How Much Is a Yard of Concrete in 2026?
Ready-mix pricing, short-load fees, delivery minimums, and when a pile of bags is actually the cheaper way to pour.
Ready-mix concrete costs about $140 to $190 per cubic yard in 2026. Delivered, with short-load and environmental fees, the effective price is often $170 to $250 per yard. Small loads pay disproportionately more.
Price per yard
| Order type | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full truck (8–10 yards) | $140–$170/yd | Best per-yard price |
| Partial load (3–7 yards) | $150–$190/yd | Common residential order |
| Small load (1–2 yards) | $170–$250/yd | Short-load fees may apply |
| High-strength or specialty mix | $180–$250/yd | Fiber, retarder, or pump mix |
National planning ranges. Local aggregate prices, fuel surcharges, and plant distance move the number.
Delivery and fees
- Delivery: $100–$250, depending on distance and truck size.
- Short-load fee: $50–$150 for loads under the supplier’s minimum.
- Environmental or fuel fee: $10–$50 per load.
- Pump truck: $300–$800, or an hourly rate.
- Wait time: $50–$150 per hour after the first 5–10 minutes.
- Minimum order: often 1 cubic yard, sometimes 2.
Always ask for the delivered total, not just the per-yard rate. A $150 yard with a $150 short-load fee is $300 for the first yard.
How many yards do I need?
Add 5–10% for waste and uneven subgrade. For a 10x10 slab at 4 inches: 10 × 10 × 0.333 = 33.3 cu ft ÷ 27 = 1.23 yards. With 10% waste, 1.36 yards.
| Slab | 4 inches | 6 inches |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 | 1.23 yd | 1.85 yd |
| 12 × 12 | 1.78 yd | 2.67 yd |
| 20 × 20 | 4.94 yd | 7.41 yd |
| 24 × 24 | 7.11 yd | 10.67 yd |
| 30 × 30 | 11.11 yd | 16.67 yd |
Bags vs. ready-mix
| Volume | 80 lb bags | Bag cost | Ready-mix delivered | Better option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 yd | 23 | $130–$160 | $250–$400 | Bags |
| 1 yd | 45 | $250–$300 | $250–$400 | Compare |
| 2 yd | 90 | $500–$600 | $400–$600 | Ready-mix |
| 5 yd | 225 | $1,250–$1,500 | $850–$1,250 | Ready-mix |
Bag prices assume $5.50–$6.50 per 80 lb bag. Ready-mix assumes $160–$220 per yard delivered. The break-even is usually between 1 and 2 cubic yards, depending on fees and truck access.
Ordering tips
- Measure twice. A yard is 27 cubic feet; a small measurement error becomes a big order error.
- Add 5–10%. Suppliers can usually adjust a load slightly, but they cannot stretch it much.
- Confirm access. A truck needs a clear path and a safe place to chute the concrete.
- Have help. One person should guide the chute while others spread and finish.
- Plan the finish. Broom, trowel, or stamp all require different timing.
- Don’t over-order. Unused concrete is costly and hard to dispose of.
Use the concrete bag calculator for volume and bag counts, then compare the total with a delivered ready-mix quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a yard of concrete?
Ready-mix concrete typically costs $140 to $190 per cubic yard in 2026. Delivered and with fees, the effective price is often $170 to $250 per yard.
How many yards of concrete do I need for a 10x10 slab?
A 10x10 slab at 4 inches thick needs about 1.23 cubic yards, or 1.36 cubic yards with a 10% waste allowance. Order at least 1.5 yards if the supplier has a minimum.
Is ready-mix cheaper than bags?
Per yard, yes, usually. But ready-mix comes with delivery, short-load, and minimum charges. For pours under about 1 cubic yard, bags can be cheaper; above 2 cubic yards, ready-mix usually wins.
What is a short-load fee?
A short-load fee covers the supplier's cost when you order less than a full truck. It is often $50 to $150, sometimes more. Ask before you order a small load.
How much does concrete delivery cost?
Delivery is often $100 to $250 depending on distance and truck size. Some suppliers include a local delivery radius in the yard price, so compare the delivered total, not just the per-yard rate.
Can I return unused ready-mix?
Usually not. Concrete starts curing once water is added, and suppliers cannot take it back. Order carefully and have a plan for a small amount of extra.