How to Measure Yardage for Concrete Pricing

1

Measure the area to be filled with concrete. Note the length, width and depth, in feet, of the slab to calculate the yardage. Enlist the help of a friend or use a measuring wheel when measuring a large area.
2

Calculate the yardage with this formula:
Length x Width x Depth / 27 = Cubic yards
3

Factor in an additional 10 to 15 percent to cover any unexpected circumstances or mistakes. To calculate the extra amount, use this formula:
Cubic yards x 1.10 (110 percent)
Round up to the nearest quarter yard.
4

Determine cubic yardage on irregularly shaped areas. This requires a bit more math and some minor drawing skills. Measure each side of the perimeter and use some graph paper to create a scaled drawing. Consider 1 graph square = 1 foot. Once you have completed the drawing, break it into rectangular sections and perform the cubic yardage calculation on each section (L x W x H / 27). Add the cubic yardage for each section together, and calculate the extra percentage of material needed, again rounding up to the nearest quarter yard.