How Much Is a Yard of Concrete?
Part of Concrete & Masonry
Quick answer
A cubic yard of ready-mix concrete costs roughly $125–$165 delivered (US national average, June 2026), before short-load and other fees. One yard fills 27 ft³ — it covers about 81 ft² at 4 inches thick, or equals 45 × 80 lb bags if you mix it yourself.
"A yard of concrete" means a cubic yard — 27 cubic feet of mixed concrete. There are really two answers to how much it is: how much area it makes, and how much it costs. Here's both.
What a yard of concrete gives you
| Slab thickness | Area covered | Bags to make it yourself |
|---|---|---|
| 4 in (patio, walkway) | 81 ft² | 45 × 80 lb · 60 × 60 lb · 90 × 40 lb |
| 5 in (driveway) | 65 ft² | same — bag count is per yard, not per area |
| 6 in (heavy slab) | 54 ft² | same |
Coverage drops as the slab gets thicker because the yard is a fixed 27 ft³ of volume. Shortcut: area in ft² = 324 ÷ thickness in inches.
What a yard of concrete costs
| Cost item | Typical 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| Ready-mix, delivered | $125–$165 per cubic yard |
| Short-load fee (under ~5 yd³) | $50–$150 added |
| Pumping (truck can't reach) | $900–$1,200 per job |
| Mixing from 80 lb bags | ~$200–$230 per yard (45 bags) |
Prices vary by region, PSI mix and fuel costs. Mixing bags looks cheaper per bag but costs more per yard once you buy 45 of them — and it's a hard day's work. Past about a cubic yard, ordering ready-mix by the truck is usually cheaper and far faster.
To price your own pour, get the cubic yards from the concrete calculator, then multiply by your local supplier's per-yard rate. Source: US national average-cost references; ready-mix price trend tracked via the Producer Price Index for ready-mix concrete (FRED series PCU327320327320). Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
How much does a yard of concrete cost?
About $125–$165 per cubic yard delivered as of 2026, before fees. Small orders add a short-load fee of $50–$150, and pumping adds $900–$1,200 when a truck can't reach the pour.
How many square feet does a yard of concrete cover?
81 ft² at 4 inches thick, 65 ft² at 5 inches, and 54 ft² at 6 inches. Coverage equals 324 ÷ the thickness in inches.
How many bags equal a yard of concrete?
45 × 80 lb bags, 60 × 60 lb bags, or 90 × 40 lb bags. Each yields a fraction of a cubic foot, and a yard is 27 ft³.