Concrete Cost per Yard Calculator
Estimate what a concrete pour will cost — enter the cubic yards (or slab dimensions), price per yard, delivery and any short-load fee to get a low-to-high total and the cost per cubic foot.
How much does concrete cost per yard?
Ready-mix concrete runs about $125–$165 per cubic yard delivered, with a national average near $140 in 2025. On top of the per-yard price you usually pay a delivery fee and, for small orders, a short-load fee when you take less than a full truck (about one cubic yard). The calculator above prices a pour from your slab size and your local rate, and compares it against bagging the job yourself.
ready-mix total = cubic yards × price/yd³ + delivery + short-load fee
Typical concrete prices
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Ready-mix concrete | $125–$165 / cubic yard |
| Delivery | $60–$200 per load |
| Short-load fee | $50–$120 per yard short |
| Concrete material (4″ slab) | ≈ $2–$3 / sq ft |
| Finished slab (with labor) | ≈ $5–$10 / sq ft |
For small jobs, bagged concrete usually beats the short-load fees on a delivery; past roughly one cubic yard, ready-mix is normally cheaper and far less work. Size the job with the concrete calculator first, then compare prices here. Hiring it out? Compare quotes from local concrete pros below.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of concrete cost?
Ready-mix concrete typically runs about $125–$165 per cubic yard delivered in 2025, with a national average near $140. The exact price depends on your region, the PSI mix strength, and fuel and material costs. Small orders also carry a short-load fee. Enter your local price above for an estimate.
How much does concrete cost per square foot?
For the concrete material alone, a 4-inch slab works out to roughly $2–$3 per square foot. A finished slab including forming, labor and finishing is more like $5–$10 per square foot. This calculator focuses on the concrete (material and delivery); add labor separately if you are hiring out the finishing.
What is a short-load fee?
Most ready-mix companies charge a short-load (or small-load) fee when you order less than a full truck — usually under about 1 cubic yard. The fee commonly runs $50–$120 per yard short of the minimum, to cover sending a truck for a partial load. The calculator lets you add it so small pours are priced realistically.
Is it cheaper to mix your own concrete?
For small jobs, yes — bagged concrete is cheaper than the short-load fees on a ready-mix delivery. As the volume grows past roughly one cubic yard, ready-mix usually wins on both price per yard and labor. Use the concrete calculator to compare bag cost against the per-yard cost here.