- Allowance
- Extra quantity you choose for uneven ground, spillage or estimating uncertainty. It is added once; it is separate from rounding an order. Related explanation →
- Cement
- The binding ingredient in concrete. A bag of cement is not a bag of premixed concrete. Related explanation →
- CMU
- Concrete masonry unit: a manufactured block used in masonry. Actual dimensions plus mortar joints form the nominal module. Related explanation →
- Cubic yard (yd³)
- A measure of volume equal to 27 cubic feet. One cubic yard is about 0.7646 cubic meters. Related explanation →
- Curing
- Maintaining suitable moisture and temperature so concrete can develop its intended properties. It is different from drying. Related explanation →
- Finished yield
- The volume of mixed material a product makes when prepared as directed. Use the product label for bag counts. Related explanation →
- Grout
- A flowable material used to fill spaces such as masonry cores. Use the specified product; grout is not automatically interchangeable with ordinary concrete. Related explanation →
- Minimum billed quantity
- The smallest volume a supplier charges for, even if the delivered requirement is smaller. Confirm the actual policy. Related explanation →
- Mortar
- A material used to bed and join masonry units. Premixed mortar and masonry cement plus sand need different estimating methods. Related explanation →
- Nominal size
- A named masonry size that normally includes the joint module. Adding a joint to nominal face dimensions can undercount units. Related explanation →
- Order increment
- The quantity step a supplier sells or bills, such as a quarter cubic yard. The increment is supplier-specific. Related explanation →
- Ready-mix
- Concrete produced to an agreed specification and delivered for placement. Confirm the mix, quantity, timing and access with the supplier. Related explanation →
- Rebar cover
- Distance from the concrete surface to reinforcement. Enter the cover specified in the project plan; a quantity tool does not choose it. Related explanation →
- Short-load fee
- A charge that may apply to an order below a supplier threshold. It can be separate from delivery or a minimum billed volume. Related explanation →
- Slump
- A measure used to describe fresh concrete consistency. The required specification must be agreed with the supplier and project team. Related explanation →
- Square foot (ft²)
- A measure of area. To calculate concrete volume, the area also needs a thickness. Related explanation →
Reference & planning
Concrete Planning Glossary
Know what the supplier means before you order. These short definitions explain estimating terms; project specifications still come from your plan and supplier.