How to use this calculator
- Enter slab dimensions. Length, width, and thickness. The calculator converts to cubic yards automatically.
- Enter your price per yard. Use $135–$165/yd³ for 2026 ready-mix in most U.S. markets. Add a short-load fee (typically $60–$150) if ordering under 2 yd³.
- Compare bagged vs ready-mix. Bagged pre-mix is cheaper for jobs under 0.5 yd³; ready-mix wins above 1 yd³ once you add labor for hand-mixing.
- Add labor (optional). For installed cost (poured + finished), expect $5–$10/ft² on top of materials. Stamped or colored adds $3–$8/ft².
Formula
Total Cost = Cubic Yards × Price per Yard (+ short-load + delivery)
Worked example
A 20 × 20 ft × 4 in slab: 4.94 yd³ at $150/yd³ = $741 in materials. With a $100 short-load waiver, final ready-mix cost: $741. Add finishing labor at $7/ft² × 400 ft² = $2,800. Total turnkey: ~$3,541.
Common project sizes
Quick reference for the most common concrete cost calculator use cases. Use these as a sanity check on your calculator inputs.
| Project | Dimensions | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk (3 × 30 ft × 4 in) | 0.93 yd³ | $140–$170 materials |
| Patio (12 × 16 ft × 4 in) | 2.37 yd³ | $355–$425 materials |
| Driveway (16 × 40 ft × 4 in) | 7.9 yd³ | $1,185–$1,420 materials |
| Garage slab (24 × 24 ft × 4 in) | 7.1 yd³ | $1,065–$1,280 materials |
2026 cost reference
Typical retail price range in the United States for concrete cost. Local pricing varies by region, supplier, and grade — confirm with two or three quotes before ordering.
Per cubic yard (delivered)
$135 – $180
National 2026 average for standard 3,000 psi mix. High-strength (4,000+ psi), fiber-reinforced, or fast-set add $10–$30/yd³. Short-load fee: $60–$150 under 2 yd³.
Tips for accurate results
- Always get 3 quotes — concrete prices vary 20–30% between suppliers in the same metro.
- Off-peak season (winter, weekday mornings) gets 5–10% discounts. Avoid pumper trucks unless reach is unavoidable — they add $300–$700.
- Short-load fees are non-negotiable; either order more or break the job into multiple bagged pours.
- Stamped or colored concrete doubles per-ft² cost. Plain broom finish is 30% cheaper for the same surface.
When to consult a pro
Concrete is one of the few materials where DIY savings are real (50–60% off installed price) but risk is high — a botched pour cannot be redone, only ground out and replaced. For pours over 2 yd³ or anything load-bearing, hire a pro. For decorative work (stamped, exposed aggregate, broom-finished color), always hire — the finishing window is 20–60 minutes and ruins fast.