Concrete Cost per Yard: Ready-Mix vs Bagged
Typical delivered ready-mix concrete cost per cubic yard, short-load fees, and how bagged premix compares by project size.
Ready-mix concrete runs roughly $140 to $200 per cubic yard delivered in most US markets, plus a $60 to $150 short-load fee for orders under 5 to 7 cubic yards. Bagged premix works out to roughly $300 to $400 per cubic yard once you account for the number of bags.
Ready-mix pricing
Base cost per cubic yard covers the mix. Add-ons: short-load fee (under 5 to 7 cu yd), waiting-time fee (typically after 5 to 7 minutes per cu yd), fiber or accelerator admixtures, and Saturday delivery. Get 2 to 3 quotes; local pricing varies more than most home materials.
Bagged pricing
An 80 lb bag runs $6 to $9 at big-box retail. 45 bags per cubic yard puts the equivalent at $270 to $405 per cubic yard, before any short-load-avoidance savings. Bags make sense for small jobs; ready-mix wins everywhere else.
Quick budget numbers
- 1 cu yd: bag it, budget $250 to $400
- 3 cu yd (typical patio): ready-mix, budget $500 to $750 with fees
- 10 cu yd (driveway): ready-mix, budget $1,500 to $2,200 delivered
Ready to run the numbers?
Use the concrete volume calculator to get a specific quantity for your project.
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Last reviewed . Educational estimates only; local conditions and codes take precedence. Consult a qualified professional for site-specific decisions.