Concrete cost guide
Ready-Mix Concrete Cost Per Yard
Ready-mix concrete costs about $130 to $180 per cubic yard delivered in 2026, depending mainly on PSI strength and region. Standard 3,000 PSI residential mix averages around $135 to $145 per yard, while 5,000 PSI structural mix runs closer to $160 to $180. On top of the per-yard price, small orders carry a short-load fee that can add $50 to $150 or more.
This guide explains what you are paying for per yard, the fees that surprise people, and when ready-mix beats bags. Use any of the calculators to convert your project volume into yards, then multiply by your local per-yard quote.
Need project-specific numbers? Use the Ready-Mix Concrete Cost Calculator Per Yard.
Last updated June 10, 2026
Typical Cost Ranges
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3000 PSI | $130-$145/yd | Residential flatwork |
| 4000 PSI | $145-$160/yd | Driveways, garage slabs |
| 5000 PSI | $160-$180/yd | Heavy-duty or structural mixes |
| Short-load fee | $50-$150+ | Often under 3 cubic yards |
What Drives the Cost
- PSI strength: Higher-strength mixes use more cement, so moving from 3,000 to 5,000 PSI typically adds $20 to $40 per cubic yard.
- Short-load fees: Orders under about 3 cubic yards are surcharged because the truck leaves partly empty; this is the single biggest cost driver on small pours.
- Delivery distance: Plants charge for haul distance and time; sites far from a batch plant pay more in delivery and may hit overage fees if unloading is slow.
- Admixtures: Fiber, accelerators for cold weather, retarders for hot weather, and air entrainment each add a few dollars per yard.
- Scheduling: Weekend pours, after-hours delivery, and waiting time at the site can all carry extra charges.
How To Estimate It
- Ready-mix cost = cubic yards x price per yard + delivery fees
What a per-yard price does and does not include
The headline per-yard price covers the concrete itself at a given strength. It usually does not include the short-load fee, delivery beyond a base radius, waiting time if your crew unloads slowly, pumping, or admixtures. Always ask the plant for an all-in delivered price for your specific yardage and mix so the surcharges do not surprise you.
Ready-mix vs bagged break-even
The crossover is around one cubic yard. Below that, bagged concrete usually wins once you account for the short-load fee; above it, ready-mix is both cheaper per yard and far less labor. For a project near the line, price both: a single cubic yard is about 45 to 50 standard 80 lb bags.
FAQs
What is a short-load fee?
It is a surcharge for small orders that do not fill enough of the truck to be economical for the supplier, commonly $50 to $150 or more.
Is higher PSI concrete more expensive?
Yes. Higher PSI usually uses more cement and can include different mix design requirements, increasing price per yard.
How much does a yard of concrete cost in 2026?
About $130 to $180 delivered depending on PSI and region, before short-load fees, pumping, or admixtures.
How many bags equal a yard of ready-mix?
About 45 standard 80 lb bags fill one cubic yard before waste, or roughly 50 with a 10% allowance.
Does ready-mix price include delivery?
A base delivery radius is often included, but distance beyond it, waiting time, and small-order short-load fees are usually added separately.