Concrete Cost Calculator
Enter your concrete order details to calculate total delivery cost including ready-mix pricing, delivery fees, and any short load surcharges. Helps you budget accurately before calling the batch plant.
What is Concrete Cost?
A concrete cost calculator estimates the total expense of ordering ready-mix concrete for a project. Ready-mix concrete is sold by the cubic yard and delivered in rotating drum trucks that typically carry 8 to 10 cubic yards per load. The total cost includes three main components: the concrete itself, a flat delivery fee, and potentially a short load surcharge. The concrete price per cubic yard varies by region, mix design, and additives. Standard 3,000 PSI residential mix typically costs $125 to $175 per cubic yard in most U.S. markets. Higher-strength mixes (4,000-5,000 PSI), fiber reinforcement, accelerators, or color additives increase the price by $10 to $50 per yard. Pump trucks for hard-to-reach pours add $50 to $100 per hour on top of the concrete cost. Delivery fees cover the cost of transporting the concrete from the batch plant to your site. Most plants charge a flat delivery fee of $50 to $150 depending on distance. Some charge by the mile beyond a certain radius, typically $5 to $10 per mile past 20 miles. Saturday deliveries and early morning pours often carry premium surcharges. The short load fee is a surcharge applied when you order less than the truck minimum, which is typically 3 to 5 cubic yards depending on the supplier. Since sending a partially loaded truck costs nearly the same in fuel and labor as a full truck, plants charge a per-yard penalty for the unused capacity. Short load fees range from $30 to $75 per yard under the minimum. For very small pours under 1 cubic yard, bagged concrete mix is often more economical. The cost per square foot metric assumes a standard 4-inch thick slab, where one cubic yard covers 81 square feet. This helps compare concrete costs against alternative materials like pavers or asphalt for flatwork projects. To minimize cost, combine small pours into one delivery when scheduling allows, order at least the truck minimum, and have the site fully prepared (forms set, rebar placed, crew ready) to avoid costly extra truck time charges that begin after 5 to 7 minutes of pour time.
How to Calculate
- Calculate the cubic yards of concrete needed for your project (use a concrete volume calculator)
- Call your local ready-mix plant for current pricing per cubic yard
- Ask about their delivery fee and minimum load requirement
- Enter all values into the calculator
- Review the total cost breakdown including any short load surcharge
- Compare against bagged concrete cost if your order is under 2 cubic yards
Formula
Concrete Cost = Cubic Yards x Price per Yard Short Load Surcharge = if Cubic Yards < Minimum Load: (Minimum Load - Cubic Yards) x Short Load Fee per Yard; otherwise $0 Total Cost = Concrete Cost + Delivery Fee + Short Load Surcharge Cost per Square Foot = Total Cost / (Cubic Yards x 81) Where 81 is the number of square feet covered by one cubic yard at 4 inches thick (27 cubic feet / (4/12) feet = 81 sq ft).
Example Calculation
Ordering 5 cubic yards at $150/yard with a $75 delivery fee, $50 short load fee, and 3-yard minimum: Concrete Cost = 5 x $150 = $750.00 Short Load Surcharge = 5 >= 3, so $0.00 Total Cost = $750 + $75 + $0 = $825.00 Cost per Square Foot = $825 / (5 x 81) = $825 / 405 = $2.04/sq ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short load fee for concrete?
A short load fee is a surcharge applied when you order less than the truck minimum (typically 3 to 5 cubic yards). Since a partially loaded truck costs nearly the same to operate as a full one, plants charge $30 to $75 per cubic yard under the minimum to cover their costs. For example, ordering 2 yards with a 3-yard minimum and $50 short load fee adds $50 to your bill.
How much does a yard of concrete cost in 2024?
Standard 3,000 PSI ready-mix concrete costs $125 to $175 per cubic yard in most U.S. markets. Prices vary by region, with urban areas typically $10 to $20 higher than rural locations. High-strength mixes (4,000+ PSI), fiber reinforcement, and color additives add $10 to $50 per yard. Always call your local batch plant for current pricing as costs fluctuate with cement and fuel prices.
Is it cheaper to mix my own concrete or order ready-mix?
For projects over 1 cubic yard, ready-mix is almost always cheaper and produces better results. An 80 lb bag yields 0.6 cubic feet and costs $5 to $7, meaning one cubic yard from bags costs $405 to $567 in materials alone, plus significant labor. Ready-mix at $150 per yard is far more economical and consistent for larger pours.
How many cubic yards does a concrete truck hold?
A standard ready-mix truck holds 8 to 10 cubic yards, with most carrying 9 yards at full capacity. Smaller front-discharge trucks hold 5 to 6 yards and are better for tight job sites. For orders exceeding one truck load, the plant will send multiple trucks staged at intervals to match your pour speed.
What additional fees should I budget for besides concrete and delivery?
Beyond concrete and delivery, budget for: overtime charges ($1-$3 per minute if the truck waits beyond 5-7 minutes of pour time), Saturday or early delivery surcharges ($50-$150), pump truck rental ($150-$250 per hour if needed), and washout fees ($25-$50 if you don't provide a washout area). Environmental and fuel surcharges of $10 to $25 are also common.
Can I return unused concrete from a delivery?
No. Once concrete is mixed and loaded on the truck, it cannot be returned. Ready-mix begins curing immediately and must be placed within 60 to 90 minutes. Over-ordering by 5-10% is standard practice. Excess concrete can be poured into forms for stepping stones, small pads, or landscape borders rather than wasting it.