Coloured Concrete Calculator
Estimate concrete and oxide colour quantities for a coloured concrete driveway, path or pour.
Coloured Concrete Calculator
Estimate concrete and oxide colour quantities for a coloured concrete pour.
Estimating Coloured Concrete Materials
Coloured concrete uses an oxide pigment mixed through the concrete during batching to achieve a consistent colour throughout the slab, rather than just on the surface. This calculator estimates concrete volume as area (m²) × thickness (m), then applies a standard oxide dosage of one bag per cubic metre of concrete to estimate how much colour you will need.
What Information You Need To Enter
Enter your project area in square metres and thickness in millimetres (100 mm is standard for most driveways and paths).
Understanding Your Results
You will see the concrete volume required and the estimated number of oxide bags needed. Actual dosage varies depending on the colour chosen and how intense you want the final result — darker or more saturated colours generally need a higher dosage rate than lighter tones.
Why Accurate Estimating Matters
Oxide needs to be batched consistently across your entire pour to avoid visible colour variation between truck loads, so knowing the right total quantity upfront helps ensure every load is mixed to the same specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is coloured concrete different from a coloured coating or stain?
Coloured concrete has oxide pigment mixed through the entire batch during production, giving consistent colour through the full depth of the slab. A coating or stain is applied to the surface after the pour and only affects the top layer.
Does colour intensity affect how much oxide I need?
Yes. Darker or more saturated colours generally require a higher oxide dosage than lighter, more subtle tones. This calculator uses a standard one bag per cubic metre reference dosage; your supplier can advise on adjustments for your chosen colour.
Can I use exposed aggregate and colour together?
Yes, oxide colour can be combined with an exposed aggregate finish for a coloured, textured surface. Use our Exposed Aggregate Calculator alongside this one to estimate both material sets.
Will all my concrete trucks be the same colour?
Consistent oxide dosage and thorough mixing at the batching plant is important to avoid visible colour variation between loads on larger pours. Discuss this with your concrete supplier for multi-truck pours.
Does coloured concrete cost more than plain concrete?
Yes, oxide adds to material cost. Request a free quote for an accurate comparison between plain, coloured and exposed aggregate finishes for your project.
Related Calculators & Services
Need An Exact Price, Not Just An Estimate?
The Coloured Concrete Calculator gives you a fast, useful planning figure. For a fixed, accurate price backed by a site assessment, request a free professional quotation from HPL Construction.
