Concrete Cost
Estimator

Labor rates for union concrete finishers (IUBAC). Non-union rates typically 15–25% lower.

Concrete mix

Currently $115–$150 per cubic yard. A typical 20×20 ft, 4-inch slab needs ~5 yards. Add 10% for waste — always order a bit more than your calculation suggests.

Rebar or wire mesh

$0.40–$1.20 per sq ft depending on structural requirements. Driveways and patios typically use 6×6 wire mesh; foundations and load-bearing slabs require #4 or #5 rebar on 18-inch centers.

Forms and framing

$1–$3 per sq ft for temporary wooden forms. Forms must be level, staked firmly, and oiled before pour. Curved edges or radius work costs more — add $2–$5 per linear foot.

Site prep and grading

$0.50–$2 per sq ft for excavation and compaction. Poor soil, expansive clay, or soft fill adds cost. A well-compacted granular base (4–6 inches of gravel) is non-negotiable for slab longevity.

Labor (pour and finish)

$1.50–$5 per sq ft depending on finish complexity. A plain broom finish is fastest; a trowel-smooth interior slab takes longer; stamped concrete requires a specialist crew and adds 4–6 hours of labor.

Pump and delivery

$500–$1,200 flat for most residential pours; waived for small jobs where the mixer can chute directly. Tight-access sites — backyards, basements, confined spaces — almost always require a pump.

Forgetting the pump truck surcharge

Tight-access jobs — side yards, basements, tight backyards — almost always need a concrete pump. That’s a flat $500–$1,200 that doesn’t show up in square footage math. Contractors forget it, win the job, and absorb the cost.

Underestimating the waste factor

The 10% overage rule exists because concrete is unforgiving. An uneven subgrade, a slightly off-square form, or a damaged corner means you need more material on-site than your calculation suggests. Running short and waiting for a second truck blows your schedule and your day-rate.

Not accounting for regional labor rates

A concrete finisher in Chicago earns $65/hr. In rural Tennessee, $38/hr. If you copy a bid from another market, or use national average data without adjusting for your zip code, your labor line will be wrong. Consistently wrong estimates mean you either lose jobs on price or win them and lose money.

How much does a concrete driveway cost?

A concrete driveway typically costs between $3,600 and $8,500 for a standard two-car driveway, or about $7 per square foot on average. Final cost depends on thickness (4-inch is standard; 6-inch for heavy vehicles), reinforcement (wire mesh vs. rebar), surface finish (broom finish vs. exposed aggregate vs. stamped), and your local labor market. Labor alone accounts for 40–50% of the total.

What is the cost of concrete per cubic yard in 2026?

Ready-mix concrete currently runs $115–$150 per cubic yard delivered, up from prior years due to material and fuel costs. Short-load surcharges ($80–$150) may apply for orders under 5 yards. Specialty mixes — fiber-reinforced, air-entrained for cold climates, or high-PSI mixes — add $10–$30 per yard. Always get quotes from at least two ready-mix suppliers in your area.

How do I calculate how much concrete I need for a slab?

Multiply length × width × thickness (all in feet), then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. For a 20×20 ft slab at 4 inches thick: 20 × 20 × (4/12) = 133.3 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 4.9 yards. Always add 10% overage to account for waste, spillage, and uneven subgrade — so order 5.4 yards for this example.

What factors affect concrete cost the most?

The biggest cost drivers are: (1) square footage and thickness — more concrete = more cost, (2) surface finish — stamped and colored concrete adds $5–$15/sq ft over plain broom finish, (3) site access — pump trucks add $500–$1,200 when the ready-mix truck cannot reach the pour directly, and (4) regional labor rates — labor in the Northeast or California can be 30–40% higher than the Midwest.