Concrete Stairs Calculator
Size solid concrete steps on grade. Enter the number of risers, riser height and tread depth; add a landing if there is one at the top.
Concrete Stairs Calculator — ConcreteNear.com
| Total rise | 21 in |
| Total run | 2.75 ft |
| Concrete volume (exact) | 0.48 yd³ |
| Cubic feet | 12.8 ft³ |
| 80-lb bags (if mixing by hand) | 24 |
| 60-lb bags | 32 |
| Ready-mix trucks (10 yd³ each) | 1 |
| Approximate weight in place | 0.9 tons |
Cost estimate U.S. average prices
| 80-lb bags 24 bag × $6.50 | $156.00 |
| Estimated total | $156.00 |
| Alternative: Ready-mix concrete 0.75 yd³ × $160.00 | $120.00 |
| Alternative: Short-load fee (last load 0.75 yd³ < 6 yd³) 1 load × $150.00 | $150.00 |
- Keep every riser within 3/8 in of the others — uneven steps trip people.
- On big stairs, fill the core with compacted gravel to save concrete (this calculator assumes solid stairs).
| Inputs | |
| Number of steps (risers) | 3 |
| Riser height | 7 in |
| Tread depth (run) | 11 in |
| Stair width | 4 ft |
| Top landing depth (0 = none) | 0 ft |
| Extra for waste & over-excavation | 10% |
| Ready-mix truck size | 10 yd³ |
| Short-load minimum | 6 yd³ |
Planning estimate only — confirm with your supplier or contractor.
Prices used — edit any price to match your local quote
| Item | Unit price | Basis & source |
|---|---|---|
| 80-lb bag of concrete mix per bag | starting estimate Starting estimate for a retail shelf price. Check your store. | |
| Ready-mix concrete per yd³ | public source NRMCA Performance Benchmarking Survey — average 2023 U.S. selling price per cubic yard (2023 data) — Plant price before delivery, short-load, wait-time and fuel fees. Concrete Financial Insights reports $179.95/yd³ for 2025 across four public producers (likely higher than small residential pours). | |
| Short-load fee (per truck under the minimum) per load | starting estimate Starting estimate. Ready-mix producers charge a flat or per-yard fee for small loads; ask your dispatcher. |
How to use this calculator
- Measure the total rise from grade to the door threshold and divide into equal risers.
- Pick a tread depth — 11 in or more is comfortable.
- Enter the stair width and any top landing depth.
- Check the warnings for common code limits, then read the volume.
Formulas
Step i (1 = bottom) volume = width × run × (i × rise)Total ft³ = Σ steps + landing (width × depth × total rise)Total rise = steps × rise; total run = steps × run
Questions
How much concrete is in a set of steps?
Three 7 in risers with 11 in treads, 4 ft wide, is about 12.8 ft³ (0.48 yd³) — about 22 80-lb bags before waste. A landing adds much more.
What is the code for stair rise and run?
The IRC commonly limits risers to 7¾ in and requires treads of at least 10 in for homes. Local codes vary — check yours.
Can I fill the inside of steps with gravel?
Large stairs are often filled with compacted gravel or rubble to save concrete; this calculator assumes solid concrete.
Sources & assumptions
Prices checked 2026-11-10. State pricing multiplies national figures by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (goods for materials, services for labor and services). RPPs compare general consumer price levels (U.S. = 100). They are not construction-specific; we use RPP Goods for materials and RPP Services: Other (excludes rents) for labor and services.
- Ready-mix concrete — NRMCA Performance Benchmarking Survey — average 2023 U.S. selling price per cubic yard (2023 data). Plant price before delivery, short-load, wait-time and fuel fees. Concrete Financial Insights reports $179.95/yd³ for 2025 across four public producers (likely higher than small residential pours).
Starting estimates No public price series was found for: 80-lb bag of concrete mix; Short-load fee (per truck under the minimum). These defaults are editable placeholders — replace them with a local quote.
Results are planning estimates, not quotes or engineering advice. Codes, specifications and your supplier's numbers govern.
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