Wondering about the difference between cement and concrete? Learn how they’re related, which to use for your project, and when to use concrete calculators.
What You'll Learn
If you've ever said, "I'm pouring a cement patio," you're not alone! Many people use "cement" and "concrete" like they're the same thing — but they're actually different. So… what's the real difference between cement and concrete?
→ Ready to plan your project? Check out our free Concrete Calculator.
What is Cement?
Cement is a powdery gray substance made of materials like limestone, clay, and silica. It’s a binder — when mixed with water, it hardens and binds other materials together.
Think of cement as the "glue" in concrete.
- Comes in bags
- Looks like powder
- On its own, not strong enough for slabs or driveways
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a building material made from:
- Cement
- Sand
- Gravel or crushed stone
- Water
When mixed together, it forms a thick paste that hardens into a strong, durable surface.
Concrete is used for:
- Driveways
- Patios
- Sidewalks
- Slabs
- Fence posts
Cement vs. Concrete: Key Differences
| Cement | Concrete |
|---|---|
| Powder binder | Mixture of cement, sand, gravel |
| Not used alone for slabs | Used for slabs, patios, driveways |
| One ingredient | Finished building material |
So if you’re pouring a patio or driveway, you’re working with concrete.
Why People Confuse Cement and Concrete
Most people say things like:
- “I’m pouring a cement driveway.”
- “How many bags of cement for a patio?”
But what they really mean is concrete.
Cement is just one part of concrete. So if you’re pouring a slab, buying ready-mix, or using a calculator, you’re calculating concrete, not just cement.
Cement Mix Ratios Explained
Concrete mixes often use these ratios:
- 1 part cement
- 2 parts sand
- 3 parts gravel
- Water until workable
Different projects might tweak the mix:
- Driveways → stronger mix
- Fence posts → fast-setting mix
If you’re mixing your own, knowing the ratio helps you buy the right amount of cement.
When Should You Use a Concrete Calculator?
If you’re planning:
- A patio
- A driveway
- Fence posts
- A slab
→ You need to calculate how much concrete (not just cement) you’ll need.
Our Concrete Calculator helps you:
- Estimate cubic yards
- Find how many bags to buy
- Avoid buying too little or too much
FAQs About Cement vs. Concrete
Q: Is cement the same as concrete?
→ No! Cement is one ingredient in concrete.
Q: How much cement do I need?
→ That depends on how much concrete you need, use our concrete calculator to determine how many bags of cement you need.
Q: Can I pour cement instead of concrete?
→ No. Cement alone is too brittle and will crack. Always use concrete for slabs or structures.
Q: How many bags of cement are in a yard of concrete?
→ It depends on the mix ratio. Typically, about 6–7 bags of cement are used per cubic yard of concrete.
Q: Should I order concrete or cement for my driveway?
→ Concrete! Cement alone won't create a durable surface.
Plan Your Project with Our Concrete Calculator
Still not sure how much concrete you need? Skip the math!
Try our free Concrete Calculator for fast, accurate estimates for your driveway, patio, or slab.
👉 Calculate NowUnderstanding the difference between cement and concrete helps avoid costly mistakes and confusion at the hardware store.
If you're planning any building project, remember:
→ Cement is just one ingredient.
→ Concrete is what you pour!
Ready to estimate your next job? Use our Concrete Calculator to save time and money.
Key Points Covered
- What is cement?
- What is concrete?
- Key differences between cement and concrete
- Common misconceptions
- Cement mix ratios
- When to use a concrete calculator