft³ to get weight.

Slab volume (ft³) = (length_in x width_in x height_in) / 1728. Cylinder volume (ft³) = pi x (diameter_in / 2 / 12)^2 x height_in / 12. Hollow tube volume = cylinder volume of outer diameter minus cylinder volume of inner diameter.

Short tons = weight / 2000. Kilograms = weight x 0.453592.

Concrete Density and Mix Types

The 150 lb/ft³ density used here is for standard normal-weight concrete made with gravel aggregate and a typical 3,000-4,000 psi mix design. Actual densities by mix type:

Normal-weight concrete: 145-155 lb/ft³. Used for most structural applications including slabs, columns, walls, and footings.

Lightweight concrete: 90-115 lb/ft³. Uses expanded shale, clay, or slate aggregate. Used for elevated slabs and roof decks where weight matters.

Heavyweight concrete: 190-220 lb/ft³. Uses iron ore or barite aggregate. Used for radiation shielding and counterweights.

Cured vs green: Freshly poured concrete is slightly heavier due to excess mix water. The difference is small (less than 5%) for typical structural mixes.

Practical Uses

Knowing the weight of a concrete element is useful for:

Estimating dead load for structural calculations: a 4-inch-thick concrete slab weighs about 50 lb/ft², which must be accounted for in beam and joist sizing.

Planning precast panel delivery and crane lifts: a 6-inch precast wall panel at 8x10 ft weighs about 3,000 lb - near the limit of many rough-terrain cranes at radius.

Sizing concrete form shores and temporary supports: shores and shoring towers have rated capacities that must exceed the wet concrete load plus live load.

Calculating ballast weight for retaining walls, fence post concrete, and helical pier terminations.

FAQ

How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?

Normal-weight concrete weighs about 4,050 lb (about 2 short tons or 1.84 metric tons) per cubic yard. This is a commonly used rule of thumb for load calculations. Lightweight mixes can be as low as 2,500 lb/yd³.

How heavy is a 4-inch concrete slab per square foot?

A 4-inch-thick normal-weight concrete slab weighs about 50 lb per square foot (150 lb/ft³ x 4/12 ft = 50 lb/ft²). A 10 x 20 ft patio (200 sq ft) therefore weighs about 10,000 lb or 5 short tons.

Does reinforcing steel add much weight?

Rebar adds about 1-3% to the total weight of typical residential slabs. A 10 x 20 ft slab at 4 inches thick with a #3 rebar grid at 18 inches on center adds about 100-200 lb of steel to the 10,000 lb of concrete.

How heavy is a concrete block (CMU)?

A standard 8x8x16-inch hollow concrete masonry unit weighs about 28-35 lb. A solid CMU of the same size weighs 55-65 lb. Lightweight CMUs weigh about 22-28 lb.

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