20 yards of concrete by type
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 20 yards is 540 cubic feet. Multiply by the weight of a cubic foot of the concrete you are using.
| Type of concrete | Density | Weight | US tons | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight concrete, a rough figure | 115 lb/ft³ | 62,100 lb | 31.05 | 28,168 |
| Plain concrete, no steel | 145 lb/ft³ | 78,300 lb | 39.15 | 35,516 |
| Reinforced concrete, and the usual rule of thumb | 150 lb/ft³ | 81,000 lb | 40.50 | 36,741 |
| Heavily reinforced, a rough figure | 160 lb/ft³ | 86,400 lb | 43.20 | 39,190 |
The slab 20 yards makes, and what it weighs per square foot
The total stays at 81,000 lb. A thinner slab spreads it over more ground.
| Slab thickness | Area from 20 yards | Weight per sq ft | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 2,160 sq ft | 37.5 lb | 81,000 lb |
| 4 in | 1,620 sq ft | 50.0 lb | 81,000 lb |
| 5 in | 1,296 sq ft | 62.5 lb | 81,000 lb |
| 6 in | 1,080 sq ft | 75.0 lb | 81,000 lb |
| 8 in | 810 sq ft | 100.0 lb | 81,000 lb |
Twenty yards: two full trucks
20 yards is 2 full 10-yard trucks, 40,500 lb in each, 81,000 lb in all. That is 40.50 US tons or 36,741 kg of concrete.
It is 540 cubic feet: 1,620 square feet of 4 inch slab or 1,080 square feet of 6 inch slab. A pour this size needs a crew and a plan for where each truck stands, because the weight arrives 40,500 lb at a time.
Worked example
20 × 27 = 540 cubic feet. 540 × 150 lb = 81,000 lb. 81,000 ÷ 2,000 = 40.50 US tons.
Nearby amounts
| Concrete | Cubic feet | Weight | US tons | Truck loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yards | 270 ft³ | 40,500 lb | 20.25 | 1 |
| 12 yards | 324 ft³ | 48,600 lb | 24.30 | 2 |
| 15 yards | 405 ft³ | 60,750 lb | 30.38 | 2 |
| 20 yards | 540 ft³ | 81,000 lb | 40.50 | 2 |
For a slab, wall or footing of your own size use the concrete weight calculator, and the concrete calculator for how many yards to order. The guide how much does concrete weigh has the weights per square foot. Hauling bagged mix yourself? See how many 80 lb bags a pickup can carry.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Concrete Weight Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How much does 20 yards of concrete weigh?
About 81,000 lb, or 40.50 US tons, for normal concrete at 150 lb per cubic foot. 20 yards is 540 cubic feet.
How many tons is 20 yards of concrete?
40.50 US tons (36,741 kg). Heavily reinforced concrete is nearer 43.20 tons and lightweight concrete 31.05 tons.
How many trucks is 20 yards of concrete?
2 ready-mix trucks of around 10 yards: 40,500 lb in a full one.
Is 81,000 lb the wet or the cured weight of 20 yards of concrete?
It is a planning figure for either: we have no sourced separate cured weight for normal concrete, so this page does not give one. The Federal Highway Administration puts typical normal-weight concrete at 145 lb per cubic foot plain and about 5 lb more with reinforcement, and says ready-mix is accepted at delivery on its fresh (wet) density. At 145 lb per cubic foot 20 yards is 78,300 lb, 2,700 lb less than at 150. If a trailer, truck or floor limit is close, ask the plant for the fresh unit weight of your mix.
Related sizes and guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.