How much is a yard of concrete?

It varies by strength and region — enter your plant's price.

What is a short-load fee?

A charge for ordering below the truck minimum, often 3–6 yd³.

If the truck can't reach the pour, yes.

Often 3,000–4,000 psi; follow the plans.

How much does a pump cost?

A setup fee plus hourly or per yard — get a firm price.

Can I add water on site?

Avoid it — it raises the water-cement ratio and lowers strength.

Concrete cost calculator

Volume, price per cubic yard or metre, pumping, minimum order and short-load fee: you get the total cost and real price per unit.

Purchase quantity

4.12 yd³

Net measurement: 4.12 yd³ · Waste 5 %

Ready-mix concrete4.12 yd³ · $299.25
Pumping1 unit · $0.00
Short-load fee0 unit · $0.00
Cost per m³1.308 yd³ · $95.00

Indicative estimate: $299.25

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Calculate labour, margin & GST

How it's calculated (visible formula)

cost = volume × (1 + waste) × price + pumping + short-load fee if under the minimum

Net geometric measurement, no waste.
Adjustable waste % for cuts and breakage.
Purchase rounded up to sellable units (boxes, bags, buckets, boards).

See methodology and formula versions

How to calculate it, step by step

Work out volume and add waste.
Enter the plant's price per unit.
Add pumping if the truck can't reach.
Check whether the order meets the load minimum.
Review total and cost per unit.

Worked example: 3.9 yd³ (3 m³) at $95/m³, no pump

3 × 1.05 = 3.15 m³
3.15 × $95 = $299

→ $299.25.

Common mistakes

Forgetting the short-load fee.
Not asking how much unloading time is included.
Ordering without about 5% extra.

Pro tips

Ask how much unloading time is included — waiting is billed.
Order the exact strength and slump specified.
Have access and forms ready before the truck arrives.
Combine pours to avoid short-load fees.

From calculation to quote

Add labour, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.

Create quote Calculate margin & GST

FAQs

How much is a yard of concrete?: It varies by strength and region — enter your plant's price.
What is a short-load fee?: A charge for ordering below the truck minimum, often 3–6 yd³.
Do I need a pump?: If the truck can't reach the pour, yes.
What mix for a slab?: Often 3,000–4,000 psi; follow the plans.
How much does a pump cost?: A setup fee plus hourly or per yard — get a firm price.
Can I add water on site?: Avoid it — it raises the water-cement ratio and lowers strength.

Sources and standards

Maintained by Srikanta M · Formula v1.0.0 · Verified 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 · Limits: quantity estimation, not structural design or site supervision.