How to calculate it yourself
Total cost = (cubic yards × price per yard) + short-load fee (if under 3 yd³) + delivery surcharge (if over 25 miles). Add 10–15% for waste; rejected loads from a short-fill cost more than overage.
Common scenarios
Small DIY pad (under 0.5 yd³)
Bagged pre-mix at Home Depot or Lowes: ~$5–$6 per 80-lb bag. A pad needing 0.4 yd³ ≈ 18 bags ≈ $100 — half the cost of a short-load delivery.
Medium project (1–5 yd³)
Ready-mix delivery is now cheaper than bags but the short-load fee still applies. Expect $300–$900 total for most patios, walks, and small footings.
Large pour (5+ yd³)
No short-load fee, full economies of scale. Most contractors negotiate $5–$15 off list per yard at this volume.