How much does a cubic yard of concrete cost?

Ready-mix concrete costs $125–$165 per cubic yard delivered in 2026, depending on your location and mix strength. Bagged concrete from a hardware store runs about $6–$8 per 80-lb bag, which works out to roughly $340–$450 per cubic yard — significantly more expensive for larger jobs.

How do I calculate cubic yards of concrete?

Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet), then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. For example: 20 ft × 10 ft × 0.33 ft (4 inches) = 66 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2.44 cubic yards. Always add 5–10% for waste.

Concrete Calculator — How Much Concrete Do I Need?

How to Calculate Concrete: Complete Guide

Ordering the right amount of concrete saves money and prevents delays. Too little means an emergency order mid-pour; too much means paying for concrete you dump. Here's everything you need to know.

The Basic Formula

For rectangular areas (slabs, footings, walls):

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27

All measurements must be in feet. If your thickness is in inches, divide by 12 first. The ÷ 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards (1 yard = 3 feet, so 3×3×3 = 27 cubic feet per cubic yard).

For Columns and Round Forms

Cubic Yards = π × (radius²) × height ÷ 27

Radius is half the diameter. A 12-inch diameter Sonotube has a 6-inch (0.5 ft) radius.

How Many Bags of Concrete Do I Need?

Bag Size	Yield (cu ft)	Bags per Cubic Yard	Typical Price
40 lb	0.30	90 bags	$3.50–$4.50
50 lb	0.375	72 bags	$4.00–$5.50
60 lb	0.45	60 bags	$4.50–$6.00
80 lb	0.60	45 bags	$6.00–$8.00

Rule of thumb: For anything over 1 cubic yard, order ready-mix delivery. Mixing 45+ bags by hand is brutally slow and the results are less consistent.

Concrete Cost in 2026

Type	Cost Range	Best For
Ready-mix (delivered)	$125–$165 / yd³	Any job over 1 yard
Short-load fee	$50–$100 extra	Orders under 5 yards
Bagged (80-lb)	$340–$450 / yd³	Small repairs, post holes
High-strength (4000+ PSI)	$150–$190 / yd³	Structural, driveways
Fiber-reinforced	$160–$200 / yd³	Crack-resistant slabs

Common Slab Thicknesses

4 inches — Patios, sidewalks, shed floors (most common residential)
5 inches — Residential driveways, light vehicle traffic
6 inches — Heavy vehicle driveways, garage floors
8+ inches — Commercial floors, equipment pads

5 Mistakes That Waste Concrete (and Money)

Not accounting for grade variations. Measure depth at multiple points — uneven ground means you'll need more than the formula suggests.
Forgetting the waste factor. Always add 5–10%. Formwork isn't perfectly straight, ground isn't perfectly flat.
Ordering too many short loads. Most plants charge a short-load fee for under 5 yards. If you need 4.5 yards, consider ordering 5 to avoid the fee.
Mixing bag concrete for large pours. Once you're past 1 cubic yard (45 bags of 80-lb), ready-mix is cheaper and much faster.
Not checking the delivery truck's reach. Standard chutes reach about 18 feet. If the pour site is farther, you'll need a pump truck ($150–$300 extra).

Ready-Mix vs. Bagged Concrete: When to Use Each

Factor	Bagged Concrete	Ready-Mix Delivery
Best for	Under 0.5 cubic yards	Over 1 cubic yard
Cost per yard	$340–$450	$125–$165
Convenience	Buy anytime at hardware store	Schedule 1-2 days ahead
Consistency	Varies by mixing technique	Factory-mixed, consistent
Speed	Slow — 1 bag at a time	Fast — full load in minutes
Minimum order	1 bag	Usually 1 yard (fees for less)

The gray zone (0.5–1 yard): This is where it gets tricky. Bagged concrete means mixing 22–45 bags — hard work but no scheduling hassle. Ready-mix means a short-load fee but faster, more consistent results. If you have help and a mixer, bags work. If you're solo, call for delivery.

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