This calculator gives you the material cost of a concrete slab — ready-mix or bagged. Enter your slab dimensions and your local price per cubic yard, and you get total cost with 10% waste built in.
How slab cost is calculated
order = volume × 1.10 (10% waste)
total cost = order × price per cu yd
The calculator uses $165/cu yd as the default — a 2026 US average for ready-mix delivered. Your actual price may be $130-$200 depending on region, time of year, and delivery distance. Always get a local quote.
What’s included vs not included
What it doesn't cover: Labor (huge variable — DIY is free, contractor is $4-$7/sq ft), gravel base, rebar, formwork, finishing tools, sealer, control joints. For a complete project budget, add 50-100% to the concrete cost.
Concrete pricing by US region (2026)
| Region | Per cu yd (delivered) |
|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, NJ, MA, CT) | $180-$220 |
| Mid-Atlantic (DC, MD, VA, PA) | $160-$200 |
| Southeast (FL, GA, NC, SC) | $130-$170 |
| Midwest (OH, IL, IN, MI) | $150-$180 |
| Texas / South Central | $130-$170 |
| Mountain West (CO, AZ, UT) | $150-$190 |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $180-$240 |
Add $50-$150 short-load fee for any pour under 1 cubic yard. Add $25-$50 per mile for delivery beyond standard service area (typically 20-30 miles from the plant).
Bagged vs ready-mix cost comparison
For a 1 cu yd job ($165 default ready-mix):
| Option | Material cost | Labor (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-mix delivered | ~$165 (+ $200 min) = $200-250 | 0.5 hr (chute to slab) |
| Sakrete 5000 (45 × 80 lb @ $5.25) | $236 | ~3 hr (mixing) |
| Quikrete 5000 (45 × 80 lb @ $7) | $315 | ~3 hr (mixing) |
| Sakrete (60 × 60 lb @ $4.50) | $270 | ~4 hr (mixing) |
For 1 cu yd: Ready-mix is cheaper than bagged AND faster.
When ready-mix gets you in trouble
Ready-mix becomes EXPENSIVE for small pours because of the delivery minimum:
- 0.25 cu yd needed → $200 min = $800/cu yd effective rate
- 0.5 cu yd needed → $200 min = $400/cu yd effective rate
- 1 cu yd needed → $200 = $200/cu yd ✓ (fair price)
- 2 cu yd needed → $300-350 = $150-175/cu yd ✓ (good price)
Below 1 cu yd, bagged is almost always cheaper. Use the Concrete Calculator for cubic yards, then decide bag vs ready-mix based on the volume.
What contractors charge
If you’re hiring a contractor for a finished slab, expect:
| Job size | Contractor price (material + labor + finish) |
|---|---|
| 100 sq ft patio | $500-$1,500 |
| 200 sq ft patio | $1,000-$2,500 |
| 400 sq ft driveway section | $2,000-$4,500 |
| 600 sq ft garage floor | $3,000-$6,500 |
Contractor pricing varies wildly by region and finish quality (broom vs stamped vs polished). The cost calculator above is for material only — multiply by 2-3× for a contractor estimate.
Money-saving tips
- Bundle pours: If you have a patio AND a walkway, do them in one ready-mix delivery to avoid two minimums
- Off-season pricing: Concrete plants discount 10-15% in winter (cold-weather demand drops)
- Chase the truck: If a neighbor is having concrete delivered, ask if you can buy any leftover for cheap (often $50/half-yard)
- DIY finishing: The pour is the easy part. Hire only the finishing if you want a smooth result and don’t trust your trowel skills
Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete slab cost in 2026?
Ready-mix concrete: $130-$200 per cu yd delivered (varies by region — higher in Northeast and California, lower in South). Add labor: If hiring out, residential slabs run $5-$10 per sq ft total (concrete + labor + finishing). DIY material-only is ~$2-$3 per sq ft for a 4" slab.
What's the cost of a 12x12 patio slab?
144 sq ft × 4" thick = 1.78 cu yd. DIY material: ~$320 (ready-mix) or ~$340 (60 lb bags). Hired out: $720-$1,440 (labor included). Use the calculator with your local price for an exact number.
Does the calculator include labor?
No — material cost only. Labor for finishing varies hugely (DIY = free, contractor = $4-$7/sq ft). Add labor separately based on local rates if you're hiring out.
What's the typical delivery minimum?
Most ready-mix companies have a $200 minimum delivery regardless of volume, plus $50-$150 short-load fee for under-1-yard pours. Below 0.5 cu yd, bagged concrete is usually cheaper. Above 1 cu yd, ready-mix wins.
Why is the calculator using $165/cu yd as default?
$165 is the 2026 US average for ready-mix delivered concrete. Update the price field with your local rate for accuracy. Get a quote from your nearest ready-mix supplier — they'll quote per cu yd including delivery.