For concrete estimators, a key question involved in their jobs is how much concrete is needed. Traditionally, many estimators rely on a concrete calculator for fast basic calculations for the volume and weight of concrete over a specific area.
While concrete calculators may offer the answers estimators need in some cases, they’re extremely limited in others. So, when’s the best time to use a concrete calculator, what even is it, and what are the alternatives?
Let’s take a closer look at how this tool works and where it falls short.
Key Takeaways
- Concrete calculators are basic tools that help estimators find the dimensions they need for their concrete structure during the estimating process.
- Estimators can sometimes rely on these tools for smaller projects where there’s less overhead, smaller crews and less opportunities for contingencies.
- On larger jobs, concrete calculators are limited and can create confusion, and they still require estimators to rely on manual processes for takeoff, sourcing materials, labor calculations, contingencies and bidding.
- Many concrete estimators are shifting their focus toward concrete estimating software — like The EDGE® — because it automates most of the estimating process.
What Does a Concrete Calculator Do?
A concrete calculator is a simple online tool that calculates concrete-specific dimensions like:
- Length, width, thickness or height and quantity for slabs, square footings or walls
- Diameter, depth or height and quantity for hole, column or round footings
- Outer diameter, inner diameter, length or height and quantity for circular slab or tube
- Curb depth, gutter width, curb height, flag thickness, length and quantity for curb and gutter barriers
- Run, rise, width, platform depth and number of steps for stairs
These calculations provide a helpful starting point when estimating for smaller concrete jobs. However, there are several areas where concrete calculators fall short.
When to Use a Concrete Calculator
A concrete calculator is ideal for quick, on-the-spot estimates, especially for simple pours like patios. If you know the basic dimensions of your project, a calculator can give you a fast estimate of how much concrete you’ll need.
It’s a helpful tool during the early planning stages or when double-checking quantities before placing an order on a smaller, more straightforward project.
However, there are some shortcomings of concrete calculators.
Limitations of Concrete Calculators
While concrete calculators are great for basic estimates, they lack several critical features that save time, win jobs and help contractors avoid cost overruns.
No Labor Calculations
The first, and arguably most important, feature the calculator lacks is labor calculations. Formwork and its related labor make up 50% of costs on concrete projects, according to the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI).
Concrete jobs vary in complexity, which means more skilled workers are required for some jobs and not others.
Pay rates oftentimes differ based on experience level. Without having a system that can dynamically adjust labor rates based on experience and task complexity, estimators are much more likely to experience unexpected labor costs.
No Contingencies
Concrete calculators assume perfect conditions and don’t factor in contingencies like additional site prep due to unforeseen conditions or project delays related to weather.
Additionally, the calculators don’t account for waste or spillage, resulting in inflated material costs and unnecessary delays due to material shortages.
No Takeoff Capabilities
Estimators need to perform takeoff to get material quantities for their concrete estimates. With concrete calculators, estimators must perform takeoff manually. This leads to wasted time and costly errors that result in them losing bids or experiencing inflated costs that erode profit margins.
No Trade-Specific Databases
After completing takeoff, estimators must source materials for their project. But concrete calculators are of no help because they don’t offer concrete-specific databases. Without these databases, estimators have to make multiple phone calls or send emails and wait for responses about pricing and material availability. Ultimately, this can create delays during estimation and, ultimately, lead to lost job opportunities.
In short, a calculator offers answers to basic math equations, but it lacks the information needed to create a full, comprehensive estimate. And as concrete jobs become more complex, relying on simple tools can lead to inaccurate takeoffs, project delays and tighter margins.
When a Concrete Calculator Isn’t Enough
For small residential jobs, a concrete calculator might be all you need. But for commercial pours, like those involving rebar or other formwork — concrete calculators fall short.
Estimating concrete on larger jobs means considering things like:
- Crew productivity
- Joint spacing
- Finishing methods
- Curing times
- Equipment costs
That’s when the risk of guesswork becomes real — affecting everything from bid competitiveness to project profitability. However, there’s a comprehensive solution that simplifies the entire estimating process: concrete estimating software.
Why Concrete Estimating Software Is a Smarter Move
While a concrete calculator is a good starting point, concrete estimating software — like The EDGE — offer trade-specific features that simplify the entire estimating and bidding process. It gives you:
- All-in-one takeoff and estimating
- Concrete-specific material databases to make sourcing materials fast and easy
- Smart Labor® Technology that automatically adapts to labor rates based on task complexity
- A proposal writer that pulls data directly from your estimate into your proposal, saving time and minimizing errors
- Applies customizable waste factors and common conditions
- Integrations with leading construction software to simplify project scheduling and budgeting to build more winning bids in less time
For more information about The EDGE, speak with a specialist today.
