Concrete form quantity planner
Turn run length into a starting piece count.
A straight walk usually needs two form lines. Enter the straight run length once; the calculator counts both sides. Curved edges can have different lengths, so enter each one separately. Calculate each form height on its own.
Updated September 5, 2026
Planning calculator
Estimate 10 ft sections.
For a straight run, enter its length once: we count a form line on both sides. For a curve, enter the inside and outside edge lengths separately.
Have a radius and width? Calculate both curved edges →
Example: a 100 ft straight run starts with 20 forms—10 per side. Before ordering, review corners, connections, odd-length adjustments, waste, tight radiuses, and field conditions. For pads, closed shapes, or mixed layouts, call us to check the list before you pay.
Step 1: identify the edges that need forms
For a straight strip with two equal-length sides, measure the run once. The straight calculator counts both sides. A closed pad has one outside boundary; do not double its perimeter. Existing work and formed ends can change the list.
Step 2: measure each curved edge
Measure along the inside and outside curves, not the straight-line distance between their ends. The centerline is neither edge. If your drawing gives radius, width and angle, use the curved-walkway calculator to get both lengths. Split S-curves where the bend changes direction.
Step 3: round each edge separately
Ohio Metal Forms straight and flexible sections are 10 ft pieces. Divide each formed edge by 10 and round up for a starting coverage count. For two equal straight sides, double that side count. For curves, add the separately rounded inside and outside counts.
Step 4: count corners and adjustments
Count every 90-degree turn that needs a matching corner. Identify odd-length gaps where a filler may help. The exact arrangement can change the final quantity, so review the layout before purchasing.
Step 5: allow for field reality
Connections, overlap, damage allowance, access, layout changes, different inside and outside curve lengths, tight curves, and re-use sequencing can affect the number of pieces needed. The calculator deliberately does not guess those details. For pads, closed shapes, or mixed layouts, call us to check the list.
Check a shape before turning footage into an order
These are illustrative planning examples, not completed customer jobs or final shopping lists. Form heights come from the approved edge detail. Corners, connection lengths, fillers and pins still need their own review.
On a small screen, scroll horizontally to review every column.
| Illustrative layout | Edges counted | What the arithmetic shows |
|---|---|---|
| 100 ft straight walk; ends not formed | 100 + 100 ft | 20 ten-foot straight forms for the two long edges |
| 100 × 10 ft driveway; all four sides formed | 100 + 100 + 10 + 10 ft | 22 ten-foot lengths before corner and connection review |
| 20 × 15 ft patio; the 20 ft house side needs no steel form | 20 + 15 + 15 ft | Four full ten-foot portions plus two 5 ft closeouts to resolve |
| 25 × 25 ft closed pad | Four separate 25 ft sides | Eight full ten-foot portions plus four 5 ft closeouts to resolve |
A 5 ft closeout does not automatically call for one 5 ft filler: the filler slides over a straight section and needs a reviewed overlap. For the full sequence, see the steel-form takeoff guide.
Information to have when you call
- Form height for each part of the job
- Total straight footage at each height
- Total curved footage and planned radius
- Number of 90-degree corners
- Odd-length gaps or closeouts
- Pickup or freight-delivery ZIP code
Planning estimate ready?
Build the order on one screen.
Quick Order shows every standard height and per-piece price. Call if you want the list reviewed first.