How Much Concrete Do I Need for Steps? Chart by Number of Steps
Solid concrete steps are a stack of blocks, each one riser taller than the step in front of it. Three steps 4 ft wide with a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run take about 0.52 cubic yards of concrete with 10% extra, or 24 bags of 80 lb mix. The concrete steps calculator handles any size and a top landing.
Concrete steps formula
steps (cu ft) = width × run × rise × n × (n + 1) ÷ 2
landing (cu ft) = landing depth × width × n × rise
cubic yards = total × 1.1 ÷ 27
Work in feet: a 7 inch rise is 0.583 ft and an 11 inch run is 0.917 ft. For 3 steps 4 ft wide: 4 × 0.917 × 0.583 × 6 = 12.8 cu ft, plus 10% = 14.1 cu ft, or 0.52 cubic yards.
Concrete for solid steps
7 inch rise, 11 inch run, no landing, 10% extra. Each cell shows cubic yards and 80 lb bags.
| Steps | 3 ft wide | 4 ft wide | 5 ft wide | 6 ft wide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0.20 yd³ · 9 | 0.26 yd³ · 12 | 0.33 yd³ · 15 | 0.39 yd³ · 18 |
| 3 | 0.39 yd³ · 18 | 0.52 yd³ · 24 | 0.65 yd³ · 30 | 0.78 yd³ · 36 |
| 4 | 0.65 yd³ · 30 | 0.87 yd³ · 40 | 1.09 yd³ · 50 | 1.31 yd³ · 59 |
| 5 | 0.98 yd³ · 45 | 1.31 yd³ · 59 | 1.63 yd³ · 74 | 1.96 yd³ · 89 |
| 6 | 1.37 yd³ · 62 | 1.83 yd³ · 83 | 2.29 yd³ · 103 | 2.74 yd³ · 124 |
Steps with a landing
A landing at the top is a slab the full height of the steps, so it often uses more concrete than the steps themselves.
| Steps | Landing | Cu yd | 80 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 steps, 4 ft wide | 3 × 4 ft | 1.38 | 63 |
| 3 steps, 4 ft wide | 4 × 4 ft | 1.66 | 75 |
| 3 steps, 5 ft wide | 4 × 5 ft | 2.08 | 94 |
| 4 steps, 5 ft wide | 4 × 5 ft | 2.99 | 135 |
| 4 steps, 6 ft wide | 5 × 6 ft | 4.16 | 188 |
Standard step sizes
Comfortable outdoor steps have a rise of about 6 to 7.5 inches and a run of 11 to 14 inches. Most US codes cap the rise at 7.75 inches and require a run of at least 10 inches, with every step the same height. Divide the total height from the ground to the door threshold by 7 and round to get the number of steps, then divide again for the exact rise. The stair calculator does this for you.
Steps should be at least 3 ft wide, and 4 ft feels more generous at a front door. A landing outside a door that swings out should be at least as deep as the door is wide, usually 3 ft or more.
How much do concrete steps cost?
An 80 lb bag of concrete mix costs about $5 to $8, so the 3-step example above is about $120 to $190 in concrete. Add form boards, rebar, and a mixer rental if you need one. A contractor usually charges far more because the price includes digging, forms, steel, finishing and a footing. Quotes are often several hundred dollars per step, so get two or three before you decide.
Bags or ready-mix?
An 80 lb bag makes 0.6 cu ft, so a cubic yard is 45 bags. Up to about one yard, bags and a rented mixer are fine. Past that, a ready-mix truck saves a lot of work, though many plants charge a short-load fee for small orders.
Ways to use less concrete
- Fill the inside of large steps with compacted gravel or broken concrete, keeping at least 4 inches of concrete on every tread and riser.
- Pour against the house foundation only if local code allows it; many areas want steps on their own footing below the frost line.
- Reinforce with rebar or mesh. The rebar calculator lays out a grid for the landing.