What Concrete Really Costs
Ready-mix concrete typically runs $125–$170 per cubic yard delivered in most U.S. markets, with higher-PSI mixes, fiber, and winter additives adding to the base price. The catch for small jobs is the short-load fee: trucks are most efficient delivering 8–10 yards, so orders under about 4–5 yards commonly carry a $75–$150 surcharge. Bagged mix costs more per unit of concrete — an 80 lb bag at $7 works out to roughly $315 per cubic yard — but has no delivery minimum, which is why bags win on small pours.
The crossover point lands around 1 to 1.5 cubic yards for most people. Below it, bags are cheaper and simpler. Above it, ready-mix usually wins even with a short-load fee — and it delivers consistent strength, arrives ready to place, and saves hours of heavy mixing. Labor is the hidden column in the comparison: a yard of bagged concrete means mixing 45 bags, roughly two tons of material, before finishing work even starts.
| Pour size | Bags (80 lb @ $7) | Ready-mix @ $150/yd + $100 fee | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 yd³ (small pad) | 23 bags — $161 | $175 | Bags |
| 1 yd³ | 45 bags — $315 | $250 | Ready-mix |
| 2 yd³ | 90 bags — $630 | $400 | Ready-mix |
| 4 yd³ (driveway) | 180 bags — $1,260 | $700 | Ready-mix |
Tip: When phoning for ready-mix quotes, have your yardage (from the slab calculator), desired PSI (3,000–3,500 for most residential slabs), and pour date ready. Ask explicitly about short-load, fuel, and Saturday fees — they're where quotes diverge.