Material cost formula
ready-mix cost = adjusted yd³ × your price per yd³bag cost = rounded whole bags × your price per bagWaste is applied to the entered volume before cost. Bag counts round up because partial bags are not purchasable.
Concrete cost calculator
Already know the volume? Apply waste and compare ready-mix with bagged concrete using supplier or retailer prices you enter.
Price a known volume
Enter the measured concrete volume and your current supplier prices.
Compare complete delivered costs
A material-only unit price can make ready-mix or bags look cheaper while omitting the costs that decide the job. Ready-mix may include short-load, delivery, waiting, environmental, and washout charges; bag work adds handling, mixing equipment, water, and labor.
- Use the supplier's sale increment and minimum quantity.
- Compare the same waste-adjusted volume in both options.
- Confirm tax, access, placement time, and unused-material policy.
Use a complete quote
Ask whether the ready-mix figure includes delivery, fuel, short-load charges, waiting time, environmental fees, taxes, and minimum quantities. For bags, include sales tax and delivery if you want a landed material comparison.
Worked example
Pricing 5 yd³ with 10% waste
Adjusted volume5.00 × 1.10 = 5.50 yd³
At $165/yd³5.50 × $165 = $907.50
80 lb bags5.50 × 27 ÷ 0.60 = 247.5, rounded up to 248
At $6.25/bag248 × $6.25 = $1,550.00
What is not included
- Labor, excavation, grading, forms, reinforcement, finishing, curing, pumping, equipment, and permits.
- Supplier minimum loads, delivery zones, standby time, washout, or returned-concrete fees unless they are built into your price.
- Regional prices or installed-cost assumptions.
Cost is not the only constraint
Large bag counts require enough mixing capacity and labor to place concrete continuously and consistently. Ready-mix requires truck or pump access and scheduling. Choose a placement plan suited to the project, not only the lowest material subtotal.