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.
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.