Cubic feet
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Project guide
Concrete for a Sidewalk?
How much concrete for a sidewalk or walkway — standard thickness and width, control joints, and a calculator for the run.
Dimensions
FIG. 01Volume ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Pros order to the nearest ½ yard and add a waste margin — running short mid-pour risks a cold joint.
You need
—cu yd
Order to nearest ½ yd → — · —
Cubic meters
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80 lb bags
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60 lb bags
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Est. weight
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Best buy
see above
Sizing it right
A sidewalk is a long, narrow 4-inch slab. The estimating trick is that the length runs up the volume faster than people expect.
4 inches thick, 3–4 feet wide
4 inches is standard for a residential walkway (5–6 if vehicles will cross it, like at a driveway apron). Typical width is 3 feet for a path, 4 feet where two people pass. A 4 ft × 40 ft walk at 4 inches is already about 2 cubic yards — truck territory.
Plan control joints
Long slabs crack; control joints every 4–5 feet (roughly the slab width) give the cracks somewhere to hide. This doesn't change your concrete volume, but it's the difference between a walk that ages well and one that spiders.
Estimate the run
Enter length, width, and 4-inch thickness below. For a curved or segmented path, break it into straight sections and sum them. Borderline on size? The bags-vs-ready-mix tool tells you whether to bag it or call a truck.
FAQ
How thick should a sidewalk be?
4 inches for a standard residential walkway over a compacted base; 5–6 inches where vehicles cross it, such as a driveway apron. Add control joints every 4–5 feet to manage cracking.
How much concrete for a 4x40 sidewalk?
About 2 cubic yards at 4 inches — enough that a ready-mix truck usually beats bags. Enter your exact length and width above for the precise volume and counts.