MeasureTwice

Concrete cost calculator

Concrete cost calculator for material, labor, and installed price.

Estimate concrete yards, bag count, ready-mix material, bagged material, labor allowance, and total cost from one set of dimensions.

20 x 20 x 4 in slab

$3,015

ready-mix route estimate

Planning range

$1,879-$4,151

based on stored price bands

Cost intent

Quote-ready

material, labor, and scope notes visible

Concrete cost estimate

Concrete cost calculator

Live estimate

Concrete volume

5.43 yd^3

146.7 ft^3 with waste

Labor allowance

$2,200

Editable estimate, not a quote

Best next step

Compare routes

Ready-mix usually wins on larger pours

Quick cost answers

Common concrete cost checks

10 x 10 patio

100 sq ft at 4 in

$754

ready-mix route, $7.54/sq ft

bagged route: $907

20 x 20 slab

400 sq ft at 4 in

$3,015

ready-mix route, $7.54/sq ft

bagged route: $3,609

16 x 20 driveway panel

320 sq ft at 5 in

$2,575

ready-mix route, $8.05/sq ft

bagged route: $3,169

Quote scope checklist

Ask whether the quote includes excavation, base gravel, forms, reinforcement, delivery, pump or buggy work, finishing, control joints, cleanup, and haul-away.

Shopping list

Ready to price and order

Use the calculated quantities as a starting cart, then compare store availability, delivery fees, pallet limits, and local ready-mix minimums before buying.

Primary material

62 bags

80 lb concrete mix

Use the calculated bag count as your buying starting point, then verify yield and pallet limits with the store.

Large pours

Ready-mix quote check

For high bag counts, compare the bagged route against local ready-mix minimums, delivery, access, and unload time.

Optional base

Gravel base

Base depth is project-specific. Estimate it separately before adding bags or bulk gravel to the order.

Optional forms

Forms and stakes

Plan lumber, stakes, screws, release, and bracing around the perimeter and any step-downs or curves.

Store buttons open retailer search results for now. Confirm exact product yield, pickup, delivery, and pallet rules before ordering.

Formula shown

How the concrete cost calculation works

1. Estimate concrete volume

cubic feet = length ft x width ft x thickness in / 12

2. Add waste and convert to yards

cubic yards = cubic feet x (1 + waste) / 27

3. Compare material routes

ready-mix material = yd^3 x price per yd^3; bagged material = 80 lb bags x bag price

4. Add labor allowance

installed estimate = material cost + area sq ft x labor per sq ft

What is not included

The calculator does not price permits, demolition, excavation, base gravel, reinforcement, fiber, vapor barrier, concrete pump, delivery minimums, decorative finishes, sealing, drainage work, or local code requirements. Add those to contractor quotes before comparing bids.

Sources

Reviewed for estimating accuracy

Written by

MeasureTwice Editorial

DIY estimating and home-improvement research

Reviewed by

Mark Ellis

Concrete flatwork and small-project takeoffs

Last updated: June 21, 2026

Estimate only. This calculator is not a quote. Verify product yield, price, delivery minimums, and local conditions with your supplier or contractor before buying materials.

Related calculators

Move between quantity and cost

FAQ

Concrete cost questions

Answers for ready-mix vs bagged concrete, labor assumptions, cost ranges, and quote limitations.

How much does a concrete slab cost? +

Concrete slab cost depends on slab size, thickness, local ready-mix price, bag price, labor, access, base prep, reinforcement, and finish. This calculator separates material and labor so you can adjust the assumptions.

Is bagged concrete cheaper than ready-mix? +

Bagged concrete can be convenient for very small pours, but ready-mix is usually easier and often cheaper per cubic yard once the project needs many bags. Compare both totals before buying.

What is included in the labor allowance? +

The labor allowance is a simple per-square-foot planning number. It does not include permit fees, excavation, base gravel, reinforcement, pumping, demolition, hauling, or special finishes unless you add those outside the calculator.

Why does the calculator show a cost range? +

The range uses the concrete price bands stored in the site material data. It is meant to show planning sensitivity, not a local quote.

Is this concrete cost estimate a contractor quote? +

No. It is an estimate only. Verify quantity, ready-mix minimums, delivery fees, labor scope, finish, reinforcement, and site access with a supplier or contractor.