Installed concrete costs $6 to $12 per square foot nationwide for flatwork like slabs, patios, walkways, and driveways, with most jobs landing near the middle of that range. Materials alone run about $4 to $8 per square foot when you pour it yourself, while ready-mix concrete typically costs $150 to $200 per cubic yard delivered.
Use the calculator below to size any flatwork project. You can edit the low, average, and high per-square-foot rates to match quotes you have received.
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Your Planning Estimate Breakdown
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Range breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base installation | - | - | - |
| Thickness adjustment | - | - | - |
| Finish adjustment | - | - | - |
| Calculated subtotal | - | - | - |
Concrete cost by project size
The table below shows typical installed costs for square and rectangular slabs at the national average rate, including labor and materials.
| Project size | Square feet | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft | 100 sq ft | $600 | $1,200 |
| 20 x 20 ft | 400 sq ft | $2,400 | $4,800 |
| 30 x 30 ft | 900 sq ft | $5,400 | $10,800 |
For a quick cubic-yard estimate, divide your total square footage by 81 to get the yards needed for a 4-inch-thick slab. A 900-square-foot slab at 4 inches thick needs about 11 cubic yards.
What affects the price of concrete
- Square footage and thickness: A 6-inch slab uses 50% more concrete than a 4-inch slab of the same footprint.
- Material source: Bagged mix costs more per square foot than bulk ready-mix but avoids short-load delivery fees on small jobs.
- Site prep: Excavation, grading, and a compacted gravel base add labor and material above the concrete itself.
- Finish: Broom finish is standard; stamping, staining, and exposed aggregate add $2 to $8 per square foot or more.
- Reinforcement: Rebar or wire mesh adds a few hundred dollars to most residential slabs.
- Location: Delivery distance and local labor rates shift the per-square-foot price by region.
What the estimate includes and does not include
The estimate covers concrete material, forming, placing, finishing, and standard labor. It does not include excavation or site grading, reinforcement, permits, decorative finishes, or removal of an existing slab.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cost per yard and cost per square foot?
Cost per cubic yard prices raw concrete volume before placement, usually $150 to $200 delivered. Cost per square foot converts that into a finished, installed surface and includes labor, forms, and finishing, which is why it reads higher.
Should I use bagged mix or ready-mix?
Use bagged mix for small pours under about 1 cubic yard, where ready-mix delivery fees outweigh the savings. Ready-mix is cheaper per yard and faster for slabs, patios, and driveways.
When should I pour 5 or 6 inches instead of 4?
Pour 5 to 6 inches for driveways, RV pads, and any slab that carries vehicle weight or heavy loads. Four inches is fine for foot-traffic-only patios and walkways.
Does the estimate include excavation?
No. Excavation, grading, and base material are priced separately and can add $1 to $3 per square foot or more depending on access and soil.
Related tools
- Concrete Slab Cost Calculator
- Concrete Patio Calculator
- Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator
- Concrete Price per Yard
Sources and update policy
Ranges reflect current national averages from public sources and are reviewed monthly. See our methodology for how these numbers are calculated.
Estimate transparency
How this estimate was prepared
- Prepared by
- GoHomeCost Cost Data Team
- Last reviewed
- August 24, 2026
- Update cycle
- Public price inputs checked monthly
Calculation method: Project quantity is multiplied by editable low, typical, and high unit rates. Selected location adjustments, waste, fixed charges, and minimum-job rules are then applied and shown in the result.
Public references used on this page:
This is a planning estimate, not a quote or structural specification. Check product yields, local code, site conditions, and written contractor bids before purchasing materials or building.
Read the full methodology Report a price or calculation issue