Concrete planning estimate
Calculate cubic yards of ready-mix concrete for delivery. Estimate truck count, minimum load warnings, and ordering quantity for driveways, garage slabs, foundations, and other large pours.
Enter your project dimensions and the calculator outputs the cubic yards needed for a ready-mix order, truck count, and any minimum-load warnings so you can call your supplier with accurate numbers.
What to know before calling your ready-mix supplier.
Most suppliers have a minimum load of 1–3 yd³. Orders below the minimum carry a short-load fee — often $50–$150+. If your project is under 1 yd³, bags are usually a better choice.
Pre-calculated for standard concrete pours with 10% waste factor.
| Project | Thickness | Ordered yd³ | Trucks (10 yd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft patio | 4 in | 2.74 | 1 |
| 20 × 20 ft garage slab | 4 in | 5.19 | 1 |
| 20 × 20 ft driveway | 5 in | 6.79 | 1 |
| 24 × 24 ft two-car garage | 4 in | 7.47 | 1 |
| 30 × 40 ft warehouse slab | 5 in | 20.37 | 3 |
Ready-mix is typically priced per cubic yard plus a delivery charge. Short-load fees apply when you order less than the truck minimum (usually 1–3 yd³). Prices vary widely by region and season.
Most ready-mix suppliers have a minimum load of 1–3 cubic yards. Orders below the minimum typically carry a short-load surcharge. Call your local supplier for current minimums and pricing.
Most suppliers allow 30–45 minutes of on-site time per load before charging waiting fees. Have your forms, reinforcement, and crew ready before the truck arrives to use the time efficiently.
3000 psi (M250) for patios and general residential slabs. 4000 psi (M300) for driveways, foundations, and exterior slabs in freeze-thaw climates. Ask your supplier about air entrainment for exterior work.
Use 5% for simple flat slabs with accurate forms. Use 10% for driveways, footings, and complex pours. You cannot return unused concrete — ordering slightly over is always better than running short.
A standard ready-mix truck holds 8–10 cubic yards. Smaller short-load trucks may hold 4–6 yd³. Confirm your supplier's truck size when ordering.
These are rough material estimates for planning purposes. Confirm all specifications — volume, mix design, slump, air content, and delivery — with your ready-mix supplier before placing an order. Pricing, minimums, and truck capacities vary by supplier and region.