Concrete Curb Calculator
Calculate the concrete needed for curbing, edging and mow strips.
What you'll need to order
- ready-mix concrete
- form lumber
- stakes
- expansion joint material
- curing compound
Prices vary by region and haul distance. Get quotes from at least two local suppliers.
How this calculator works
cubic yards = length × (width ÷ 12) × (height ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Form lumber is doubled because curbing needs a form on both faces. Where the curb has a batter or a gutter pan, break the profile into rectangles and total them.
Worked example
With curb length 100 ft, curb width 6 in, curb height 18 in, this calculator returns 3.06 cu yd.
Waste allowance
The headline figure includes a 10% allowance for waste and over-ordering. The exact requirement is shown alongside it.
Frequently asked questions
How much concrete does curbing take?
A 6 by 18 inch curb uses 0.75 cubic feet per linear foot, so 100 ft takes about 2.8 cubic yards. Landscape mow strips at 6 by 6 inches use a quarter of that.
How deep should a concrete curb be set?
At least half its height below grade for stability, and deeper where vehicles will ride over it. A curb that only sits on the surface will tip within a season or two.
Do concrete curbs need expansion joints?
Yes. Tool a control joint every 4 to 6 ft and place a full expansion joint every 20 ft, plus wherever the curb meets a slab or structure. Without them the curb cracks on its own schedule instead of yours.
Can I pour a curb without forms?
Extruded curbing machines do exactly that, but hand-poured curbs need forms on both faces to hold the profile. Stake them every 3 ft — wet concrete exerts far more pressure than people expect.