In 2025, the typical cost of one yard of ready-mix concrete in the United States varies from $125 to $165, which depends on the strength, distance of delivery, prices of the region, and conditions of the site. Additionally, the final price also takes into account such factors as additives, labor, and the degree of finish, which makes it very necessary to make a precise estimate of the project before its implementation.
What is a Cubic Yard of Concrete?
A cubic yard is the basic unit of measurement when ordering concrete. In other words, it is a volume of 27 cubic feet that is a 3-foot x 3-foot x 3-foot cube. Because concrete is a heavy and expensive material, it is important not to overwork it and, at the same time, to know how much a yard of concrete covers, thus enabling you to manage the cost efficiently.
- At 4 inches, a cubic yard covers approximately 81 square feet of area.
- At 6 inches, it covers about 54 square feet.
- At 8 inches, it covers 40 square feet.
These areas of coverage are very helpful in calculating the quantity of concrete that will be needed, therefore for making concrete driveways, patios, slabs, and more. It is advisable to establish your project based on a clear, concrete takeoff to recognize these factors that are related to the site at the earliest stage of planning.
Average Cost of Concrete Per Yard (2025 Rates)
The cost of concrete depends on the type of mix, location, and market demand. The national average pricing for basic gray ready-mix concrete is shown below:
| Concrete Strength | Cost Per Yard |
| 2,500 PSI | $125 – $135 |
| 3,000 PSI | $130 – $140 |
| 4,000 PSI | $135 – $150 |
| 5,000 PSI | $145 – $165 |
Mixes with higher PSI, which provide more strength and durability, will certainly be more expensive because the cement content is higher.
What kind of things is the per-yard price composed of?
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When you purchase concrete, you are paying not only for cement and aggregate but also for other services such as:
- The process of batching and mixing the materials
- Free delivery to a certain area (generally 20–30 miles)
- Quick service at the deposit (usually 5–10 minutes per yard)
However, if there are changes in the conditions that are waiting time amount, setting time, or if you need additional materials for your project, then you have to pay for them separately. Being aware of what is included in the service helps to avoid surprises on your invoice.
Factors That Affect the Cost Per Yard
1. Concrete Strength (PSI)
A required strength to be high would, in turn, call for a higher cement content and thus more additives. Residential construction slabs generally employ a 2,500–3,000 psi level of strength, while areas such as driveways for heavy use may require 4,000–5,000 psi strength, which will increase the cost per yard.
2. Additives and Admixtures
Common additives include:
- Fiber mesh for crack resistance (+$5–$10/yard)
- Retarders for hot weather work (+$3–$7/yard)
- Accelerators for cold weather pours (+$5–$15/yard)
- Plasticizers for improved flow (+$3–$8/yard)
3. Air Entrainment
Air entrainment in concrete is generally a must for colder regions to avoid damage caused by freezing and thawing cycles, and comes to be around $3–$5 per yard.
Site Conditions and Their Impact on Pricing
Different characteristics of your job site and its state directly influence the price you will be charged per yard of concrete. Some examples are:
- Restricted access may stop the truck from going up to the pouring site; hence, the use of a pump truck will be necessary, which will add $500–$1,200 to the total cost of the job.
- Undulations provided by irregular topography or long distances from the street may require using extended chutes or a larger workforce.
- The waiting time for the site longer than the allowed window may lead to the payment of $2–$3 for each minute exceeding.
Delivery Fees and Minimum Order Charges
Concrete is usually priced with a minimum volume of delivery, which is typically 2–3 yards. A short-load fee may be added to the price of a small project to make up for the supplier’s loss. Examples include:
- Short-load fees: $50–$150
- Extended delivery range (beyond 30 miles): $5–$15 per additional mile
- Fuel surcharges: Based on local diesel rates
These fees highlight the importance of good planning at the early stages, especially in small residential projects.
Concrete Supplier Location and Regional Pricing
Concrete pricing is influenced by localities. Prices in rural or low-demand areas can be lower because of reduced overhead, while metro areas with high labor and fuel costs will see higher rates.
For example:
- Rural Midwest: $115–$135 per yard
- Urban California or New York: $150–$175 per yard
- Southern U.S.: $120–$145 per yard
Local marketing demand, transportation and freight, and availability of aggregates lead to unequal prices in different regions.
Types of Concrete Mix and Their Costs
Concrete comes in different mixes with various properties. Specially designed mixes are usually more expensive:
- Standard Ready-Mix: $125–$145/yard
- High-Strength Concrete (5,000+ PSI): $150–$165/yard
- Stamped or Colored Concrete: $170–$250/yard
- Lightweight Concrete: $160–$180/yard
The more changes or the higher the project performance requirement, the more expensive it will be.
Estimating How Much Concrete You Need
To calculate the number of cubic yards you will need, use this formula:
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27
For example:
- A 10×10 slab at 4 inches thick = (10 × 10 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 1.22 yards
Round up to 1.5 yards to allow room for waste and small errors in measurement.
How Many Yards of Concrete for Common Projects
| Project | Area | Thickness | Yards Needed |
| Patio | 12 ft x 12 ft | 4 inches | ~1.8 yards |
| Driveway (1 car) | 10 ft x 20 ft | 6 inches | ~3.7 yards |
| Sidewalk (50 ft) | 3 ft x 50 ft | 4 inches | ~1.85 yards |
| Garage Slab | 20 ft x 20 ft | 6 inches | ~7.4 yards |
Always add 5–10% extra to accommodate minor errors.
Cost Comparison: Ready-Mix vs. On-Site Mixing
Ready-mix concrete is:
- Quicker and assures quality control
- More costly initially, but saves on labor and avoids delays
On-site mixing:
- Less expensive in terms of material
- More suitable for jobs in remote areas or of very small size
- May result in inconsistency and delays
The majority of homeowners and contractors follow the route of ready-mix with the right takeoff.
Labor and Installation Costs
Usually, labor is not part of the price per yard. Anticipate:
- For basic concrete, $8–$18 per square foot installed
- Rates that are higher for rebar, stamping, coloring, or sealing
- Work that needs extra hands, such as excavation, grading, or formwork
Depending on the finish level, the total installed cost per yard may range from $250 to $450.
Add-On Costs: Reinforcement and Finishing
Here is the list of Ford additions that will drive the price up per yard:
- Wire mesh: $0.30–$0.60/sq. Ft.
- Rebar: $1–$2 per linear foot
- Vapor barrier: $0.50–$1.00/sq. Ft.
- Stamping: $6–$12/sq. Ft.
- Sealing: $1–$3/sq. Ft.
These details should be calculated during your takeoff phase.
Budgeting for Waste and Overages
Always order 5–10% more concrete than the calculated requirement. Reasons include:
- Spillage during pouring
- Uneven subgrades
- Shrinkage during curing
Underordering can lead to not just delays but also costly short-load fees for the extra required.
Tips to Save Money on Concrete Projects
- Make a bulk order to eliminate short-load fees.
- Plan the pours early in the day to prevent heat-induced setting problems.
- Merging several pours allows for the best use of the truckload.
- Selecting the proper PSI does not go beyond what is necessary for light-duty applications.
- Opt for suppliers who are nearby so you won’t have to pay high fuel and delivery charges.
FAQs: How Much is a Yard of Concrete?
1. How much does a yard of concrete cover?
At 4 inches thick, one yard covers about 81 square feet.
2. What is the cheapest concrete mix?
A 2,500 PSI mix without additives is usually the cheapest, around $125/yard.
3. How many yards do I need for a 10×10 slab?
At 4 inches thick, you’ll need approximately 1.25–1.5 yards.
4. Does concrete pricing include delivery?
Yes, most suppliers include basic delivery within a 20–30 mile radius.
5. Can I pour concrete myself to save money?
Yes, pouring concrete yourself can save on labor costs, but it requires careful preparation, tools, and experience. DIY is best for small, simple projects like walkways or shed pads.