Concrete Cost Estimator

Multiply length × width × thickness, with thickness converted from inches to feet (inches ÷ 12), to get cubic feet. Then divide by 27, because there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard. For a 20 × 20 ft slab at 4 inches: 20 × 20 × 0.33 = 133 cu ft ÷ 27 ≈ 4.9 cubic yards. Add 10% for waste before ordering.

In 2026 ready-mix concrete runs about $120–$180 per cubic yard delivered, depending on PSI strength and region. Standard 3,000 PSI residential mix averages around $138 per yard, while 5,000 PSI structural mix is closer to $170. Small orders also carry a short-load fee.

An 80 lb bag yields about 0.60 cubic feet, so you need roughly 45 bags to make one cubic yard. Calculate your volume in cubic yards, add 10% for waste, then multiply by 45. For example, 1 cubic yard with waste needs about 50 bags.

Use 4,000 PSI concrete for most driveways, especially in climates with freeze-thaw cycles or where heavy vehicles park. 3,000 PSI is acceptable for mild climates and light use, but 4,000 PSI resists cracking and surface scaling far better for only a small cost increase.

A short-load fee is a surcharge ready-mix suppliers add when you order less than a full truckload — usually under 3 cubic yards. It typically runs $50–$150 and covers the cost of sending a truck that leaves mostly empty. It can dramatically raise the effective per-yard price on small jobs.

A typical 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) slab costs about $2,600–$5,200 installed in 2026, or roughly $6–$13 per square foot including materials, labor, forming, and finishing. Thickness, reinforcement, site prep, and finish type all move the price within that range.

The break-even point is around one cubic yard. Below that, bagged concrete is usually cheaper and avoids short-load fees — though it is far more labor-intensive. Above one yard, ready-mix is both cheaper per yard and dramatically less work. For anything over about 50 bags, order ready-mix.

The 10% waste allowance covers spillage, uneven subgrade, over-excavation, formwork deflection, and material left in the truck or mixer. Ordering exactly your calculated volume almost guarantees a shortfall — and running out mid-pour creates a cold joint, which is a permanent weak seam in the slab.

To estimate per yard, multiply your length × width × (thickness in inches ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply the yards by the local ready-mix rate (usually $120–$180/yd). To estimate per square foot installed, divide your total project cost (materials plus labor) by the total square footage. For a basic slab, this usually averages $6 to $13 per square foot.

A concrete duct bank is an underground encasement of PVC conduits used to protect electrical or telecommunication cables. The cost is heavily dependent on the trenching labor and the number of conduits, but pouring the concrete encasement typically runs $30 to $60 per linear foot. You must factor in trenching, piping, concrete volume, and specialized backfill.

Adding a radiant heating system to a concrete driveway to melt snow and ice dramatically increases the cost. You can expect to pay $12 to $25 per square foot for the driveway itself, plus an additional $10 to $20 per square foot for the boiler, manifold, and PEX tubing installation. A standard heated driveway easily exceeds $15,000.

A basic 4-inch thick concrete sidewalk costs about $6 to $12 per square foot installed. For a typical 3-foot wide by 30-foot long walkway (90 square feet), expect to pay around $540 to $1,080. If you add decorative stamping or coloring, the cost can jump to $15 to $20 per square foot.

Minor cosmetic repairs like filling small cracks or applying a thin resurfacer usually cost $3 to $5 per square foot. However, if the slab has sunk and requires mudjacking or polyurethane foam lifting, expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot. If the concrete is severely spalled or crumbling, full demolition and replacement ($10 to $15 per square foot) is the only permanent fix.

Yes, dramatically. Ready-mix concrete has a short shelf life (usually 90 minutes from batching to pouring), so you are limited to local suppliers. In areas with high aggregate or cement costs, or in major metros with high union labor rates, prices can be 30% to 50% higher than the national average. Always call local batch plants to verify the current per-yard rate in your exact zip code.

While many free Excel templates exist online, they are often dangerous to use because they lack updated, localized material pricing and hardcoded waste factors. Instead of a static spreadsheet, use our interactive concrete cost estimator, which automatically calculates cubic yardage and applies 2026 national average pricing instantly.

For a homeowner pouring a patio or driveway, free online calculators are perfectly sufficient. However, for commercial contractors bidding on heavy civil projects, investing in dedicated concrete cost estimating software (like PlanSwift or Bluebeam) or hiring professional estimating services is mandatory to accurately price complex rebar grids, labor hours, and heavy equipment mobilization.

Concrete labor is rarely billed hourly; it is priced by the square foot based on the finish complexity. A basic broom finish typically costs $5 to $8 per square foot in labor. A complex stamped and colored finish jumps to $10 to $15 per square foot. Always separate the material cost (cubic yards) from the finishing labor to accurately compare contractor bids.

Concrete porches and stairs are deceptively expensive because of the complex wooden formwork required to hold the heavy liquid concrete in shape. Even if the material volume is small, expect to pay $300 to $500 per step in labor alone. A small 3-step front porch easily averages $1,000 to $1,500.

Most reputable residential concrete contractors will provide a free estimate if you know your exact dimensions and project scope. However, for highly complex custom work or major foundation repairs, some structural engineers or specialized firms may charge a consultation or estimating fee, which is often credited back to you if you hire them for the job.