Concrete Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$809 – $1,383
$4.04 – $6.91 per sq ft
Material
$309 – $383
Labor
$500 – $1,000
Concrete Needed
2.5 cu yd
Coverage
200 sq ft
Ordering Tip: Order 2.5 cubic yards of ready-mix concrete (add 10% overage = 2.7 cu yd). That\u2019s equivalent to 112 bags of 80 lb concrete \u2014 ready-mix delivery is far more practical at this volume.
Note: Most concrete contractors charge a minimum of $1,500 for flatwork projects due to mobilization and delivery costs. Your actual cost may be higher than calculated for small pours.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Concrete Cost Breakdown
| Finish Type | Material / Cu Yd | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft (4″) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom Finish (Standard) | $125 – $155 | $2.50 – $5.00 | $4.04 – $6.91 |
| Broom Finish (High-Strength) | $140 – $175 | $2.75 – $5.50 | $4.48 – $7.66 |
| Exposed Aggregate | $135 – $170 | $4.00 – $7.00 | $5.67 – $9.10 |
| Stamped / Decorative | $135 – $170 | $8.00 – $15.00 | $9.67 – $17.10 |
Average Project Costs (Broom Finish, Standard Mix)
| Project | Size | Concrete | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk | 30 × 4 ft (4″) | 1.5 cu yd | $485 – $830 |
| Patio | 12 × 12 ft (4″) | 1.8 cu yd | $582 – $996 |
| Driveway | 20 × 20 ft (6″) | 7.4 cu yd | $1,926 – $3,148 |
| Garage Floor | 24 × 24 ft (6″) | 10.7 cu yd | $2,773 – $4,533 |
How We Calculate
Our concrete cost calculator estimates project costs using slab area and thickness to determine volume, then applies material cost per cubic yard and labor cost per square foot based on the selected finish.
How the math works: We multiply length × width to get slab area, then × thickness (in inches) ÷ 324 to convert to cubic yards. Material cost = cubic yards × price per cubic yard. Labor cost = area × labor rate per square foot. The 80 lb bag equivalent is calculated at 45 bags per cubic yard (each bag yields approximately 0.6 cubic feet of concrete).
Concrete Finish Comparison
Broom Finish (Standard 3,000 PSI) ($125–$155/cu yd, $2.50–$5.00/sq ft labor) is the most common and affordable finish. The textured surface provides good traction and is suitable for patios, walkways, and most residential applications.
Broom Finish (High-Strength 4,000 PSI) ($140–$175/cu yd, $2.75–$5.50/sq ft labor) uses a stronger mix designed for driveways, garage floors, and areas subject to vehicle traffic or heavy loads.
Exposed Aggregate ($135–$170/cu yd, $4.00–$7.00/sq ft labor) reveals the stone aggregate within the concrete for a decorative, textured appearance. Popular for pool decks, patios, and walkways where aesthetics matter.
Stamped / Decorative ($135–$170/cu yd, $8.00–$15.00/sq ft labor) uses stamps and integral color to mimic natural stone, brick, or tile. The premium option that rivals the look of pavers at a lower installed cost.
Thickness Guidelines
Slab thickness directly affects material volume and structural capacity. 4” is code-minimum for patios and walkways. 6” is standard for driveways and supports vehicle loads. 8” is used for structural slabs, equipment pads, and commercial applications. Increasing thickness from 4” to 6” adds 50% more concrete but dramatically increases load capacity.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover concrete material and pour/finish labor but do not include site preparation and grading ($1–$3/sq ft), gravel base ($1–$2/sq ft, 4–6” recommended), forms and setup ($1–$2/linear ft of perimeter), rebar or wire mesh ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft), or concrete pump rental ($500–$1,500 for hard-to-reach locations). Short-load delivery fees may apply for orders under 5–10 cubic yards.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, RSMeans, NRMCA (National Ready Mixed Concrete Association), and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly to reflect current material and labor rates.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does concrete cost per cubic yard? +
Ready-mix concrete costs $125–$175 per cubic yard delivered, depending on mix strength and your location. Standard 3,000 PSI concrete runs $125–$155/cu yd, while high-strength 4,000 PSI costs $140–$175/cu yd. Short-load fees of $50–$100 may apply for orders under 5–10 cubic yards.
How much does a concrete patio cost? +
A standard broom-finish concrete patio costs $4.50–$10.00 per square foot installed ($2.50–$5.00 labor + concrete material). A typical 12×12 ft patio (144 sq ft) costs $582–$996 total. Stamped or decorative concrete patios cost $8–$15/sq ft for labor alone, bringing total costs to $9–$18/sq ft.
How many cubic yards of concrete do I need? +
Multiply length × width × thickness (all in feet) and divide by 27. For example, a 20×20 ft driveway at 6” thick: 20 × 20 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards. Always order 10% extra to account for spillage, uneven subgrade, and slight over-excavation.
How thick should a concrete slab be? +
4 inches is standard for patios and walkways. 5 inches is common for residential slabs and light-duty areas. 6 inches is recommended for driveways and areas with vehicle traffic. 8 inches is used for heavy structural applications. Driveways should always be at least 6 inches thick to handle vehicle weight without cracking.
Is it cheaper to mix your own concrete? +
For small projects (under 1 cubic yard or ~45 bags), mixing your own bags can save 30–50% on material cost — but it’s extremely labor-intensive. An 80 lb bag covers only about 0.6 cubic feet. For anything over 1 cubic yard, ready-mix truck delivery is far more practical and often cheaper per cubic yard. Most projects over 2 cubic yards should use ready-mix.
How much does stamped concrete cost? +
Stamped concrete costs $8–$18 per square foot installed, including the concrete, stamping patterns, and integral color. That’s 2–3× more than standard broom-finish concrete, but still 30–50% less than natural stone or pavers. A 15×15 ft stamped patio costs approximately $2,025–$3,608.
Do I need rebar in my concrete? +
Wire mesh is sufficient for most patios and walkways on well-compacted soil. Rebar (#3 or #4) is recommended for driveways, garage floors, and any slab over 5 inches thick. Rebar adds $0.50–$1.50 per square foot but significantly reduces cracking and increases structural integrity. For slabs on poor soil, always use rebar with proper footings.
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