3 yards of concrete by type
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 3 yards is 81 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 | 9,315 lb | 4.66 | 4,225 |
| Plain concrete, no steel | 145 lb/ft³ | 11,745 lb | 5.87 | 5,327 |
| Reinforced concrete, and the usual rule of thumb | 150 lb/ft³ | 12,150 lb | 6.08 | 5,511 |
| Heavily reinforced, a rough figure | 160 lb/ft³ | 12,960 lb | 6.48 | 5,879 |
The slab 3 yards makes, and what it weighs per square foot
The total stays at 12,150 lb. A thinner slab spreads it over more ground.
| Slab thickness | Area from 3 yards | Weight per sq ft | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 324 sq ft | 37.5 lb | 12,150 lb |
| 4 in | 243 sq ft | 50.0 lb | 12,150 lb |
| 5 in | 194 sq ft | 62.5 lb | 12,150 lb |
| 6 in | 162 sq ft | 75.0 lb | 12,150 lb |
| 8 in | 122 sq ft | 100.0 lb | 12,150 lb |
Three yards: a shed or patio slab
3 yards weighs 12,150 lb, about 6.08 tons, and covers 243 square feet at 4 inches. For comparison, a 12x20 slab at 4 inches takes 2.96 cubic yards and weighs 12,000 lb.
Every square foot of that 4 inch slab puts 50.0 lb on the ground under it, and the same 3 yards poured 6 inches thick covers only 162 square feet at 75.0 lb per square foot. The total weight does not change with thickness, only how it is spread.
Worked example
3 × 27 = 81 cubic feet. 81 × 150 lb = 12,150 lb. 12,150 ÷ 2,000 = 6.08 US tons.
Nearby amounts
| Concrete | Cubic feet | Weight | US tons | Truck loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 yard | 27 ft³ | 4,050 lb | 2.03 | 1 |
| 2 yards | 54 ft³ | 8,100 lb | 4.05 | 1 |
| 3 yards | 81 ft³ | 12,150 lb | 6.08 | 1 |
| 4 yards | 108 ft³ | 16,200 lb | 8.10 | 1 |
| 5 yards | 135 ft³ | 20,250 lb | 10.13 | 1 |
| 6 yards | 162 ft³ | 24,300 lb | 12.15 | 1 |
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 3 yards of concrete weigh?
About 12,150 lb, or 6.08 US tons, for normal concrete at 150 lb per cubic foot. 3 yards is 81 cubic feet.
How many tons is 3 yards of concrete?
6.08 US tons (5,511 kg). Heavily reinforced concrete is nearer 6.48 tons and lightweight concrete 4.66 tons.
Will 3 yards of concrete fit in one truck?
Yes. A ready-mix truck carries around 10 cubic yards, so 3 yards is 30% of a 10-yard ready-mix truck.
Is 12,150 lb the wet or the cured weight of 3 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 3 yards is 11,745 lb, 405 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.