How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Concrete Weigh?
A cubic yard of normal-weight concrete weighs about 4,050 pounds (2.03 US tons, 1,837 kg). That comes from 27 cubic feet at a design density of 150 pounds per cubic foot.
The numbers to remember
| Volume | Pounds | US tons | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ft³ | 150 | 0.075 | 68 |
| 1 yd³ | 4,050 | 2.03 | 1,837 |
| 1 m³ | 5,297 | 2.65 | 2,403 |
| 10 yd³ truck | 40,500 | 20.25 | 18,370 |
Normal-weight concrete is typically 140 to 150 lb/ft³ (2,240 to 2,400 kg/m³) according to the Portland Cement Association, and design calculations commonly use 150 lb/ft³ for plain concrete. Structural lightweight concrete is much lighter, at about 90 to 120 lb/ft³ (NRMCA CIP 36).
How to calculate it
Multiply the volume in cubic feet by the density in pounds per cubic foot. For one yard, 27 × 150 = 4,050 lb. To convert, divide by 2,000 for US tons or multiply by 0.45359237 for kilograms. In metric, multiply cubic meters by 2,400 kg/m³ to get kilograms.
Weight (lb) = volume (ft³) × 150. Weight (kg) = volume (m³) × 2,400.
Weight of a slab per square foot
| Thickness | lb per ft² | kg per m² |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 37.5 | 183 |
| 4 in | 50 | 244 |
| 5 in | 62.5 | 305 |
| 6 in | 75 | 366 |
| 8 in | 100 | 488 |
A 4 in slab weighs 50 lb per square foot, so a 12 × 16 ft slab weighs 9,600 lb, or 4.8 US tons. This matters for elevated slabs and decks, where the concrete is dead load on the structure.
Weight of bagged concrete
An 80 lb bag of mix makes 0.60 ft³ of concrete, which weighs about 90 lb when mixed because water is added. A pallet of 42 bags of 80 lb mix is 3,360 lb of dry product, a load that needs a pallet jack and a suitable vehicle. A pickup truck with a 1,500 lb payload can carry about 18 bags of 80 lb mix.
Why the weight matters
- Truck and driveway loads: a loaded mixer is heavy and can damage pavements, septic tanks and soft lawns.
- Elevated and suspended slabs: the structure has to carry the concrete’s own weight.
- Hauling: a trailer and tow vehicle have weight ratings.
- Lifting precast: crane or lifting gear capacity must exceed the piece weight.
- Foundations: bearing pressure on the soil includes the weight of the footing.
Why different calculators show different weights
Concrete density depends on the aggregate, the air content and how much water remains. Calculators choose a value in the 140 to 150 lb/ft³ range. This site uses 150 lb/ft³ on the tool pages, which is the common design value. The original home page calculator on this site keeps its earlier density of 2,130 kg/m³ (about 133 lb/ft³), so its weights are a few percent lower. If you need a precise weight, ask your supplier for the unit weight of the mix, which is measured on the fresh concrete.
Weight of common projects (net, no waste)
| Project | Pounds | US tons |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 patio, 4 in | 5,000 | 2.5 |
| 12 × 16 patio, 4 in | 9,600 | 4.8 |
| 20 × 20 garage, 5 in | 25,000 | 12.5 |
| 4 × 30 sidewalk, 4 in | 6,000 | 3.0 |
The weights are large enough to matter for the vehicles that will bring the concrete, and for the ground that will carry it. A firm, compacted base spreads the load and prevents settling.
Concrete compared with other materials
| Material | lb/ft³ | kg/m³ |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 62.4 | 1,000 |
| Dry sand or gravel (loose) | 90 – 110 | 1,440 – 1,760 |
| Normal-weight concrete | 150 | 2,400 |
| Steel | 490 | 7,850 |
Rounded typical values. Check the supplier for the real number.
Bearing pressure example
A strip footing 16 in wide and 8 in deep weighs about 133 lb per foot of length on its own (1.33 ft × 0.67 ft × 150 lb/ft³). Add the wall and roof it carries to find the pressure on the soil, and compare it with the soil’s allowable bearing pressure. This is an engineering calculation, but the footing’s own weight is part of it.
Moving heavy loads
- A standard wheelbarrow holds 3 to 6 ft³, which is about 450 to 900 lb of wet concrete.
- A half-ton pickup should not carry more than about 18 bags of 80 lb mix.
- A pallet of 80 lb bags is over a ton. Use a forklift and check the surface.
- Lift with the legs, and use a hand truck or a wheelbarrow for bags.
Example: a 3 yard delivery on a driveway
Three cubic yards of concrete weighs 12,150 lb (6.08 US tons · 5,511 kg · 5.51 metric tonnes). A mixer truck carrying that load is far heavier still, because the truck, the drum and the water add many tons. Residential driveways, septic covers, culverts and small bridges may not be designed for it. Ask the plant where the truck will park, lay planks or plywood on soft ground, and consider a pump if the truck cannot get close. The same arithmetic applies to the bags you carry in a pickup: a cubic yard is 45 bags and 3,600 lb of dry mix, which is more than most half-ton pickups should carry.
Always use the weight from the supplier when you design for loads. The figures here are for planning and for estimating transport.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
About 4,050 pounds, or 2.03 US tons, at 150 lb/ft³.
How much does a cubic foot of concrete weigh?
About 150 pounds for normal-weight concrete.
How much does a cubic meter of concrete weigh?
About 2,400 kg.
How much does a 4 in slab weigh per square foot?
About 50 pounds.
How much does a full truck of concrete weigh?
A 10 yd³ load is about 20 tons of concrete, plus the truck.
Does rebar add weight?
Yes, but a small amount for typical slabs.
Sources
Estimate only. Results depend on the numbers you enter, ground conditions and your supplier. For structural work consult a licensed engineer and follow local codes. Brand names such as Quikrete and Sakrete are used only to cite published product data. This site is not affiliated with any brand.