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Concrete Slab Cost Calculator

Estimate cubic yards and total cost of a slab including material, labor, and reinforcement.

Results

Area (sq ft)
600.00
Concrete (cubic yards)
8.15
Concrete cost
$1,141 USD
Labor cost
$1,200 USD
Reinforcement cost
$300 USD
Total cost
$2,641 USD
Cost per sq ft
$4 USD

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter slab length/width and thickness.
  2. Add waste %, cost per yard, and optional labor/reinforcement per sq ft.
  3. Review cubic yards, material/labor/reinforcement costs, total cost, and cost per sq ft.

Inputs explained

Slab length/width
Dimensions of the slab footprint in feet.
Thickness (in)
Slab thickness in inches (e.g., 4" typical). Convert to feet for volume.
Waste allowance (%)
Extra buffer for spillage, over-excavation, and variation.
Concrete cost per cubic yard
Delivered cost of ready-mix per cubic yard.
Labor cost per sq ft
Crew cost for placing/finishing per square foot.
Reinforcement cost per sq ft
Mesh/rebar cost allocation per square foot.

How it works

We calculate area and volume, apply a waste factor to cubic yards, then multiply by your cost per yard.

Labor and reinforcement costs are applied per square foot and added to the total.

Cost per sq ft = total cost ÷ slab area.

Formula

Area = Length × Width
Cubic yards = (Area × Thickness(ft)) ÷ 27 × (1 + waste)
Total = (Yards × Cost/yard) + (Area × Labor/sqft) + (Area × Reinforcement/sqft)

When to use it

  • Quick estimating for patios, garages, and shed slabs.
  • Comparing DIY vs contractor labor rates.
  • Budgeting material vs reinforcement tradeoffs before quoting jobs.

Tips & cautions

  • Include pumps, formwork, base prep, and finishing if applicable; this tool focuses on core costs.
  • Round up yards to account for truck load minimums and delivery splits.
  • Adjust reinforcement cost if using higher bar sizes or tighter spacing.
  • Does not include taxes, delivery minimums, permits, or specialty finishes.
  • Assumes uniform thickness; tapered or thickened edges require more detailed takeoffs.

Worked examples

30×20 ft, 4 in thick, $140/yd, $2 labor, $0.50 reinforcement, 10% waste

  • Area = 600 sq ft
  • Volume ≈ 8.1 yd³
  • Material ≈ $1,134
  • Labor ≈ $1,200
  • Reinforcement ≈ $300
  • Total ≈ $2,634

24×24 ft, 5 in thick, $160/yd, $2.50 labor, $0.75 reinforcement, 7% waste

  • Volume ≈ 9.2 yd³
  • Total cost depends on your rates; tool updates instantly as you adjust inputs

Deep dive

Use this concrete slab cost calculator to estimate yards, material cost, labor, and reinforcement for patios, garages, and small pads. Enter dimensions, thickness, waste, and per-unit costs to see a total and cost per square foot.

It’s ideal for quick budgets and contractor comparisons. Adjust labor and reinforcement to match your market, and remember to add pumps, base prep, and finish costs if needed.

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