Construction · Concrete
Concrete Cost Per YardWork Out Ready-Mix Price Instantly
Example — 3 yd³ at $150/yd³
3.30
yd³ ordered
$495
concrete cost
$150
delivery
$645
total material
Ready-mix runs $120–$200 per cubic yard across most of the US, plus a $100–$200 delivery fee. Always add 10% waste — ordering short means a second delivery charge on top.
How much does a yard of concrete cost?
In the US, ready-mix concrete is sold by the cubic yard. Prices typically range from $120 to $200 per cubic yard, depending on your location, the concrete mix specification (standard, fibre-reinforced, high-PSI), and the supplier. Urban areas and markets with high fuel costs tend to sit at the top of that range.
On top of the per-yard price, most suppliers charge a flat delivery fee of $100–$200 per truck. If your order falls below the supplier's minimum — usually 5–7 cubic yards — you'll also pay a short-load surcharge of $15–$25 per yard under that minimum.
| Region | Price per yd³ | Typical delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $120–$145 | $100–$150 |
| Southeast | $125–$155 | $100–$175 |
| Southwest | $130–$165 | $125–$175 |
| Northeast | $145–$185 | $150–$200 |
| West Coast | $155–$200 | $150–$200 |
| Rural areas | $130–$170 | $150–$250+ |
Approximate 2026 averages. Always get quotes from at least two local suppliers before ordering.
What affects the cost of concrete per yard?
Location
Labour markets, fuel, and local demand all shift the base price. West Coast and Northeast prices are typically 20–30% above the national average.
Mix specification
Standard 3,000 PSI costs less than high-strength 4,000–5,000 PSI mixes. Fibre-reinforced or air-entrained concrete adds $5–$15 per yard.
Order size
Small orders under 5–7 yards incur a short-load surcharge. Larger pours spread the delivery cost over more yards, lowering the effective price per yard.
Season & demand
Spring and summer are peak season. Prices can rise 5–10% during high demand. Ordering in late autumn or winter may get you a better rate.
Additives
Accelerators (cold weather), retarders (hot weather), water reducers, and colour pigments each add to the mix price — typically $3–$20 per yard.
Delivery distance
Suppliers charge extra for long hauls — concrete must be placed within 90 minutes of batching. Remote sites often pay $20–$50 extra per yard.
Bagged concrete vs ready-mix: cost comparison
Bagged premix (80 lb bags)
$300–$480 per yd³
~60 bags at $5–$8 each
Practical only for pours under 0.5 yards — fence posts, small repairs, and steps. No delivery cost, but labour-intensive and inconsistent for large pours.
Ready-mix (truck delivery)
$120–$200 per yd³
Plus $100–$200 delivery charge
The right choice for anything over 1 yard. Consistent mix, faster pour, and lower cost at volume. For a 3 yd³ slab, ready-mix typically saves $300–$600 over bagged concrete.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of concrete cost?
Ready-mix concrete costs $120–$200 per cubic yard in the US, plus a delivery fee of $100–$200 per truck. Prices vary by region, mix spec, and order size. Urban markets and the West Coast tend to be at the higher end.
How much concrete is in a yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet — a 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft cube. It weighs around 4,000 lb and covers a 10×10 ft area at 3 inches thick, or a 10×10 ft area at 4 inches thick using 1.23 yards.
What is a short load charge?
If you order less than the supplier's minimum — usually 5–7 cubic yards — they charge a short-load fee of $15–$25 per yard under that minimum, or a flat fee of $50–$150. Always ask your supplier about their minimum order.
Is it cheaper to mix your own concrete?
For small pours under 0.5 yards, mixing bagged concrete is cost-effective. For anything larger, ready-mix is significantly cheaper per yard and produces a more consistent result.
How do I calculate how much concrete I need?
Multiply length (ft) × width (ft) × (thickness in ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add 10% for waste. Use the concrete volume calculator above or the slab calculator for a complete estimate.
This calculator provides material cost estimates for planning purposes only. Ready-mix prices vary by region, supplier, and market conditions. Delivery charges, short-load fees, and mix surcharges are not included in all estimates. Always confirm pricing with your local ready-mix supplier before ordering.