How Much Is a Yard of Concrete? Weight, Coverage, and Cost Explained (2026)
Published on 2026-06-28
How Much Is a Yard of Concrete? Weight, Coverage, and Cost Explained
If you have ever asked how much is a yard of concrete, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions homeowners and contractors ask before starting a project. The answer depends on what dimension you mean — weight, coverage area, or cost. A single cubic yard of standard ready-mix concrete weighs approximately 4,050 pounds, covers 81 square feet at 4 inches thick, and costs between $120 and $220 per yard delivered in 2026. This guide breaks down every dimension of a yard of concrete so you can plan your project with confidence.
Before you order, use our free concrete yardage calculator to determine exactly how many cubic yards your project requires. Once you know the quantity, the details below will help you understand what you are actually getting for your money.
Quick Answer: What Is a Cubic Yard of Concrete?
A cubic yard is a volume measurement equal to 27 cubic feet (3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet). In concrete terms:
- Volume: 27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard
- Weight (wet): approximately 4,050 lbs (1,835 kg)
- Weight (dry/hardened): approximately 3,900 lbs (loss of ~150 lbs water during curing)
- Coverage at 4 inches thick: 81 square feet
- Coverage at 6 inches thick: 54 square feet
- Number of 60-lb bags to equal 1 yard: 67 bags
- Number of 80-lb bags to equal 1 yard: 50 bags
- Cost per yard (delivered): $120-$220 depending on region and mix design
How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Weigh?
Weight is the dimension most people overlook — until they are trying to wheelbarrow a yard of concrete across their yard or figure out if their driveway can handle the delivery truck. Understanding the weight of a yard of concrete matters for three reasons: transportation planning, structural load calculations, and disposal.
Wet vs. Dry Weight
Freshly mixed concrete straight from the truck weighs approximately 4,050 lbs per cubic yard. This includes the water content in the mix. As concrete cures over 28 days, it loses about 150 lbs of water per yard through evaporation and hydration, bringing the hardened weight down to roughly 3,900 lbs per yard.
Why Weight Matters for Your Project
- Delivery truck limits: A standard ready-mix truck carries 8-10 yards, meaning the truck weighs 65,000-75,000 lbs gross. Make sure your road, driveway, or bridge can handle that load.
- Structural slabs: If you are pouring a second-floor slab or a raised patio, the structural engineer needs to know the dead load per square foot. A 4-inch slab adds approximately 50 lbs per square foot to the structure.
- Disposal: If you are removing old concrete, a single yard of broken-up concrete weighs 2,025 lbs (half the density because of air gaps between pieces). A 10-yard dumpster can hold about 2-3 yards of broken concrete before hitting the weight limit.
How Much Area Does a Yard of Concrete Cover?
The coverage of a yard of concrete depends entirely on the thickness of the slab. The formula is simple: Coverage (sq ft) = 81 x (4 / thickness in inches). This is derived from the fact that 1 yard covers 81 sq ft at the standard 4-inch thickness.
| Slab Thickness | Coverage per Cubic Yard | Common Application |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | Overlay, skim coat |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | Shed base, light walkway |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | Patios, walkways, shed bases |
| 5 inches | 65 sq ft | Garage floors |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | Driveways, heavy vehicle traffic |
| 8 inches | 40 sq ft | Heavy commercial, RV pads |
Real-World Coverage Examples
To put these numbers in perspective, here is how many yards you need for common projects at standard thicknesses:
- 10x10 foot patio (4 inches thick): 100 sq ft / 81 = 1.23 yards (order 1.5 yards minimum)
- 12x12 foot shed base (4 inches thick): 144 sq ft / 81 = 1.78 yards (order 2 yards)
- 20x20 foot garage floor (5 inches thick): 400 sq ft / 65 = 6.15 yards (order 6.5 yards)
- 24x30 foot driveway (6 inches thick): 720 sq ft / 54 = 13.33 yards (order 14 yards)
- 4x4 foot mailbox post hole (12 inches deep): 16 sq ft x 1 inch / 324 = 0.05 yards (use one 80-lb bag)
For any project, always add a 5-10% waste factor to account for spillage, form irregularities, and settling. Use our free concrete yardage calculator to get exact quantities for your specific dimensions.
How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Cost?
The cost of a yard of concrete varies by region, mix design, supplier, and order size. Here is the 2026 pricing breakdown:
Base Material Cost Per Yard
| Mix Type | PSI Rating | Cost Per Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ready-mix | 3,000 PSI | $120-$165 | Patios, walkways, shed bases |
| High-strength ready-mix | 4,000 PSI | $150-$200 | Driveways, structural slabs |
| High-strength ready-mix | 5,000+ PSI | $180-$250 | Commercial, heavy loads |
| Fiber-reinforced | 3,500-4,000 PSI | $140-$190 | Crack-resistant residential |
| Fast-setting | 3,000-4,000 PSI | $160-$220 | Same-day strength projects |
| Colored/stained (integral) | 3,000 PSI | $175-$275 | Decorative patios, pool decks |
Delivery Cost Per Yard
Delivery is a separate cost that depends on your order size and distance from the plant:
- Full truckload (8-10 yards): Delivery often included in per-yard price
- Partial load (4-7 yards): $50-$150 short-load surcharge
- Small load (1-3 yards): $100-$250 short-load surcharge (or consider bagged concrete)
- Mileage surcharge: $3-$7 per mile beyond 15-mile free radius
- Weekend delivery: $100-$250 premium
Total Installed Cost Per Yard
When you factor in material, delivery, labor, finishing, and reinforcement, the total installed cost per yard of concrete in 2026 ranges from $250 to $550 per yard depending on your region and project complexity. For a standard 4-inch patio slab, the national average is approximately $350-$400 per yard installed.
For a complete project budget breakdown, see our concrete price calculator guide that covers every cost line item from excavation to finishing.
How Many Bags of Concrete Equal a Yard?
For small projects under 1 yard, it is often more practical to use bagged concrete instead of ordering a truck delivery. Here is how many bags equal one cubic yard:
| Bag Size | Bags Per Cubic Yard | Cost Per Bag (2026) | Cost Per Yard (Bagged) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-lb bag | 90 bags | $3.50-$4.50 | $315-$405 |
| 60-lb bag | 67 bags | $4.50-$5.50 | $302-$369 |
| 80-lb bag | 50 bags | $5.00-$6.50 | $250-$325 |
| 90-lb bag | 45 bags | $5.50-$7.00 | $248-$315 |
When Bagged Concrete Makes Sense
Bagged concrete is cost-effective for projects under 1 yard where the short-load surcharge would exceed the bag premium. It is also ideal for:
- Post holes and fence posts (1-5 bags each)
- Small repairs and patching
- Projects with no truck access (basement pours, backyard with narrow gates)
- Jobs where you need to pour over multiple days
When Truck Delivery Is Cheaper
For projects over 2-3 yards, truck delivery is almost always cheaper than bags. A 3-yard truck delivery at $150/yard + $100 short-load fee = $550 total. The same 3 yards in 80-lb bags: 150 bags x $5.75 = $863. The truck saves you over $300 on the same volume.
How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Cost by Region?
Concrete pricing varies significantly across the United States. Here is the average cost per yard delivered by region in Q2 2026:
| Region | Cost Per Yard (Delivered) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast (FL, GA, AL, SC) | $115-$155 | Competitive market, many suppliers |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI, IN) | $120-$160 | Moderate pricing, seasonal demand |
| Southwest (TX, AZ, NM) | $115-$150 | High competition, lower material costs |
| Mountain (CO, UT, NV) | $130-$175 | Higher elevation affects mix design |
| Pacific Northwest (WA, OR) | $140-$190 | Higher labor and environmental fees |
| Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA) | $150-$220 | Highest labor costs, dense urban delivery |
| California (CA) | $160-$250 | Environmental fees, strict regulations |
These prices assume standard 3,000 PSI mix delivered within 15 miles of the plant. High-strength mixes, specialty additives, and long-distance delivery can add $20-$80 per yard to these base prices.
How to Calculate How Many Yards of Concrete You Need
Now that you know how much a yard of concrete covers, here is the formula to calculate your project quantity:
The Yardage Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length in feet x Width in feet x Thickness in inches) / 324
(324 = 27 cubic feet per yard x 12 inches per foot, rearranged for direct inch input)
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Measure the length and width of your project area in feet
- Determine the thickness in inches (4 for patios, 6 for driveways)
- Multiply length x width x thickness to get cubic inch-feet
- Divide by 324 to convert to cubic yards
- Add 5-10% waste factor by multiplying by 1.05 to 1.10
Example: 12x16 Foot Patio at 4 Inches Thick
- 12 x 16 x 4 = 768
- 768 / 324 = 2.37 cubic yards
- With 10% waste: 2.37 x 1.10 = 2.61 yards
- Order: 2.75 yards (most suppliers sell in quarter-yard increments)
For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each section, and sum the totals. Our free concrete yardage calculator handles all of this automatically — just enter your dimensions and thickness.
How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Weigh When Removed?
If you are replacing an existing slab, you need to know the weight of broken concrete for disposal planning. A yard of solid concrete weighs 4,050 lbs, but once it is broken into pieces for removal, the density drops by approximately 50% due to air gaps between fragments.
- Broken concrete weight: approximately 2,025 lbs per cubic yard
- Dumpster capacity: A 10-yard dumpster can hold 2-3 yards of broken concrete before hitting the 4,000-6,000 lb weight limit
- Disposal cost: $50-$150 per yard at a landfill or recycling facility
- Recycling option: Many concrete recyclers accept broken concrete for free or a small fee ($10-$25 per yard) — they crush it for road base aggregate
For a 600 sq ft driveway at 4 inches thick (7.4 yards solid), you are looking at approximately 7.4 yards of broken concrete weighing 15,000 lbs. Budget for 2-3 dumpster hauls or a single 30-yard roll-off with a weight overage allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Yard of Concrete
How much does 1 yard of concrete cover?
One cubic yard of concrete covers 81 square feet at 4 inches thick, 54 square feet at 6 inches thick, or 108 square feet at 3 inches thick. The coverage is inversely proportional to thickness — double the thickness, halve the coverage.
How many wheelbarrows in a yard of concrete?
A standard construction wheelbarrow holds 6 cubic feet (about 2-3 shovel loads of wet concrete). Since 1 yard = 27 cubic feet, you need approximately 4-5 wheelbarrow loads to move 1 yard of concrete. For a 5-yard patio pour, that is 20-25 wheelbarrow trips — plan your crew and timing accordingly.
How long does it take to pour a yard of concrete?
A crew of 3-4 people can place and finish 1 yard of concrete in approximately 30-45 minutes under normal conditions. This includes wheelbarrow transport, screeding, floating, and edging. For truck deliveries, the driver typically has 30-60 minutes of included unloading time before idle charges apply at $5-$10 per minute.
How much does a yard of concrete cost at Home Depot or Lowes?
Bagged concrete at major retailers in 2026: 80-lb bags run $5.00-$6.50 each. Since you need 50 bags to equal 1 yard, the bagged cost is $250-$325 per yard. This is $50-$100 more per yard than truck delivery for orders over 2 yards. Bagged concrete only makes sense for small projects under 1 yard.
Can I carry a yard of concrete in a pickup truck?
No. A yard of wet concrete weighs 4,050 lbs. A standard half-ton pickup (Ford F-150, Chevy 1500) has a payload capacity of 1,500-2,300 lbs. Even a three-quarter-ton truck maxes out at 3,000-4,000 lbs. You would need a heavy-duty one-ton truck with a specialized bed to safely transport even half a yard. For anything over 2-3 bags, use bagged delivery or order a truck.
How much does a yard of concrete weigh in tons?
A yard of wet concrete weighs approximately 2.025 tons (4,050 lbs / 2,000 lbs per ton). This is useful for calculating truck loads, dumpster weight limits, and structural load requirements.
Plan Your Concrete Project With Confidence
Now that you know exactly how much a yard of concrete weighs, covers, and costs, you can plan your project with real numbers instead of guesswork. Whether you are pouring a small patio or a full driveway, the key is getting the quantity right before the truck arrives.
Use our free concrete yardage calculator to get your exact cubic yard requirement in seconds. Then check out our concrete cost calculator by thickness to budget your complete project, and our delivery cost calculator to understand truck fees and surcharges.
Calculate Your Concrete Yardage Now
Use our free concrete yardage calculator to get the exact cubic yards you need for any project. Enter your dimensions and thickness — get results instantly.