# How to estimate a concrete patio from area and thickness Calculate concrete patio area and cubic yards, then separate forms, preparation and finishing. Includes a 12-by-20-foot estimate example. Canonical: https://quicklyestimates.com/en-us/guides/how-to-estimate-concrete-patio/ Author: Estimates editorial team Published: 2026-09-21 Updated: 2026-09-21 Estimate a concrete patio by recording its area, specified thickness and resulting volume, then adding site preparation, forms, delivery and finishing. Geometry helps calculate quantities; it does not establish a suitable structural or drainage design. THE SHORT ANSWER Estimate a concrete patio by recording its area, specified thickness and resulting volume, then adding site preparation, forms, delivery and finishing. Geometry helps calculate quantities; it does not establish a suitable structural or drainage design. The worked project in this guide is 12-by-20-foot patio example . It uses an original fictional job to explain the estimating decisions, with a matching concrete patio PDF example (https://quicklyestimates.com/en-us/samples/concrete-patio-estimate/). Replace the example inputs with your measurements, supplier quotes and labor costs. 1. Keep geometry and design separate Write down length, width and the thickness specified for the actual project. The example’s 4-inch thickness is an arithmetic input, not a recommendation for every site or use. Confirm the design and conditions before buying concrete. (https://quicklyestimates.com/assets/guides/concrete-patio/en-US/create.png) Concrete patio scope in the New Document screen. Actual app screen with fictional example data. View full size (https://quicklyestimates.com/assets/guides/concrete-patio/en-US/create.png). 2. Convert units before multiplying The example covers 12 × 20 = 240 square feet. Four inches is one-third of a foot, so the geometric volume is 80 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards, giving about 2.96 cubic yards before the purchasing allowance. 3. Price the work around the concrete Excavation, base, forming and access can be substantial even when concrete volume is modest. Identify what preparation is included and what conditions would require revision. Include supplier delivery charges or minimums when they apply to your actual quote. 4. Define finish and site handoff Record the agreed surface finish and what cleanup means. Clarify removal of existing material, surrounding landscape restoration and access requirements. Keep drainage decisions and design approvals explicit rather than implying the sample resolves them. A worked concrete patio calculation Geometric volume: 12 × 20 × (4 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 2.96 cubic yards. The example purchases 3.25 cubic yards × $180 = $585; the difference is a stated purchasing assumption. The complete example contains 7 lines totaling $2,741.00 before any tax or markup. These are deliberately stated example prices, not a survey, regional price recommendation or offer to perform the job. To set your own selling price, review direct costs and decide how you will cover overhead and profit. For example, adding 20% to a $1,000 cost gives $1,200; it does not produce a 20% gross margin. Use the approach you intend consistently, and avoid adding a second markup to rates that already include it. Before you send the estimate - Confirm dimensions and specified thickness. - Check delivery access and supplier charges. - Define preparation, base and finish scope. - Resolve design and drainage requirements separately. Example scope boundary: No engineered design, difficult excavation, existing slab removal, pumping, retaining work or landscape restoration. Review the client name, location, validity date and all calculations. Tax is not included in this example; determine the correct treatment for the actual work rather than copying a sample percentage. Common questions How do I convert concrete area to cubic yards? Multiply square feet by thickness in feet, then divide by 27. Add only a purchasing allowance appropriate to the confirmed job and supplier arrangements. Does a patio estimate establish the correct slab thickness? No. An estimate prices an agreed scope. Thickness, reinforcement and suitability need to be determined for the actual site and intended use. TAKE THE NEXT JOB FROM SCOPE TO PDF Make your own concrete patio estimate. Use Estimates on iPhone or Android to draft a scope with AI assistance or enter your own items. Review quantities and rates, add your business logo, and export a PDF. Example files are free to view; app features may require an in-app purchase. Create an estimate ↗ (https://quicklyestimates.com/en-us/download/)See the itemized PDF example → (https://quicklyestimates.com/en-us/samples/concrete-patio-estimate/) Related estimating resources - Concrete patio estimate example with volume calculation (https://quicklyestimates.com/en-us/samples/concrete-patio-estimate/) - Interior demolition estimate example (https://quicklyestimates.com/en-us/samples/demolition-estimate/) - Build your first contractor estimate in the app (https://quicklyestimates.com/en-us/guides/create-a-contractor-estimate/) Get the app: https://quicklyestimates.com/en-us/download/ App Store (iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/app/id6740389403 Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uzel.contractorplus