Concrete for a 12×16 slab at different thicknesses
The slab covers 192 square feet. Every extra inch of thickness adds about 0.59 cubic yards. Quantities below include 10% for waste.
| Thickness | Cubic yards | 80 lb bags | 60 lb bags | 40 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 in | 2.28 | 103 | 137 | 206 |
| 4 in | 2.61 | 118 | 157 | 235 |
| 5 in | 3.26 | 147 | 196 | 294 |
| 6 in | 3.91 | 176 | 235 | 352 |
| 8 in | 5.21 | 235 | 313 | 470 |
Bags or ready-mix for this size?
At 2.61 cubic yards you are in the gray zone between bags and a truck. 118 bags of 80 lb weigh about 9,440 lb in total — get a ready-mix quote (ask about short-load fees) and compare it with the bag price before deciding.
How heavy is a 12×16 slab?
Normal-weight concrete weighs about 150 lb per cubic foot, so a 4-inch 12×16 slab weighs roughly 9,600 lb (4.8 tons) once cured. Make sure your base is compacted gravel on firm, undisturbed soil.
The math
Common questions
How many 80 lb bags of concrete for a 12x16 slab?
118 bags for a 4-inch slab including 10% extra (107 with no extra). At 6 inches thick you need 176 bags.
How many yards of concrete for a 12x16 slab 6 inches thick?
3.91 cubic yards including 10% extra, or 3.56 yards exactly.
How many 60 lb bags for a 12x16 slab?
157 bags of 60 lb concrete for a 4-inch slab with 10% extra.
Want the full method, tips and other sizes? See the concrete calculator guide.