Cost estimate · Concrete pad
Concrete Pad Cost Calculator
Price AC pads, generator pads, shed bases, and equipment slabs. Small pours often hit short-load fees — this tool shows the range and when bags make more sense than a truck.
Pad dimensions
Estimated pad cost
$133–$367
Typical ~$250 · $8–$23/sq ft
- Volume (raw)
- 0.2 cy
- With waste
- 0.21 cy
- Pad area
- 16 sq ft
Under ~1 cy — bagged mix (Sakrete / Quikrete) is often cheaper than a short-load truck. Check the bag calculator.
Cost breakdown
- Ready-mix concrete (delivered)0.21 cy × $130–$200/cy$27–$41
- Short-load surchargeOrder under 4 cy$50–$150
- Labor — place & finish16 sq ft × $2.50–$8.00/sq ft$40–$128
- Formwork16 lf perimeter × $1.00–$3.00/lf$16–$48
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
- Prefabricated plastic AC pads (alternative to poured)
Price data updated . National US ranges from published supplier and contractor averages. Not a bid. Local quotes vary.
How pad cost is calculated
Volume math matches any rectangular pour. On pads the interesting part is the short-load and bag crossover — a few cubic feet of concrete still triggers truck minimums.
pad cu yd = length × width × (thickness_in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 order yards = pad cu yd × (1 + waste %) if order < 4 cy → add short-load surcharge if order < 1 cy → bags are often cheaper
Worked example. A 4 × 4 ft × 4 in AC pad is only 5.33 cubic feet (0.198 cy). With 5% waste that is about 0.207 cy — well under one yard. Ready-mix material is roughly $26.96–$41.48, but the short-load fee ($50–$150) and minimum labor can dwarf the concrete itself. That is why bagged mix is the default DIY path for condenser pads.
Common concrete pad sizes
Starting sizes for the pad-type selector. Always match the equipment footprint and local code clearances.
| Use | Typical size | Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-conditioner condenser | 3 × 3 to 4 × 4 ft | 4" | Level, slightly larger than the unit footprint. |
| Generator pad | 3 × 4 to 4 × 5 ft | 4" | Follow manufacturer clearances; often bag-mix territory. |
| Shed / playhouse base | 8 × 10 to 12 × 12 ft | 4" | Larger sheds may need thicker edges or piers. |
| Hot tub / spa pad | 8 × 8 to 10 × 10 ft | 4" | Check filled weight — some need 6 in or engineering. |
| Trash / HVAC equipment pad | 4 × 6 to 6 × 8 ft | 4" | Slope away from the house for drainage. |
Concrete pad cost FAQ
- How big should an AC condenser pad be?
- Size the pad a few inches larger than the unit on each side — commonly 3×3 to 4×4 feet for residential condensers. Keep the pad level, slightly above grade, and clear of roof drip lines. Manufacturer clearance diagrams override rules of thumb.
- Is it cheaper to pour a pad or buy a plastic one?
- Lightweight plastic and composite AC pads are often cheaper and faster for a single condenser. Poured concrete wins when you need a custom size, heavier equipment, a shed floor, or a pad that must stay put in wind and freeze-thaw. Compare both before ordering a short load of ready-mix.
- Can I mix a concrete pad with bags instead of a truck?
- Yes for small pads. Below about 1 cubic yard (roughly forty-five 80 lb bags), bagged mix usually beats a short-load delivery once you count the surcharge. Use the bag calculator for counts; this page still shows truck pricing so you can compare.
- Do small pads need rebar?
- Many AC and generator pads are poured with fiber mix or light mesh and no structural rebar. Shed pads and hot-tub pads benefit from a simple rebar or mesh grid because of larger spans and heavier point loads. Toggle rebar on when the pad is bigger than a few square feet or carries significant weight.
- Why is the cost per square foot high on a tiny pad?
- Fixed costs dominate: minimum labor mobilization, short-load fees, and forms for a small perimeter. A 4×4 pad can look expensive per foot compared with a driveway even though the absolute dollar range is modest. That is expected — not a bug in the math.
Small pad? Count bags first
Concrete bag calculator (Sakrete / Quikrete) · Larger slab cost · General concrete cost