Skip to content
SiteSpecCalc

Length imperial. Weight lb. Currency USD. Weight uses 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg. Currency converts US-dollar planning prices and does not change volumes, counts, or geometry.

16 by 16 ft slab at 5 inches

Calculate the requirements for a 16 ft by 16 ft residential slab at 5 inches thick with #4 rebar at 18 inches spacing. Compliant with IRC R506. Soil design considerations are excluded.

Formula SSC-2026.1

Formula SSC-2026.1 · 4,000 PSI

Order volume

4.35 yd³

3.323 m³ placed+waste

Order weight

17,600 lb

7,983 kg

80 lb bags

196

5 pallets at 42 bags

60 lb bags

261

0.45 ft³ yield each

Rebar

352.00 ft

22 × 20 ft · 22 × 6 m · 259 lb

Ready-mix vs bags

$717.04

Truck $717.04 · 80 lb bags $1,323.00

Slab footprint and rebar gridLive scaled blueprint
16.00 ft16.00 ft#4 / 12 mm at 18 in OC · 5 in slab

Grid lines are equalized so the drawing stays readable. The order count uses on-center spacing with a bar at each end of the layout, then holds concrete cover in the field.

Bill of materials and shopping list
ItemNetWasteOrderUnit priceLine totalSource Spec Material / Tool
Ready-mix concrete3.95 yd³10%4.35 yd³ / 3.323 m³USD$717.04Source Spec Material / Tool
Short-load feeFull load—1 truck @ 10 yd³USD$0.00Source Spec Material / Tool
80 lb pre-mix bags177.8 bags10%196 bagsUSD$1,323.00Source Spec Material / Tool
60 lb pre-mix bags237.0 bags10%261 bagsUSD$1,409.40Source Spec Material / Tool
#4 rebar sticks, 20 ft22 sticks10%25 sticks / 22 × 6 mUSD$350.00Source Spec Material / Tool
Rebar chairs121 crossings10%134 chairsUSD$37.52Source Spec Material / Tool
Tie wire rolls121 ties10%1 rollsUSD$8.00Source Spec Material / Tool

Source links open a product search on the Amazon storefront for the selected currency. SiteSpecCalc may earn a commission. The link does not change the quantities above.

Ready-mix truck

$717.04

0.43 nominal 10 yd³ loads · 1 to order

80 lb bags

$1,323.00

60 lb alternative $1,409.40 · delivery weight 17,600 lb

Side-by-side thickness comparison at the same footprint
ThicknessOrder yd³Order m³80 lb bagsRebar ftReady-mix80 lb cost
4 in3.482.658157387$698.63$1,059.75
5 in4.353.323196387$717.04$1,323.00
6 in5.213.987235387$860.44$1,586.25
Show the deterministic formula

Slab ft³ = L × W × thickness ÷ 12. Thickened-edge extra = footing band × (footing depth − slab thickness), with corner squares counted once.

yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27. m³ = ft³ × 0.0283168. Weight uses 150 lb/ft³, then the header converts that pound total at 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg. 80 lb bags yield 0.6 ft³ and 60 lb bags yield 0.45 ft³. Currency changes the price labels only.

Bars across a span = floor(span ÷ spacing) + 1. Order sticks = that count, plus 10, 5, or 15 percent waste, cut from 20 ft and 6 m stock. Chairs = one per grid intersection.

Engineering notes

This calculator assists in determining the specifications for a residential concrete slab measuring 16 ft by 16 ft and 5 inches thick. The slab incorporates #4 rebar placed at 18-inch intervals to enhance structural integrity.

Note that soil design considerations are excluded from this calculation, and it is essential to consult local building codes and a qualified professional for site-specific requirements.

Code reference

IRC R506 - Concrete Floors on Ground

Field questions

What is the purpose of using #4 rebar in the slab?
The #4 rebar is used to reinforce the concrete slab, providing additional strength and helping to prevent cracking.
Why is soil design excluded from this calculation?
Soil design is excluded because it requires site-specific analysis and should be conducted by a qualified professional to ensure proper load-bearing capacity.
What thickness is recommended for a residential slab?
A thickness of 5 inches is commonly recommended for residential slabs, but this may vary based on specific load requirements and local building codes.
How do I ensure compliance with IRC R506?
To ensure compliance with IRC R506, follow the guidelines for concrete mix, reinforcement, and placement as outlined in the code, and consult a professional for site-specific conditions.

Explore Related Engineering Calculations