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Reviewed · Prices checked October 2026 · How we calculate

Concrete Steps Calculator: How Much Concrete for Steps?

Enter how many steps, how tall and deep each one is, the width and the landing at the top. You get the concrete in bags and cubic yards, whether ready-mix is cheaper, and a side view of your steps.

Inputs

Units

Count the risers, including the one up to the landing.

in
in
ft
in
Bag size
Extra for waste and spillage

Shopping list

Updates as you type
51bags

80 lb bags of concrete mix for 3 steps 4 ft wide

36 kg each, 4,080 lb to lift in all

  • 51 × 80 lb bags of concrete mix$255–$408
    30.16 cu ft (1.12 cu yd) with 10% extra ÷ 0.60 cu ft per bag = 50.3, rounded up.

    Typical price (estimate, checked Oct 2026): $5.00–$8.00 per 80 lb bag

    51 bags × $5.00–$8.00 = $255–$408Estimate
Project total (estimate where no price is entered)$255–$408
Checked Oct 2026

Bags or ready-mix? It depends on your prices: $255–$408 in bags vs $223.50–$331.75 for 1.25 cu yd of ready-mix with a short-load fee, with ready-mix usually ahead. Type your quotes below. Volume: 30.16 cu ft (1.12 cu yd).

  • Ready-mix, 1.25 cu yd$162.50–$218.75
    Ordered in quarter yards, at least 1 yd.

    Typical price (estimate, checked Oct 2026): $130.00–$175.00 per cu yd

    1.25 cu yd × $130.00–$175.00 = $162.50–$218.75Estimate
  • Short-load fee$61–$113
    Charged by most plants on small orders.

    Typical price (estimate, checked Oct 2026): $61.00–$113.00 per order

    1 order × $61.00–$113.00 = $61–$113Estimate
Show the math
4 ft × 7 in ÷ 12 × (11 in ÷ 12 × 3 + 36 in ÷ 12 × 3) = 27.42 cu ft27.42 cu ft × 1.10 (10% extra) = 30.16 cu ft30.16 cu ft ÷ 0.60 cu ft per bag = 50.3 → 51 bags ($6.50 each, typical)

Your prices are saved on this device only.

How it works

The formula

each step is a solid block from the ground up
volume = width × rise × (run × n(n − 1) ÷ 2 + landing × n)
bags = volume × (1 + waste) ÷ yield per bag, rounded up

Assumptions

  • Steps are solid concrete, poured on the ground or a compacted base. Hollow steps formed over fill take less.
  • n is the number of risers. The lower n − 1 steps each have a tread one run deep; the top step is the landing.
  • Code limits (2021 International Residential Code): risers at most 7.75 in (R311.7.5.1), treads at least 10 in (R311.7.5.2), a 3/4 to 1-1/4 in nosing unless treads are 11 in or deeper (R311.7.5.3), and a landing at least 36 in deep at the top of a stairway (R311.7.6). We warn when your steps fall outside them; check your local code.
  • Bag yields from the bag: 0.60 cu ft for 80 lb, 0.45 for 60 lb (QUIKRETE's data sheet for its Concrete Mix). Ready-mix is ordered in quarter yards with a 1 yd minimum, plus a short-load fee.

Worked example

3 steps, 7 in rise, 11 in run, 4 ft wide, 36 in landing

  1. 4 × 7/12 × (11/12 × 3 + 36/12 × 3) = 27.42 cu ft
  2. With 10% extra: 30.16 cu ft ÷ 0.60 = 50.3 → 51 bags of 80 lb

80 lb bags by step count and width

80 lb bags of concrete for steps with 7 in rise, 11 in run and a 36 in landing, 10% extra
StepsWidthCu ft80 lb bags
24 ft16.130
34 ft27.451
44 ft40.875
36 ft41.176
55 ft70.5130

7 in rise, 11 in run, 36 in landing, 10% extra. Up to 20 steps in the calculator.

Questions people ask

How many bags of concrete for 3 steps?

For 3 steps 4 ft wide with a 7 in rise, 11 in run and a 36 in landing, about 27.4 cu ft, so 51 bags of 80 lb concrete mix with 10% extra. Wider steps or a deeper landing take proportionally more.

What is the standard rise and run for steps?

The residential code allows a riser of at most 7.75 in and a tread of at least 10 in. Many builders use about 7 in and 11 in, which is comfortable to climb. Keep every riser in a flight within 3/8 in of the others.

Is it cheaper to buy bags or ready-mix for steps?

For small steps, bags usually win: ready-mix plants charge a short-load fee on orders under a few yards. The result above compares both at typical prices; type your local prices to see yours.

Do concrete steps need rebar?

Usually, yes, and often a footing or a tie to the foundation wall, depending on your local code and frost depth. This calculator sizes the concrete only.