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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.

8 by 20 ft slab at 5 inches

Calculate the specifications for an 8 ft by 20 ft residential slab at 5 in thickness with #4 bars at 18 in spacing. Ensure compliance with IRC R506 guidelines.

Formula SSC-2026.1

Formula SSC-2026.1 · 4,000 PSI

Order volume

2.72 yd³

2.077 m³ placed+waste

Order weight

11,000 lb

4,990 kg

80 lb bags

123

3 pallets at 42 bags

60 lb bags

163

0.45 ft³ yield each

Rebar

232.00 ft

20 × 20 ft · 26 × 6 m · 170 lb

Ready-mix vs bags

$573.15

Truck $573.15 · 80 lb bags $830.25

Slab footprint and rebar gridLive scaled blueprint
8.00 ft20.00 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 concrete2.47 yd³10%2.72 yd³ / 2.077 m³USD$448.15Source Spec Material / Tool
Short-load feeUnder 4 yd³—1 truck @ 10 yd³USD$125.00Source Spec Material / Tool
80 lb pre-mix bags111.1 bags10%123 bagsUSD$830.25Source Spec Material / Tool
60 lb pre-mix bags148.1 bags10%163 bagsUSD$880.20Source Spec Material / Tool
#4 rebar sticks, 20 ft20 sticks10%22 sticks / 26 × 6 mUSD$308.00Source Spec Material / Tool
Rebar chairs84 crossings10%93 chairsUSD$26.04Source Spec Material / Tool
Tie wire rolls84 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

$573.15

0.27 nominal 10 yd³ loads · 1 to order

80 lb bags

$830.25

60 lb alternative $880.20 · delivery weight 11,000 lb

Side-by-side thickness comparison at the same footprint
ThicknessOrder yd³Order m³80 lb bagsRebar ftReady-mix80 lb cost
4 in2.171.66198255$483.52$661.50
5 in2.722.077123255$573.15$830.25
6 in3.262.492147255$662.78$992.25
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 is designed to assist in the preliminary design of a residential concrete slab measuring 8 ft by 20 ft with a thickness of 5 inches. The slab incorporates #4 rebar spaced at 18 inches on center, providing adequate reinforcement for typical residential applications.

It is important to note that this tool does not include soil design considerations, which must be evaluated separately to ensure proper support and stability of the slab. Always consult with a licensed engineer for comprehensive design and compliance with local codes.

Code reference

IRC R506 - Concrete Floors on Ground

Field questions

What is the purpose of using #4 bars in the slab?
The #4 bars provide reinforcement to the concrete slab, helping to control cracking and improve structural integrity under load.
Why is soil design excluded from this calculator?
Soil design is a critical aspect of foundation stability that requires site-specific analysis. This calculator focuses solely on the slab design parameters.
What does IRC R506 cover?
IRC R506 provides guidelines for the design and construction of concrete floors on ground, including thickness, reinforcement, and curing requirements.

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