5 yards of concrete by type
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 5 yards is 135 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 | 15,525 lb | 7.76 | 7,042 |
| Plain concrete, no steel | 145 lb/ft³ | 19,575 lb | 9.79 | 8,879 |
| Reinforced concrete, and the usual rule of thumb | 150 lb/ft³ | 20,250 lb | 10.13 | 9,185 |
| Heavily reinforced, a rough figure | 160 lb/ft³ | 21,600 lb | 10.80 | 9,798 |
The slab 5 yards makes, and what it weighs per square foot
The total stays at 20,250 lb. A thinner slab spreads it over more ground.
| Slab thickness | Area from 5 yards | Weight per sq ft | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 540 sq ft | 37.5 lb | 20,250 lb |
| 4 in | 405 sq ft | 50.0 lb | 20,250 lb |
| 5 in | 324 sq ft | 62.5 lb | 20,250 lb |
| 6 in | 270 sq ft | 75.0 lb | 20,250 lb |
| 8 in | 203 sq ft | 100.0 lb | 20,250 lb |
Five yards: half a truck
5 yards is half of the 10 cubic yards a ready-mix truck carries, and it weighs 20,250 lb, just over 10 tons. At 4 inches it covers 405 square feet: a 20x20 slab at 4 inches takes 4.94 cubic yards and weighs 20,000 lb.
With steel in it the figure moves a little. Heavily reinforced concrete at 160 lb per cubic foot comes to 21,600 lb for the same 5 yards, and lightweight concrete to 15,525 lb.
Worked example
5 × 27 = 135 cubic feet. 135 × 150 lb = 20,250 lb. 20,250 ÷ 2,000 = 10.13 US tons.
Nearby amounts
| Concrete | Cubic feet | Weight | US tons | Truck loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 8 yards | 216 ft³ | 32,400 lb | 16.20 | 1 |
| 10 yards | 270 ft³ | 40,500 lb | 20.25 | 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 5 yards of concrete weigh?
About 20,250 lb, or 10.13 US tons, for normal concrete at 150 lb per cubic foot. 5 yards is 135 cubic feet.
How many tons is 5 yards of concrete?
10.13 US tons (9,185 kg). Heavily reinforced concrete is nearer 10.80 tons and lightweight concrete 7.76 tons.
Will 5 yards of concrete fit in one truck?
Yes. A ready-mix truck carries around 10 cubic yards, so 5 yards is half of a 10-yard ready-mix truck.
Is 20,250 lb the wet or the cured weight of 5 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 5 yards is 19,575 lb, 675 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.