Calculators / Concrete Cost
Concrete Cost
Ready-mix concrete costs $125 to $175 per cubic yard delivered in 2026, with a national average around $155. Poured and finished as a slab, expect $6 to $12 per square foot installed (average ~$8). Standard 3,000 PSI mix sits at the low end; 5,000 PSI or fiber-reinforced pushes past $175/yard. Ordering less than a full truck adds a short-load fee of $50–$150 per yard under the minimum.
Real ranges, not AI guesses.
Concrete cost breakdown
per cubic yard delivered / per sq ft installed.
National-average ranges (as of 2026-06); estimates, not quotes. Get a few local estimates for your project, and use the calculator below for exact quantities.
What drives the cost
- PSI strength — 3,000 standard vs 5,000+ high-strength
- Delivery distance and short-load fees for partial trucks
- Slab thickness and rebar/wire-mesh reinforcement
- Site prep, grading, and forming
- Finish (broom, stamped, polished) and your region
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Mixing bagged concrete yourself only pays off for very small jobs — a 60 lb bag yields about 0.45 cu ft, so even a small pad needs dozens of bags. For anything over roughly 1 cubic yard, ready-mix delivery is cheaper and far less work. The labor to pour, screed, and finish a slab flat is where hiring a pro earns its keep.
Cost by region
The Southeast averages $120–$150 per cubic yard; the West Coast runs $150–$200. Short-load and delivery fees vary by how far you are from the nearest batch plant.
Know exactly how much you need
Cost ranges get you a budget. For the actual quantity to buy — with editable prices — use the free concrete calculator.
Open the Concrete Calculator →Concrete cost FAQ
How much is a yard of concrete in 2026?+
Ready-mix concrete averages about $155 per cubic yard delivered, within a typical range of $125–$175. High-strength (5,000 PSI) or fiber mixes run higher, and partial-truck orders add a short-load fee.
How much does a concrete slab cost per square foot?+
A poured, finished slab runs $6–$12 per square foot installed (average ~$8). Plain flatwork like a patio or driveway is often $5–$8 per sq ft for placement and finishing.
What is a short-load fee?+
Most plants set a minimum order (often 8–10 yards). Order less and they charge a short-load fee — typically $50–$150 per yard under the minimum — to cover the truck and driver.