Estimating concrete and masonry
Concrete is all about volume: multiply length × width × thickness and convert to cubic yards. Once you know the yardage, you can decide between bagged mix and a ready-mix truck, and size any rebar reinforcement. Masonry — brick, block, and stucco — is estimated by wall area, with allowances for mortar and waste. For load-bearing or tall structures, always check your local code.
Which calculator do I need?
- Concrete calculator — cubic yards and bags for a slab, footing, or post; decide bags vs. ready-mix.
- Rebar calculator — the reinforcing grid for a slab: lengths, linear feet, and weight.
- Brick & block calculator — how many bricks or CMU blocks for a wall, plus mortar bags.
- Retaining wall calculator — segmental blocks and caps for a wall of any size.
- Stucco calculator — base- and finish-coat bags for a three-coat stucco wall.
Plan the whole assembly, not just the units
Concrete and masonry both rely on what's under and behind them. A slab wants a compacted gravel sub-base and usually rebar or wire mesh; a retaining wall needs a gravel base and drainage behind it; and stucco over wood needs lath and building paper. Order a little extra of everything — concrete spills, bricks break, and running short mid-pour or mid-course is the one thing you want to avoid. For anything load-bearing or over about 3–4 ft tall, confirm footings and reinforcement against your local code.