Concrete Yardage Calculator (2026) – Cubic Yards & Truck Sizing
Calculate cubic yards for slabs, footings, columns, and walls. Includes ready-mix truck load sizing, short-load fee estimate, and 2026 cost by US region.
$140–$225 in 2026
Yardage Results
Adjust inputs and click Calculate
—
Cubic Yards to Order
—Cubic Feet
—Est. Material Cost
—Net (no waste)
—80 lb Bags Alt.
Ready-Mix Truck Guide
Full truck minimum8–10 yd³
Short-load fee$15–$25/yd³ under min
Your order vs. min—
Est. short-load fee—
Est. total incl. delivery—
*Delivery fee and short-load vary by supplier. Always confirm with your local ready-mix plant.
How to Calculate Cubic Yards of Concrete
Cubic Feet = Length × Width × Thickness (all in feet)
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
With waste = Cubic Yards × (1 + Waste%/100)
Key conversions: Always convert thickness to feet before calculating. 4 inches = 0.333 ft · 6 inches = 0.5 ft · 8 inches = 0.667 ft · 12 inches = 1.0 ft.
💡 Round columns / post holes: Volume = π × r² × height. A 12-inch diameter × 3-ft deep column = 3.1416 × (0.5)² × 3 = 2.36 ft³ = 0.087 yd³.
Ready-Mix Truck Load Guide
| Order Size | Truck Type | Short-Load Fee | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 yd³ | N/A — use bags | N/A | Use 80 lb bags; ready-mix not cost-effective |
| 1–3 yd³ | Short load / mini mix | $15–$25/yd³ under 8 yd³ | Ask for leftover from nearby pour; use bags if gap <$100 |
| 3–7 yd³ | Standard truck (partial) | $15–$25/yd³ short-load | Order ready-mix; factor short-load fee into budget |
| 8–10 yd³ | Standard truck (full) | None — at minimum | Most economical per-yard price |
| 10+ yd³ | Multiple trucks | None | Schedule back-to-back pours; don't let first truck set |
Timing is critical with ready-mix: You have 90 minutes from batching to place and finish concrete before it starts setting. For large pours, have your entire crew and all tools staged before the truck arrives. Never add extra water to "loosen" concrete — it weakens the mix.
2026 Ready-Mix Concrete Cost Guide
| Region | $/yd³ (3,000 PSI) | $/yd³ (4,000 PSI) | Delivery Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $175–$225 | $195–$250 | $150–$300 |
| West Coast | $165–$215 | $185–$240 | $150–$275 |
| Mountain West | $150–$190 | $170–$215 | $125–$250 |
| Midwest | $140–$175 | $155–$195 | $100–$225 |
| South | $130–$165 | $145–$185 | $100–$200 |
Yardage FAQ
How many yards of concrete for a 20×20 slab at 4 inches?
20 × 20 × (4/12) = 133.3 ft³ ÷ 27 = 4.94 yd³ net. With 10% waste = 5.43 yd³. This is under the typical 8 yd³ truck minimum, so expect a short-load fee of roughly $60–$135 above the base material cost.
How many yards of concrete per 80 lb bag?
One 80 lb bag yields 0.60 ft³ = 0.0222 cubic yards. To find bags needed: divide your cubic yards by 0.0222. Or: multiply cubic yards by 45 to get 80 lb bag count (before waste factor).
What is the minimum ready-mix concrete order?
Most US ready-mix suppliers have a minimum charge equivalent to a full truck — typically 8–10 cubic yards. If you need less, you pay a short-load surcharge of $15–$25 per yard for the difference. For orders under 3 yards, bags are usually more cost-effective once the short-load fee is factored in.