Screed Calculator — Plan Smarter, Waste Less

Accurate screed calculations keep projects on schedule and on budget. At Page International we built our Screed Calculator to give contractors, builders and DIY users reliable, fast estimates so you order the right quantity and avoid costly overruns. Below you will find a thorough user guide, worked examples, practical assumptions and site advice — all tailored to construction conditions across Cameroon and the CEMAC zone.

How the Screed Calculator Works — simple and reliable

Enter three basic inputs:

1. Width (m)

2. Length (m)

3. Depth / thickness (mm)

The calculator converts thickness to metres, multiplies width × length × depth to return the volume in cubic metres (m³). You can add multiple rectangles (or shapes) to get a combined volume for an entire project. The tool applies a recommended 5% allowance to cover small overpours, spillage and surface irregularities. For conservative planning you may choose 7–10% on complex sites.

Formula used by the calculator (per shape):

Screed types, typical thicknesses and when to use them

• Traditional sand/cement screed — used for general-purpose floors and topping layers. Typical thickness range 50–75 mm for unbonded screeds, 25–40 mm for bonded screeds. Best where robust topping is required.

• Flowing/screed (cementitious flowing screed) — self-levelling, excellent for underfloor heating and large internal areas. Typical thickness 35–75 mm depending on embedment of pipes and load requirements.

• Polymer-modified screed — used for fast-track repairs, thin bonding or where early strength is required. Typical thickness 20–40 mm.

• Insulating lightweight screed — used where thermal insulation or reduced dead load is required, often combined with slab insulation layers.

Use the calculator to select the thickness that matches the screed type and site conditions, then order accordingly.

Density and material assumptions (for planning)

The calculator returns volume (m³). To help estimate material mass and cement content, use the following conservative planning values:

• Typical cured screed density: ~2,000 kg / m³ (use between 1,900–2,100 kg/m³ depending on mix).

• Typical cement content for a standard 1:3 sand:cement screed: ~300 kg of cement per m³ (this is an indicative value; actual designs vary 250–350 kg/m³).
  Always ask Page International for a project-specific mix design if strength, exposure or certification is required.

Worked site examples (digit-by-digit arithmetic shown)

Example A — Bathroom slab

Area = 3.0 m × 2.5 m = 7.5 m²
Depth = 50 mm = 0.050 m
Volume = 7.5 × 0.050 = 0.375 m³
Add 5% margin = 0.375 × 1.05 = 0.39375 m³ → round 0.394 m³

Approx mass = 0.39375 × 2,000 = 787.5 kg (cured screed mass)
Cement (est., 300 kg/m³) = 0.39375 × 300 = 118.125 kg ≈ 5 bags (25 kg each)

Example B — Residential driveway

Area = 8.0 m × 4.0 m = 32.0 m²
Depth = 75 mm = 0.075 m
Volume = 32.0 × 0.075 = 2.4 m³
Add 5% margin = 2.4 × 1.05 = 2.52 m³

Cement (est., 300 kg/m³) = 2.52 × 300 = 756 kg ≈ 31 bags (25 kg)

Example C — Warehouse floor (large)

Area = 50 m × 30 m = 1500 m²
Depth = 80 mm = 0.08 m
Volume = 1500 × 0.08 = 120 m³
Add 5% margin = 120 × 1.05 = 126.0 m³

Cement (est., 300 kg/m³) = 126 × 300 = 37,800 kg ≈ 1,512 bags (25 kg)

Example D — Underfloor heating lounge

Area = 6.0 m × 5.0 m = 30.0 m²
Depth = 65 mm = 0.065 m
Volume = 30 × 0.065 = 1.95 m³
Add 5% margin = 1.95 × 1.05 = 2.0475 m³ ≈ 2.05 m³

Cement (est., 300 kg/m³) = 2.0475 × 300 = 614.25 kg ≈ 25 bags

Interpreting calculator outputs — what to do next

1. Volume (m³) is the primary value for ordering bulk or mini-mix deliveries.

2. Mass (kg) and approximate cement bags are indicative. Actual bag counts depend on mix design.

3. For silo or ready-mix orders use the volume result and include the 5% margin. For small projects order to the nearest 0.1 m³.

4. For on-site mixing the calculator’s cement estimate is a planning guide only — request a detailed mix design from Page International before execution.

Site tips and best practice

• Allow 5–10% extra for complex areas, sloping sites or high wastage risk.

• Substrate preparation: clean, dust-free, adequately compacted and, where required, dampened. Poor preparation undermines bond strength.

• Curing: Keep screed moist for at least 7 days (traditional sand/cement) to avoid rapid drying which reduces strength. Flowing screeds have different curing regimes; follow supplier guidance.

• Weather: In hot, dry or windy conditions shade the area, use windbreaks and extend curing time. In heavy rain delay pours and protect placed screed.

• Thickness & reinforcement: Follow structural engineer recommendations. Avoid placing screed below recommended minimums for your screed type. Where heavy loads are expected use reinforced design practices.

• Surface finish: Conduct trial areas to confirm finish and texture expectations before full delivery.

When to contact Page International for help

Use the calculator for quick planning, but contact us for any of the following:

• Project volumes above 10 m³ (we can offer bulk discounts and silo solutions)

• Complex structural or industrial floors requiring certified mix designs

• Underfloor heating installations where flow screed is recommended

• Projects seeking low-carbon or recycled-content screed options

• Site training, on-site supervision or trial mixes prior to bulk supply

Contact: info@pageinter.com | www.pageinter.com |

Integration with procurement and delivery

• For mini-mix deliveries (0.5–4 m³) use the calculator volume directly to request a Small Load Concrete delivery.

• For large pours we help plan phasing, on-site pump access and pour sequencing using the calculator volumes as the baseline.

• We can supply ready-mix screed (pre-batched) in tubs, or dry-silo mortar/screed systems for continuous supply on large sites.