Calculate how much concrete you need for poured steps and landings. Get results in cubic feet, cubic yards, and bags (60-lb and 80-lb). Free concrete stair calculator for porches, basements, and entryways.
Quick reference for standard residential porch steps.
| Steps | No Landing (yd³) | With 4ft Landing (yd³) | 80-lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0.19 | 0.75 | 9 |
| 3 | 0.38 | 1.22 | 18 |
| 4 | 0.64 | 1.75 | 29 |
| 5 | 0.95 | 2.34 | 43 |
Building 3 front porch steps, 3 feet wide with standard 11-inch treads and 7.5-inch risers? You need 10.3 cubic feet (0.38 cubic yards) of concrete — that's 18 bags of 80-lb mix. Add a 4-foot-deep landing and the total jumps to 32.8 cubic feet (1.22 cubic yards, or 55 bags).
Three standard steps (3 feet wide, 11-inch tread, 7.5-inch riser) without a landing need about 10.3 cubic feet or 0.38 cubic yards of concrete — that's 18 bags of 80-lb mix. With a 4-foot landing on top, the total jumps to about 32.8 cubic feet (1.22 cubic yards).
Standard concrete step dimensions are 7–7.5 inches high (riser) and 11 inches deep (tread). Building codes typically require risers between 4 and 7.75 inches, and treads at least 10 inches deep. Step width is typically 36–48 inches for residential entries.
For small jobs (under 1 cubic yard or about 45 bags of 80-lb mix), bagged concrete is practical. For larger staircases or those with landings exceeding 1 cubic yard, ready-mix delivery is more cost-effective and ensures consistent quality. Ready-mix also lets you pour the entire staircase at once.
Yes — concrete stairs should have rebar reinforcement to prevent cracking. Typically, #4 rebar is placed horizontally in each step and vertically through the staircase. For porch steps, the rebar should tie into the foundation or porch slab. Wire mesh can supplement rebar in the landing area.
Concrete stairs can be walked on after 24–48 hours, but full strength takes 28 days. Keep the concrete moist for the first 7 days (cover with plastic or spray with water) for proper curing. Don't apply salt or deicers during the first winter season.
Concrete stairs are built using plywood or lumber forms that create the step shape. The forms are built from the bottom up, with each riser board set at the correct height. The area inside is solid — concrete stairs are not hollow. After pouring and finishing, forms are removed after 24–48 hours.
Pouring a slab too? Try our concrete calculator for slabs, footings, and columns.
Need rise/run calculations? Try our stairs calculator for dimensional planning.