Concrete Cost Calculator
Calculate the total cost of your concrete project. Compare ready-mix vs bag costs, include delivery fees and labor. Free concrete cost estimator for slabs, driveways and patios.
Project Dimensions
Pricing & Labor
Cost Breakdown
How Much Does Concrete Cost?
Concrete costs vary based on how you buy it. Ready-mix concrete delivered in a truck typically costs between $120 and $200 per cubic yard depending on your region and the local batch plant. Meanwhile, 80lb bags of pre-mixed concrete from a big box store generally cost between $5 and $8 each.
Because it takes 45 bags of 80lb concrete to make a single cubic yard, the per-yard cost of bagged concrete is almost always significantly higher than ready-mix. It typically costs $220 to $360 per yard when buying by the bag. However, bagged concrete remains the best choice for small projects under 0.5 yards where minimum delivery fees would make a ready-mix truck uneconomical.
Ready-Mix vs Bagged Concrete Cost Comparison
| Ready-Mix | 80lb Bags | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per yd³ | $120–$200 | $220–$360 |
| Minimum order | ~1–2 yards | Any amount |
| Best for | Over 1 yd³ | Under 0.5 yd³ |
What Affects Concrete Prices?
Location: The distance from the batching plant to your job site adds delivery cost. If you are far outside their normal service radius, expect higher fees.
Mix strength: A standard 3,000 PSI mix used for sidewalks is cheaper than high-strength 4,000 to 5,000 PSI concrete required for heavy driveways or structural columns.
Additives: Chemical and physical additives increase the price. This includes fiber reinforcement, accelerators for cold weather, or air-entrainment for freeze/thaw protection.
Order quantity: Small orders known as "short loads" cost more per yard than full truck loads. If you order less than 4 or 5 yards, companies often charge a fee for the unused truck space.
Concrete Cost by Project Type
| Project | Size | Estimated Material Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 patio (4") | 100 sq ft | $150–$250 |
| 20×20 driveway (4") | 400 sq ft | $600–$1,000 |
| 20×24 garage (4") | 480 sq ft | $720–$1,200 |
| 10×10 walkway (4") | 100 sq ft | $150–$250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete slab cost?
A standard concrete slab in material costs typically runs $120–$200 per cubic yard for ready-mix. A 10×10 ft patio at 4 inches thick (1.23 yd³) costs approximately $150–$250 in concrete materials.
How much is a yard of concrete?
Ready-mix concrete costs $120–$200 per cubic yard depending on location, mix design and order quantity. Short loads under 5 yards often incur a delivery surcharge of $30–$100.
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A 20×20 ft driveway at 4 inches thick needs about 5 cubic yards. At $150/yd³ that's $750 in materials. Total installed cost including labor runs $4–$8 per square foot.
Is bagged concrete cheaper than ready-mix?
For small pours under 0.5 cubic yards, bags are cheaper and more practical. For anything over 1 yard, ready-mix is almost always the more economical choice.