Cost Estimators · Concrete
Concrete Cost Per Sq Ft Calculator
Enter your slab area and instantly estimate concrete cost — materials, labor, and finishing included.
Most people don't realise a 6-inch concrete slab costs roughly 50% more per sq ft than a 4-inch one — same footprint, very different price. Finishing type, reinforcement, and whether you need removal of an existing slab all move the number significantly. Use this calculator to get a solid baseline before requesting quotes.
Enter an area above to see your estimate
Using national average: $4–$10/sq ft
Estimates are based on national averages and are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and material choice.
Example: 600 sq ft concrete slab
Area
600
sq ft
Low Estimate
$2,400
@ $4/sq ft
High Estimate
$6,000
@ $10/sq ft
Based on national average rates of $4–$10/sq ft. Actual costs will vary by location and contractor.
What does concrete cost per square foot?
A basic concrete slab costs $4–$8 per sq ft installed for a standard 4-inch pour. Driveways at 6 inches typically run $6–$10 per sq ft. Decorative and stamped concrete adds $3–$12 per sq ft to the base price. Ready-mix delivery fees apply for smaller pours, and removal of an existing slab adds $1–$3 per sq ft. Always get at least two quotes from local contractors before committing. For volume-based estimates, our concrete slab calculator works out cubic yards and bag counts alongside the installed cost.
Cost by project size
| Project size | Low estimate | High estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 200 sq ft (small patio or step) | $800 | $2,000 |
| 400 sq ft (standard driveway section) | $1,600 | $4,000 |
| 600 sq ft | $2,400 | $6,000 |
| 800 sq ft (large driveway) | $3,200 | $8,000 |
| 1,200 sq ft (shop floor / large slab) | $4,800 | $12,000 |
Approximate 2026 US national averages at $4–$10/sq ft installed. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and project complexity.
What affects concrete cost per square foot?
Slab thickness
A standard 4-inch slab costs roughly 40% more concrete than a 3.5-inch pour. Driveways need 5–6 inches. Thicker slabs increase both material and forming costs significantly.
Finish type
Broom finish is cheapest ($4–$8/sq ft). Exposed aggregate adds $2–$4/sq ft. Stamped and coloured concrete adds $8–$15/sq ft — the biggest single cost variable after slab size.
Reinforcement
Wire mesh adds ~$0.25/sq ft and is standard. Rebar adds ~$1/sq ft and is recommended for driveways, heavy loads, and expansive clay soils. Fibre reinforcement is a mid-range alternative.
Site preparation
Grading, compaction, and sub-base work adds $1–$3/sq ft before any concrete is poured. Rocky or poorly draining sites cost significantly more to prepare.
Existing surface removal
Removing an old concrete slab adds $2–$5/sq ft including breaking and disposal. Paver or gravel removal is cheaper at $1–$2/sq ft. Always get a quote that separates demo from pour costs.
Location & delivery
Ready-mix concrete delivery costs more in rural areas. Small pours under 3–4 cubic yards often trigger a short-load surcharge of $100–$200 per delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete slab cost per square foot?
A basic concrete slab costs $4–$8 per square foot installed for a standard 4-inch broom-finish pour. Driveways at 5–6 inches run $6–$10/sq ft. Decorative stamped concrete costs $12–$20+/sq ft installed.
How thick should a concrete slab be?
Patios and walkways: 3.5–4 inches. Driveways: 5–6 inches. Garage floors: 4–6 inches. Workshop or heavy vehicle areas: 6+ inches. Thicker slabs cost significantly more but last longer and resist cracking better under load.
How much concrete do I need for a 10×10 slab?
A 10×10 ft (100 sq ft) slab at 4 inches thick needs approximately 1.23 cubic yards of concrete. At 6 inches, that rises to 1.85 cubic yards. Always add 10% for overpour and waste — so order 1.4 and 2.05 cubic yards respectively.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches 70% strength at 7 days and full design strength (3,000–4,000 PSI) at 28 days. You can walk on it after 24–48 hours and drive on it after 7 days. Full curing for heavy vehicle loads takes the full 28 days.
What is the difference between concrete and cement?
Cement is the powder binder — just one ingredient in concrete. Concrete is the finished mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. When people say 'cement cost', they usually mean concrete. Ready-mix concrete costs $120–$160 per cubic yard delivered, depending on location.