Concrete Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of concrete for a slab, footing or footpath from the volume and your price per cubic yard or metre.

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How to Use This Calculator

How to Use the Concrete Cost Calculator

  1. Choose metric or imperial units and your currency.
  2. Enter the length, width and thickness of your slab, footing or path.
  3. Add a waste allowance — 5–10% is typical to cover spillage and uneven sub-base.
  4. Enter the price of ready-mix concrete per cubic metre (or per cubic yard).

How the Cost Is Worked Out

  • Volume = length × width × thickness.
  • Volume with waste = volume × (1 + waste %).
  • Total cost = volume with waste × your price per unit volume.

Ready-mix is usually sold per cubic metre (or cubic yard) with a minimum load charge, so always round up and check your supplier's minimum order.

Tips

  • Get a few local quotes — concrete prices vary by region and mix strength (e.g. C20, C25, C35).
  • Add extra for pump hire, part-load surcharges and delivery if quoted separately.
  • This estimate covers the concrete material only — budget separately for formwork, reinforcement and labour.

Common Questions

Is concrete cheaper by the cubic metre or by the bag?

For anything above roughly 1 cubic metre, ready-mix delivered by the cubic metre (or yard) is usually cheaper and far less labour than mixing bags by hand. For small jobs, bagged concrete can work out more convenient.

How much waste should I allow for concrete?

A 5–10% allowance is sensible for most pours to cover spillage, an uneven sub-base and slight over-digging. Tight formwork on a level base needs less; rough ground needs more.

Does the price include delivery?

Not always. Many suppliers quote a base price per cubic metre plus delivery, a part-load surcharge and sometimes pump hire. Always confirm what is included before ordering.

What concrete strength do I need?

Paths and shed bases are often C20, general slabs and footings C25–C30, and structural or heavy-duty work C35+. Higher strengths cost more per cubic metre.

How is the cost of concrete calculated?

Multiply the volume needed (in cubic yards or metres) by your supplier price per unit, then add waste. The calculator does this and lets you choose your currency.

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