Ready Mix Concrete Calculator
Estimate cubic yards for ready-mix delivery — with truckload planning and cost ranges.
Your Ready Mix Estimate
- Enter dimensions — length, width, and thickness of your pour.
- Select thickness — 4" for patios, 5–6" for driveways, 8–12" for walls and footings.
- Set waste lower — 5% is typical for ready-mix since trucks deliver precisely measured volumes.
- Check truckloads — standard mixer trucks hold 8–11 yd³. Plan labor and finishing crew around delivery windows.
- Call your plant — confirm pricing, delivery fees, short-load minimums, and any overtime charges for weekend pours.
Ordering Ready-Mix Concrete
Ready-mix concrete is ordered by the cubic yard from a local batch plant. A standard mixer truck holds 8 to 11 cubic yards. The plant mixes your concrete to spec (typically 3,000 or 4,000 PSI for residential work) and delivers it to your site within a specified window — usually 90 minutes from batching, after which the concrete starts to set.
When you call to order, you'll need to specify: total cubic yards, mix design (PSI strength), any additives (fiber mesh, accelerator, retarder), and your pour date and time. Most plants require 24-hour advance notice for standard orders and 48 hours for specialty mixes.
Ready-Mix Pricing Guide
Concrete pricing varies by region, mix design, and delivery distance. Here are typical 2024–2025 ranges:
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 3,000 PSI mix | $140–$180 per yd³ | Most residential work |
| 4,000 PSI mix | $150–$200 per yd³ | Driveways, garage floors |
| 5,000 PSI mix | $160–$220 per yd³ | Commercial, high-strength |
| Short-load fee | $30–$60 per yd³ under minimum | Typically applies under 3–5 yd³ |
| Delivery / fuel surcharge | $50–$150 flat | Varies by distance from plant |
| Saturday / overtime pour | $100–$200 extra | Weekday pours avoid this fee |
| Concrete pump truck | $150–$250 per hour | Needed when truck can't reach the pour site |
Always get quotes from at least 2 local plants. Prices can vary by $20–$40 per yard between suppliers in the same area.
Formulas Used in This Calculator
Same volume math as any concrete calculator — the ready-mix context just changes how you interpret results:
Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27
With waste = Cubic yards × (1 + Waste %)
Truckloads = Cubic yards ÷ 10 (rounded up)
Waste factor for ready-mix is typically 5% — lower than bags because the truck delivers an exact measured volume. Add more waste for irregular forms or uneven subgrade.
Ready-mix concrete cost by US region (2025-2026)
| Region | Per yd3 (3,000 PSI) | Per yd3 (4,000 PSI) | Short-load surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | $125-$155 | $140-$170 | +$40-$60/yd |
| Midwest | $130-$165 | $145-$180 | +$40-$60/yd |
| South and Southwest | $130-$160 | $145-$175 | +$45-$65/yd |
| Mountain West | $145-$180 | $160-$200 | +$50-$75/yd |
| West Coast | $155-$200 | $175-$220 | +$50-$80/yd |
| Northeast | $160-$210 | $180-$230 | +$50-$80/yd |
National average: $160-$180/yd for standard 3,000 PSI in 2025, up approximately 9% year-over-year. Delivery typically included up to 20 miles. Pump truck adds $150-$500 if direct truck access is not possible. Short-load surcharges apply to orders under 5-7 cubic yards.
Related Calculators
Get your cubic yard quantity first, then order ready-mix. Browse the construction calculator collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for ready-mix concrete?
Most batch plants have a minimum delivery of 1 cubic yard, but you'll pay a short-load fee for orders under 3 to 5 yards (the threshold varies by plant). The fee typically ranges from $30 to $60 per yard under the minimum. For orders under 1 yard, bags are more practical.
How long do I have to work with ready-mix before it sets?
In normal conditions (60–80°F), you have about 90 minutes from the time the concrete is batched at the plant. Hot weather shortens this window; cold weather extends it. A retarder additive can buy an extra 30–60 minutes. Make sure your forms, rebar, and crew are 100% ready before the truck arrives.
Should I order a little extra concrete?
Yes — always order 5–10% more than calculated. Running short mid-pour is a serious problem, and you cannot effectively patch fresh concrete with a second batch. The cost of an extra quarter-yard is minimal compared to the risk of a cold joint.
How many yards of concrete do I need?
Use the calculator above — enter slab length, width, and thickness for an exact cubic yard count. A quick rule: a 10×10 ft slab at 4 inches thick needs approximately 1.23 cubic yards. Always add 10% for waste. Ready-mix trucks typically have a minimum of 1 cubic yard, with short-load fees under 3–4 yards.
What is the difference between concrete mix strengths?
Concrete strength is measured in PSI after 28-day cure. Standard residential slabs use 3,000–3,500 PSI. Driveways benefit from 4,000 PSI for better durability. The water-to-cement ratio is the biggest factor — less water means stronger concrete. Air-entrained mixes are required in freeze-thaw climates.