Everything You Need to Know About a Yard of Concrete: Costs, Coverage, and Pro-Tips

Whether you’re pouring a new patio, setting fence posts, or finally tackling that DIY driveway, you’re going to hear one term constantly: the cubic yard.

In the world of construction, "a yard" isn't a length of measurement—it's a measurement of volume. Understanding exactly how much concrete is in a yard, how much it costs, and how to calculate what you need can save you hundreds of dollars in wasted material or "short-load" fees.

What Exactly is a Yard of Concrete?

When contractors talk about a "yard," they are referring to a cubic yard.

The Dimensions: A cubic yard is a block of concrete that is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet deep.

The Volume: This equals 27 cubic feet.

The Weight: A standard yard of wet concrete weighs approximately 4,000 pounds (2 tons). Ensure your delivery site can handle a heavy truck!

How Much Coverage Does One Yard Provide?

The most important question for any project is: "How far will one yard go?" This depends entirely on the thickness of your pour.

Here is a quick reference guide for standard projects: Calculating Your Concrete Needs



To find out how many cubic yards you need, use this simple three-step formula:

1. Multiply Length x Width to get square footage.
2. Multiply that by the Thickness (in feet, not inches).
Example: 4 inches is 0.33 feet.


1. Divide the total cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards.

Pro-Tip: Always follow the "10% Rule." Order 10% more concrete than your calculations suggest. This accounts for spillage, uneven subgrade, or slight variations in formwork depth. It is much cheaper to have a little left over than to pay for a second delivery truck.

How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Cost?

In 2026, the national average for a yard of ready-mix concrete typically ranges between $140 and $190. However, the "sticker price" per yard isn't the only cost to consider:

• Delivery Fees: Most companies have a minimum order (usually 3–10 yards). If you order less, expect a "short-load" fee ranging from $60 to $150.

• Environmental/Fuel Surcharges: These are often tacked on per load.

• Wait Time: Drivers usually give you 30–60 minutes to offload. If you take longer, they charge by the minute.

Delivery vs. Bagged Concrete: Which is Better?

• Use Ready-Mix (The Truck) if your project requires more than 1 cubic yard. Mixing 45+ bags of concrete by hand is exhausting and often results in "cold joints" where the concrete doesn't bond perfectly.

• Use Bagged Concrete for small repairs, single fence posts, or very small footings. Keep in mind it takes about 45 to 60 bags (80lb each) to equal one cubic yard!

Summary Checklist for Your Pour

• [ ] Prep the site: Ensure the ground is compacted and forms are braced.
• [ ] Check the weather: Avoid pouring in heavy rain or extreme "flash-heat" days.
• [ ] Calculate twice: Use the L \times W \times H / 27 formula.
• [ ] Add 10%: Better safe than short.
• [ ] Have a crew ready: Concrete waits for no one once it leaves the chute.