Cement Cost Per Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate the cost of cement or concrete per cubic yard based on the total amount you paid and the total volume you received.
Enter Cost and Volume
Understanding Cement & Concrete Costs
Why Calculate Cost Per Cubic Yard?
Concrete and cement (as a component of concrete) are typically ordered and priced by volume, commonly in cubic yards or cubic meters. Knowing the cost per cubic yard is essential for:
- Budgeting for construction projects.
- Comparing prices from different suppliers.
- Estimating material costs accurately based on project volume requirements.
- Understanding the true cost efficiency of your purchase.
Basic Calculation Formula
The calculation is straightforward:
Cost Per Cubic Yard = Total Cost / Total Volume (in Cubic Yards)
For example, if you pay $1500 for 3 cubic yards of concrete, the cost per cubic yard is $1500 / 3 = $500 per cubic yard.
Factors Affecting Concrete Price Per Cubic Yard
The price can vary significantly based on:
- Mix Strength (PSI): Higher strength concrete costs more.
- Additives: Accelerators, retarders, air entrainment, etc., increase cost.
- Delivery Distance: Further distances mean higher trucking costs.
- Load Size: Smaller loads often have higher per-yard costs or "short load" fees.
- Market Conditions: Prices vary regionally and seasonally.
- Supplier: Different companies have different pricing structures.
This calculator gives you the *actual* cost per yard for a specific purchase, which might include some of these factors in the total price.
Examples of Calculating Cement Cost Per Cubic Yard
Click on an example to see the calculation.
Example 1: Small Patio Slab
Scenario: You ordered concrete for a small patio.
Known Values: Total Cost = $800, Total Volume = 1.5 Cubic Yards.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $800 / 1.5
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $533.33
Conclusion: The concrete cost $533.33 per cubic yard.
Example 2: Standard Driveway
Scenario: Concrete delivery for a new driveway.
Known Values: Total Cost = $2100, Total Volume = 4 Cubic Yards.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $2100 / 4
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $525.00
Conclusion: The cost was $525.00 per cubic yard.
Example 3: Foundation Footings
Scenario: Pouring concrete footings for a house foundation.
Known Values: Total Cost = $4800, Total Volume = 9 Cubic Yards.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $4800 / 9
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $533.33
Conclusion: The concrete for the footings cost $533.33 per cubic yard.
Example 4: Comparing Quotes
Scenario: Supplier A quotes $1650 for 3 cubic yards. Supplier B quotes $2200 for 4 cubic yards.
Calculation:
Supplier A: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $1650 / 3 = $550.00
Supplier B: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $2200 / 4 = $550.00
Result: Both suppliers quote $550.00 per cubic yard.
Conclusion: Based purely on per-yard cost, the quotes are the same.
Example 5: Commercial Slab
Scenario: A large concrete pour for a commercial building slab.
Known Values: Total Cost = $28,000, Total Volume = 50 Cubic Yards.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $28000 / 50
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $560.00
Conclusion: The concrete cost $560.00 per cubic yard for this large volume.
Example 6: Colored Concrete
Scenario: You purchased colored concrete which has a higher cost.
Known Values: Total Cost = $1050, Total Volume = 1.5 Cubic Yards.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $1050 / 1.5
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $700.00
Conclusion: The colored concrete cost $700.00 per cubic yard.
Example 7: Concrete with Fiber Mesh
Scenario: Concrete mix included fiber mesh reinforcement.
Known Values: Total Cost = $2750, Total Volume = 5 Cubic Yards.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $2750 / 5
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $550.00
Conclusion: The cost with fiber mesh was $550.00 per cubic yard.
Example 8: Short Load Fee
Scenario: You ordered a small amount and paid a short load fee, increasing the total cost relative to volume.
Known Values: Total Cost = $600, Total Volume = 1 Cubic Yard.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $600 / 1
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $600.00
Conclusion: Due to a potential short load fee or minimum charge, the cost was $600.00 per cubic yard.
Example 9: Large Volume Discount (Implicit)
Scenario: Purchasing a large volume sometimes results in a lower per-yard cost.
Known Values: Total Cost = $10,000, Total Volume = 20 Cubic Yards.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $10000 / 20
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $500.00
Conclusion: The cost was $500.00 per cubic yard, possibly reflecting a volume discount compared to smaller orders.
Example 10: Concrete with Pumping Service
Scenario: The total cost includes the concrete *and* the cost of a concrete pump.
Known Values: Total Cost (incl. pump) = $3500, Total Volume = 5 Cubic Yards.
Calculation: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $3500 / 5
Result: Cost Per Cubic Yard = $700.00
Conclusion: If the pump cost isn't itemized, including it makes the "per yard" cost seem higher than the material alone, at $700.00.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cement Cost
1. What is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to the volume of a cube with sides one yard in length. It's equivalent to 27 cubic feet.
2. Is this calculator for cement or concrete?
While cement is a component of concrete, this calculator is typically used for the final mixed product, concrete, as it is what is usually purchased and delivered by volume (cubic yards).
3. Why do concrete prices vary so much?
Prices are influenced by factors like concrete strength (PSI), added materials (fiber mesh, admixtures), delivery distance, order size (small loads cost more per yard), and local market conditions.
4. Can I use this to calculate the cost per cubic foot?
Yes, once you have the cost per cubic yard, you can convert it. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, divide the cost per cubic yard by 27 to get the cost per cubic foot.
5. What is a "short load" fee?
Concrete suppliers often charge a "short load" fee for orders below a certain volume (e.g., less than 3 or 4 cubic yards). This fee increases the total cost for small orders, making the cost per cubic yard higher.
6. Does the total cost include delivery?
Typically, yes. The "Total Cost" you enter should be the final price you paid for the material delivered to your site. This calculator helps you see what that final price breaks down to per cubic yard.
7. How accurate is this calculation?
This calculation is mathematically exact based on the total cost and total volume inputs you provide. Its accuracy relies entirely on the accuracy of your input numbers.
8. Can I use this for other materials sold by volume?
Yes, the basic formula (Total Cost / Total Volume) applies to anything sold by cubic yards (like gravel, sand, mulch, etc.), but it's most commonly discussed in the context of concrete.
9. How do I find the total volume I received?
The concrete supplier's invoice or delivery ticket will state the exact volume delivered in cubic yards.
10. What if my volume is in cubic feet?
Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing the cubic feet value by 27 before entering it into the "Total Volume (Cubic Yards)" field.
