Cost estimate · Concrete
Concrete Cost Calculator
Estimate ready-mix, labor, rebar, forms, and finish for a rectangular pour. Enter dimensions once — you get a low / typical / high range, not a single number that pretends to be a bid.
Project dimensions
Estimated installed cost
$987–$2,749
Typical ~$1,868 · $5–$14/sq ft
- Volume (raw)
- 2.47 cy
- With waste
- 2.59 cy
- Area
- 200 sq ft
Short load: under 4 cy — plants often add a $50–150 surcharge.
Cost breakdown
- Ready-mix concrete (delivered)2.59 cy × $130–$200/cy$337–$519
- Short-load surchargeOrder under 4 cy$50–$150
- Labor — place & finish200 sq ft × $2.50–$8.00/sq ft$500–$1,600
- Rebar / wire mesh200 sq ft × $0.20–$1.50/sq ft$40–$300
- Formwork60 lf perimeter × $1.00–$3.00/lf$60–$180
Not included
- Excavation and grading
- Base gravel / compacted subbase
- Removal of existing concrete
- Permits and inspections
- Difficult site access or pumping beyond a standard day rate
Price data updated . National US ranges from published supplier and contractor averages. Not a bid. Local quotes vary.
How this concrete cost calculator works
Volume comes first. For a rectangular slab:
cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × (thickness (in) ÷ 12) cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 order yards = cubic yards × (1 + waste %)
Material cost is order yards × the ready-mix delivery range ($130–$200 per cubic yard delivered). If the order is under 4 cubic yards, a short-load surcharge ($50–$150 per order under ~4 cy) is added. Labor is area × place-and-finish rates ($2.50–$8 per sq ft). Optional toggles add rebar, forms by perimeter, a pump day rate, and stamped finish uplift.
Worked example. A 20 × 10 ft patio at 4 in thick is 20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.67 cubic feet, or 2.47 cubic yards. With 5% waste you order about 2.59 cy — a short load. Ready-mix alone lands roughly $337–$518, before labor and the short-load fee. That is why small pads often look expensive per yard compared with a full truck.
US concrete price reference (national ranges)
Use this table to sanity-check a quote. Coastal metros and remote sites sit higher; competitive suburban markets sit lower.
| Component | Typical US range |
|---|---|
| Ready-mix concrete delivered | $130–$200 per cubic yard delivered |
| Short-load surcharge (under ~4 cy) | $50–$150 per order under ~4 cy |
| Labor: place and finish | $2.50–$8 per sq ft |
| Rebar / mesh, material + tie | $0.20–$1.50 per sq ft (material + tie) |
| Forms | $1–$3 per linear ft of perimeter |
| Pump truck | $600–$1,200 per day |
| Stamped / decorative finish uplift | $8–$18 per sq ft (decorative uplift) |
Concrete cost calculator FAQ
- Does this concrete cost calculator include labor?
- Yes. The total includes ready-mix delivery plus a place-and-finish labor range ($2.50–$8.00 per sq ft). Optional line items cover rebar, forms, pump truck, and stamped finish. Excavation, base gravel, demo, and permits are listed separately as exclusions.
- How much extra concrete should I order?
- Most residential pours add 5–10% for waste and uneven subgrade. This calculator defaults to 5%. Complex shapes, thick edges, or inexperienced crews may need closer to 10%. Ordering short and needing a second truck is usually more expensive than a small leftover.
- What is a short-load surcharge?
- Ready-mix plants often charge an extra $50–$150 when the order is under about 4 cubic yards because the truck and plant still incur nearly the same fixed cost. If your volume is small, compare bagged concrete — see the bag calculator — or combine pours on one delivery day.
- How thick should a concrete driveway or patio be?
- A typical residential driveway slab is 4 inches thick over compacted base; heavy vehicles or poor soil may call for 5–6 inches and heavier reinforcement. Patios and walkways are often 4 inches. Always follow local code and your engineer or inspector when required.
- Is this a concrete price calculator or a contractor quote?
- It is a planning estimate using national US price ranges. Local ready-mix, labor markets, access, and finish quality move the number. Use the low/typical/high range to budget and to compare bids — not as a fixed price.
- Why do stamped finishes cost so much more?
- Stamped and decorative work adds color hardener, release agents, stamping labor, and often sealing. This tool adds an $8–$18 per sq ft uplift on top of standard place-and-finish labor. Intricate patterns and multi-color jobs sit at the high end.
Need the volume in bags instead?
Under about one cubic yard, bagged mix (Sakrete / Quikrete) can beat a short-load truck. Open the concrete bag calculator · Ready-mix yardage only