Concrete is used for driveways, patios, sidewalks, foundations, slabs and other construction projects. The ready mix concrete price is generally quoted in cubic yards, so having an understanding of the cost can help you plan your construction budget. When considering a new concrete job, you can use the amount of concrete in a yard to the estimate the concrete cost of the job and make sure that you do not run into undue expenses.
What Is a Cubic Yard of Concrete?
Concrete suppliers use the standard measurement of a cubic yard. There are 27 cubic feet of concrete in one cubic yard. The quantity required will depend on the dimensions of the space to be filled and its thickness.
For instance, a 10-foot-by-10-foot 4-inch thick slab needs about 1.23 cubic yards of concrete. Contractors usually order a bit more concrete than required because actual locations may have a slight variation in areas, or there may be differences in measurement.
Average Cost of a Yard of Concrete
Concrete prices can differ from one region to another and from one supplier to another, depending on the strength of the concrete and the requirements of the project. If you are wondering how much is a yard of concrete, the cost of standard ready-mixed concrete can be around $125 to $180 per cubic yard, excluding extra charges for delivery and installation.
Specialty concrete mixes may be more expensive. High-strength, fiber-reinforced, decorative, and fast-setting concrete mixes may cost more than regular mixes.
What Can Increase Concrete Costs?
The quoted price per cubic yard is not always the total amount you will spend. Several factors can affect the final project cost.
Delivery: Ready-mix concrete usually needs to be transported by a concrete truck. Delivery fees can vary depending on distance, order size, and supplier policies.
Minimum Orders: Some suppliers have minimum purchase requirements. Small projects may also include short-load or small-order charges.
Site Preparation: Excavation, grading, compacting, and preparing the base can add to the overall cost.
Reinforcement: Projects may require rebar, wire mesh, or other reinforcement depending on the application.
Labor: Pouring, leveling, finishing, and curing the concrete require labor, which is generally separate from the material price.
How to Calculate the Concrete You Need
To estimate the amount of concrete required, multiply the length by the width and depth of the project. Make sure all measurements are converted to feet.
For example:
Length × Width × Depth = Cubic Feet
Then divide the cubic-foot measurement by 27 to determine the number of cubic yards.
For a project measuring 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches deep:
20 × 10 × 0.33 = 66 cubic feet
66 ÷ 27 = approximately 2.44 cubic yards.
Adding a small allowance can help account for waste and variations in the site.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the answer to how much is a yard of concrete is an important part of estimating a construction project. The material cost, however, is just one element of the overall cost. Final costs can vary with delivery or site prep, reinforcement, labor, finishing, and local supplier rates. Ordering before getting a detailed quote and precise quantity calculation may be helpful in keeping your project in budget.
