Definition & Purpose
Concrete estimating is the structured process of translating drawings/specs into quantities, labor/equipment hours, and cost—so you can bid competitively and deliver profitably.
Intern Academy • ConstructIQ
Module 1: Introduction to Concrete Estimating
Define concrete estimating, review the start-to-finish process, learn key terms, and try starter tools for volumes, bags, rebar weight, and formwork.
What you’ll cover (30 minutes)
- Definition & Purpose: What concrete estimating is and why it matters.
- Process Overview: Steps from scope review to final bid; common pitfalls.
- Key Terminology: Slump, rebar, formwork, curing, admixtures, W/C ratio.
Overview of the Estimating Process
- Scope review & RFIs
- Plan/spec takeoff (volumes, formwork, reinforcement)
- Pricing (materials, labor, equipment, subs)
- OH, profit & contingency
- QA checks & final assembly
Pitfalls: missing spec requirements, wrong units/scale, underestimating labor, ignoring logistics & site access.
Key Terminology (quick hits)
Slump workability • Rebar steel reinforcement • Formwork molds/shoring for concrete • Curing controlled hydration • W/C ratio water-to-cement • Admixtures chemical performance modifiers.
Concrete Volume Calculator (CY & m³)
Choose a shape, enter dimensions, and (optionally) waste %.
Slab & footing thickness/depth are in inches; wall thickness is in inches. Length & width/height are in feet.
Bag Estimator (from CY)
Convert cubic yards of concrete to 80-lb or 60-lb ready-mix bags (approximate).
Rules of thumb: ~45 × 80-lb bags ≈ 1 CY; ~60 × 60-lb bags ≈ 1 CY (verify per manufacturer).
Rebar Weight & Pieces-per-Ton
Pick a bar size and enter the total length per piece.
Pieces-per-ton is based on 2000 lb/ton. Output also shows metric weights (kg).
Formwork Area Estimator
Estimate square feet of form contact area (useful for labor & materials).
Formula: area = 2 × (L × H) plus (if ends) 2 × (T × H). All in ft².
Quick Unit Converter
1 ft = 12 in • 1 yd = 3 ft • 1 CY = 27 ft³ • 1 m³ ≈ 1.308 CY.