Concrete Steps Calculator
Enter the number of steps, the width, the rise and the run. Add a landing depth if the top step is deeper than the rest.
Last updated November 13, 2026
How to calculate concrete for steps
Solid steps are a stack of slabs, each one step longer than the one above. Volume = width × rise × run × n × (n + 1) ÷ 2, where n is the number of steps.
Example: 3 steps, 4 ft wide, 7 inch rise, 11 inch run. 4 × 0.583 × 0.917 × 3 × 4 ÷ 2 = 12.8 cubic feet, or 0.48 cubic yards.
Concrete for 4 ft wide steps
Figures use a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run, solid concrete, no waste.
| Steps | Total height | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | 80 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 14 in | 6.4 | 0.24 | 11 |
| 3 | 21 in | 12.8 | 0.48 | 22 |
| 4 | 28 in | 21.4 | 0.79 | 36 |
| 5 | 35 in | 32.1 | 1.19 | 54 |
| 6 | 42 in | 44.9 | 1.66 | 75 |
Volume grows quickly with each step because every new step sits on all the ones before it. Six steps need more than three times the concrete of three.
Landings and wider top steps
If the top step is a landing, enter its extra depth in “Top landing depth”. The calculator adds a block the full height of the stairs under it.
Before you pour
- Check the rise and run against your local code. Every riser should be the same height.
- Forms for steps carry a lot of pressure. Brace the risers well.
- Add 10% for waste. Step forms rarely match the drawing exactly.
Concrete step calculator: rise, tread and width
A concrete step calculator needs four numbers: how many steps, the rise (height of each step), the tread or run (depth of each step, front to back) and the width. The table above uses a 7 inch rise and an 11 inch tread. Building codes limit both, so check your local rules before you set the forms.
The volume grows faster than the step count, because each lower step runs under all the steps above it. That is why six steps take about seven times the concrete of two.
Concrete steps cost
For bagged concrete, cost = bags × your price per bag. Three steps, 4 ft wide, need 12.8 cubic feet. With 10% extra that is 24 bags of 80 lb mix. Enter your local bag price in the calculator to see the total, or compare bags with a ready-mix delivery in the concrete cost calculator. Forms, rebar and labor are separate costs.
The calculator assumes the steps are solid concrete. Some builders fill the middle of a large stair with compacted gravel or clean rubble to reduce the pour. If you do that, your concrete volume will be lower than the figure shown.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate concrete for steps?
For solid steps, multiply width × rise × run × n × (n + 1) ÷ 2, where n is the number of steps and all measurements are in feet. Three steps 4 ft wide with a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run need 12.8 cubic feet.
How many bags of concrete for 3 steps?
Three solid steps 4 ft wide with a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run need 12.8 cubic feet, which is 22 bags of 80 lb mix.
What is a normal rise and run for concrete steps?
A rise near 7 inches and a run of 11 inches or more is common for outdoor steps. Building codes set limits, so check yours.
Can I use less concrete by filling the steps?
Yes. Many builders fill the core with compacted gravel or block and pour concrete around it. This calculator assumes solid concrete, so the real amount will be lower if you use fill.
How much does it cost to pour concrete steps?
Multiply the number of bags by your local price per bag. Three 4 ft wide steps need about 24 bags of 80 lb mix with 10% extra. Forms, rebar and labor are extra.