🧱 Concrete Slab Cost Calculator
Estimate Concrete Costs for Patios, Driveways & Foundations
📊 Understanding Concrete Slab Costs
The concrete slab cost calculator helps homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts estimate the total cost of concrete projects in 2026. Whether you're planning a patio, driveway, garage floor, or foundation, this calculator provides accurate estimates based on current material prices, labor rates, and project specifications. In 2026, concrete slabs typically cost $6-$20 per square foot installed, or $130-$200 per cubic yard for materials alone. A standard 20×20 patio (400 sq ft) ranges from $2,400-$8,000 depending on thickness, finish type, and regional labor costs. Get instant, accurate project estimates with detailed cost breakdowns for smart budgeting.
📝 How to Use the Concrete Slab Cost Calculator
- Select your project type: Click on the appropriate project card (Patio, Driveway, Garage Floor, Sidewalk, Foundation, or Shed Pad). This auto-sets the recommended thickness.
- Enter dimensions: Input the length and width of your slab in feet. Adjust the thickness if needed (4" for patios, 5-6" for driveways, 6-8" for heavy-load areas).
- Choose concrete strength: Select PSI rating—2,500 for basic use, 3,000 standard, 4,000 for driveways, or 5,000 for commercial applications.
- Select finish and reinforcement: Broom finish is most economical. Stamped/decorative costs $8-12/sqft more. Wire mesh is standard reinforcement; rebar for heavy loads.
- Adjust for your region: Select your regional cost factor—prices vary 15-40% between low and high-cost markets.
- Review your estimate: Click "Calculate" to see total cost, cost per square foot, cubic yards needed, and detailed breakdown of all components.
💡 Pro Tip: Always add 10% extra concrete for waste, spillage, and uneven ground. For irregularly shaped areas, break them into rectangles and calculate each section separately.
📊 Concrete Slab Cost Examples
Example 1: Backyard Patio (20×15 ft)
Scenario: Sarah wants a broom-finish patio for outdoor entertaining in an average-cost area.
Inputs: 20×15 ft (300 sq ft), 4" thick, 3,000 PSI, broom finish, wire mesh, average region
Calculation:
- Cubic yards: (20 × 15 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 3.7 yards (+10% waste = 4.1 yards)
- Materials: 4.1 yards × $145 = $595
- Labor: 300 sq ft × $5 = $1,500
- Site prep, forms, gravel, reinforcement: $770
Result: Total: $2,865 (~$9.55/sq ft) | Range: $2,435–$3,440
Example 2: Two-Car Driveway (20×40 ft)
Scenario: Mike is replacing his cracked asphalt driveway with a durable concrete slab.
Inputs: 20×40 ft (800 sq ft), 5" thick, 4,000 PSI, broom finish, rebar grid, average region
Calculation:
- Cubic yards: (800 × 0.417) ÷ 27 = 12.3 yards (+10% = 13.5 yards)
- Materials: 13.5 yards × $160 = $2,160
- Labor: 800 sq ft × $5.50 = $4,400
- Delivery, prep, forms, rebar: $1,985
Result: Total: $8,545 (~$10.68/sq ft) | Range: $7,265–$10,255
Example 3: Stamped Patio (16×20 ft, Premium)
Scenario: Jessica wants a decorative stamped stone pattern patio in a high-cost area.
Inputs: 16×20 ft (320 sq ft), 4" thick, 3,000 PSI, stamped finish, wire mesh, high-cost region (1.2x)
Calculation:
- Cubic yards: (320 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 3.9 yards (+10% = 4.3 yards)
- Materials: 4.3 × $145 × 1.2 = $748
- Labor + stamped finish: 320 × ($5 + $8) × 1.2 = $4,992
- Other costs (prep, forms, mesh, gravel): $1,030
Result: Total: $6,770 (~$21.16/sq ft) | Range: $5,755–$8,125
📐 Concrete Calculation Formulas
Cubic Yards Needed
Square Feet to Cubic Yards (4" slab)
80-lb Bags Needed
📊 2026 Concrete Cost by Project Type
| Project | Thickness | Cost/Sq Ft | 10×10 Cost | 20×20 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio | 4" | $6-$12 | $600-$1,200 | $2,400-$4,800 |
| Driveway | 5-6" | $8-$18 | $800-$1,800 | $3,200-$7,200 |
| Garage Floor | 6" | $7-$14 | $700-$1,400 | $2,800-$5,600 |
| Sidewalk | 4" | $6-$10 | $600-$1,000 | $2,400-$4,000 |
| Stamped Patio | 4" | $12-$20 | $1,200-$2,000 | $4,800-$8,000 |
💡 Important Tips for Concrete Slab Projects
- Order 10% extra: Always add 10% to your concrete order for waste, uneven ground, and spillage. Running short mid-pour is extremely costly.
- Full truckloads save money: Ready-mix trucks hold 9-11 cubic yards. Ordering 10+ yards gets better per-yard pricing and avoids short-load fees ($40-100).
- DIY site prep saves $1-3/sqft: Handle the excavation, grading, and gravel base yourself to significantly reduce labor costs.
- Skip decorative finishes for savings: Broom finish costs $0 extra. Stamped concrete adds $8-12/sqft—great for focal areas, but expensive for large slabs.
- Schedule off-peak: Contractors are busiest spring through fall. Late fall/winter scheduling may offer 10-20% discounts in many regions.
- Get 3+ quotes: Concrete pricing varies significantly. Get at least 3 written quotes, and ensure they include the same specs for accurate comparison.
🔗 Related Calculators
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 Official Resources
- NRMCA - National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
- ACI - American Concrete Institute
- PCA - Portland Cement Association
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 average costs. Actual prices vary by location, contractor, site conditions, and material availability. Always get multiple quotes for accurate project pricing.
Created by Omnicalculator.space — Your trusted source for construction calculators.
Last Updated: January 2026